In case you forgot what you learned in your science class, Hydrogen Peroxide consists of water (H2O) and an added oxygen atom (H2O2). The combination of water and oxygen atoms or hydrogen peroxide formula makes the solution very safe to fight dirt, germs, and grime.
Hydrogen peroxide is an efficient cleaning solution, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and natural bleaching solution. The hydrogen peroxide you can buy in drug stores is powerful enough to clean materials and other surfaces in the house.
There are many uses for hydrogen peroxide, but before covering them, let’s go over what it consists of.
Is H2O2 a Hydrogen Peroxide?
Yes, H2O2 is a peroxide. H2O2 is the other term for hydrogen peroxide. This solution is a chemical compound of the formula H2O2. The purest form of hydrogen peroxide is a pale blue liquid more viscous than water.
What Are the Ingredients of Hydrogen Peroxide?
As mentioned earlier, hydrogen peroxide contains water and oxygen atoms. Hydrogen peroxide comes from the combined catalysis reaction of Hydrogen (H2) and atmospheric Oxygen (O2). The resulting combination or chemical formula is H2O2.
The extra oxygen atom of hydrogen peroxide acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, meaning the solution can accept more electrons from various substances. As a result, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant.
Is H2O2 the Same as H2O?
H2O2 and H2O are not the same. Hydrogen peroxide and water have the same chemical formula. Hence, they can be confusing at times. However, note that water is H2O, and Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2.
This means the hydrogen peroxide formula contains two hydrogens per two oxygens, while water has two hydrogens per one oxygen. Due to its oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide cleans better than water. It is more efficient in cleaning dirt, stains, and grime.
Can You Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide?
Absolutely! For many years, everyone from surgeons to homeowners has used hydrogen peroxide as a cleanser. Hydrogen peroxide is also a popular stain remover, grout cleaner, and disinfectant.
This solution is a powerful cleaner because it can break down dirt and stains at a molecular level. This cleaning process also makes hydrogen peroxide an efficient deodorizer. Take note, though, that the only type of stains that hydrogen peroxide cleans are food, blood, urine, and glass.
If you deal with petroleum-based stains, use another cleaner like baking soda or vinegar. Some hydrogen peroxide cleaners are not recommendable on other materials or surfaces like unsealed front or sealed concrete.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe to Clean With?
It is safe to use hydrogen peroxide. Hence, it is an excellent alternative to commercial cleaners. It is eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and non-toxic. Using hydrogen peroxide will not produce pollutants or harmful fumes, leaving behind only oxygen and water when it dissipates.
Besides being safe, hydrogen peroxide is likewise accessible and inexpensive. You can easily buy this solution in pharmacies, department stores, and supermarkets. Most of all, according to a study, hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria, germs, yeasts, viruses, fungi, and mold spores
What is the Best Hydrogen Peroxide Formulation to Use for Cleaning?
Hydrogen peroxide with a 3% concentration is the best for cleaning. This means the bottle of hydrogen peroxide formula must be 3% peroxide and 97% water. However, while a 3% concentration is safe, do not ingest it as it may cause ulcers, stomach burns, perforated gout, and other medical conditions.
If you want to dilute hydrogen peroxide, mix the solution with water. Use a 50:50 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide for deep cleaning. Moreover, when using the 50:50 solution, don’t let it touch any wounds. Hydrogen peroxide may cause scarring; hence, cover your cuts when utilizing the solution.
What are the Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen Peroxide can be used in various ways, and you might be familiar with some of them, while others may surprise you. Here are many ways you can use hydrogen peroxide:
Clean Cuts
Hydrogen peroxide is first and foremost known as a wound cleaner. Your mom probably used it to clean your cuts when you were a kid.
However, while hydrogen peroxide is helpful as first aid, it isn’t necessary to use it on your wounds regularly after that. Using it regularly can kill fibroblasts, a tissue in your body that can heal itself.
Disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best solutions to disinfect or sanitize your home. Moreover, as per a study, cleaning counters with this solution kills Salmonella and E. coli bacteria on counters.
Clean Dishes
Are your dishes dirty or dingy after a heavy meal? Add hydrogen peroxide to your liquid dish soap for an extra boost. Hydrogen peroxide can also clean food stains and baked-on grime from dishes.
Whiten Grout
Is your tile grout stained? You can use hydrogen peroxide to lighten the grout. Just dip an old toothbrush into the solution and use it to scrub the stained area. Voila! Your grout looks brand new once again.
Clean Your Washing Machine
The washing machine may develop musty odors after use. This comes from mold and mildew that grows from detergent residue and excess fabric softener. To clean your washing machine, add hydrogen peroxide to the empty washing machine, then run a hot water cycle.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide a Bleach?
Hydrogen peroxide is not a bleach. However, hydrogen peroxide has powerful chemical properties that can act as a bleach-cleaning agent. It may not be commonly referred to as “bleach,” but it is typically used as a laundry bleach.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down safely into oxygen and water like other oxygen-based bleaches. If you want an environmentally friendly bleach as an alternative to chlorine-based bleach, hydrogen peroxide is the perfect alternative.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Expire?
Hydrogen peroxide will expire; however, even when it does, it will not be harmful. Unopened hydrogen peroxide lasts about three years, while opened hydrogen peroxide is only effective for around six months.
Don’t use expired hydrogen peroxide, as it will not be as effective when it expires. To check its effectiveness, pour hydrogen peroxide into the sink and see if it bubbles and fizzes.
Conclusion
Cleaning is quite a chore. Fortunately, there are many cleaning aids like hydrogen peroxide that make cleaning fun and easier to do. Hydrogen peroxide is a household cleaning staple that can be safely used for many household cleaning purposes.
If you are a homeowner, try using the solution for your cleaning projects in the future. If you are a professional cleaner or office manager, try disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide. The home or the office will be as clean as ever!
