Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the simplest peroxide but has strong oxidizing effects. This colorless fluid is used in a variety of industries as well as in households for different purposes.
It works as a fabric whitener, skin bleach, and disinfecting solution. (1)
More recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light to the use of vaporized hydrogen peroxide in concentrated amounts to sterilize contaminated N95 respirator masks and other personal protective gear worn by healthcare professionals treating patients with COVID-19. This intervention will make it possible to reuse respirator masks that have been in short supply due to the raging pandemic. (2)
This article will list some ingenious ways to make the most of this cheap and readily available household item.
Amazing Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Try these topical uses of hydrogen peroxide:
1. To remove nail stains
Your nails may acquire a yellowish tint due to nail polish residue, nicotine deposits, or nail infections.
Hydrogen peroxide can help remove these stubborn stains by dissolving the impurities and germs accumulated on your nails. (3)
How to use:
Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and rub it over the affected area.
2. To treat nail infections
Hydrogen peroxide can soften the nail enamel, allowing easier penetration of antifungal ointments that are used for treating nail infections such as onychomycosis.
Plus, it may help kill the fungal growth itself to accelerate recovery. (4)(5)
How to use:
- Prepare a mixture of equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Transfer the solution to a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the affected fingernails or toenails before going to bed.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash the treated nails the next morning with lukewarm water.
3. To bleach facial and body hair
Low-concentration hydrogen peroxide is primarily used as skin bleach, in that it does not bleach the skin but the tiny facial hair known as peach fuzz. (6)
Do note that this chemical formulation can be too harsh for sensitive skin and cause stinging or irritation. Plus, it is extremely drying, which can be a problem for people with already dry or flaky skin.
So, you may want to patch test it first and adjust its concentration accordingly to prevent any adverse skin reactions.
How to use:
- Dilute 2%–3% hydrogen peroxide by mixing it with some water and use this solution as facial bleach.
- You can also add ammonia (10 drops of ammonia per 15 grams of hydrogen peroxide) for a stronger bleaching effect.
- Apply the solution immediately after mixing.
- Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.
Note: Don’t apply too close to the eye as the chemicals can seep in and cause irritation or damage. Also, keep it away from your eyebrows unless you want them bleached as well.
4. To disinfect the skin
Hydrogen peroxide is found to be effective against common skin-dwelling bacteria that can trigger infections such as acne. It also inhibits sebum production in the area of application to reduce breakouts. (7)
Not just that, hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a topical antiseptic to clean wounds. It kills the germs present on the skin, preventing the wound from getting infected. (8)
In one study, hydrogen peroxide was found to be a fairly safe and inexpensive topical agent to prevent the contamination of deep tissue injury with Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, especially in the male subjects. (9)
How to use:
- Prepare a mixture of 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tbsp of water.
- Soak a cotton ball in this solution, and use it to gently wipe the acne-ridden skin or wounds.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes and then rinse it off.
- When used on the face, make sure to moisturize thereafter.
5. To soften calluses and cracked heels
Cracked heels and calluses usually have a rough and hard surface caused by the accumulation of dry dead skin.
Hydrogen peroxide can help loosen the dead skin flakes covering your cracked heels so that they can be exfoliated easily. The removal of the dead damaged skin will allow new skin to rise to the surface, facilitating quick and proper healing.
Similarly, hydrogen peroxide dissolves the thick hardened exterior of calluses to promote skin renewal and repair. Plus, it destroys germs present on the surface of the affected skin to keep it safe from secondary infections. (10)
How to use:
Soak your feet in 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts warm water for 10 minutes. It helps in softening calluses.
Note: Do remember that this remedy may cause a burning sensation and irritation on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, consult a doctor.
6. To whiten yellow teeth
Poor dental hygiene leads to the accumulation of food debris and nicotine stains on the teeth and gums.
Your mouth is naturally populated by bacteria that feed on these residual deposits and proliferate. The overgrowth of these bacteria forms a yellowish biofilm called plaque on the tooth enamel.
Dental plaque, if left untreated, consolidates and hardens over time to form thick dark tartar, which is much harder to remove.
Hydrogen peroxide can help dissolve these plaque deposits to make your teeth pearly white again. One research study suggested that hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth just by oxidizing tooth tissue. (11)
How to use:
- Mix a little bit of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (less than 1%–2% concentration) to make a thick paste, and use it like your regular toothpaste. You can also add a little salt to the mixture for extra benefits.
- You can also get many hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening products on the market. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using them. (12)
Note: Read about the risks and side effects associated with tooth-whitening products so that you can look out for any adverse reactions and seek professional help if required. (12) Do not swallow any of these formulations as hydrogen peroxide can be toxic to your system.
7. To preserve overall oral health
Hydrogen peroxide can help kill harmful bacteria in the oral cavity that cause plaque, tooth decay, cavities, and gum infections.
Besides exerting antimicrobial activity, hydrogen peroxide also works as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces gingival swelling and pain. (13)(14) For this reason, it has long been used in diluted form in mouthwash formulations to improve and maintain oral hygiene. (13)
How to use:
- Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Gargle with this solution for a couple of minutes, just like you would use a mouthwash.
- Spit it out, and then rinse your mouth again with plain water.
Note: Do not use hydrogen peroxide without diluting it first, and do not ingest it as it may cause harm.
8. To remove stains from fabric
Hydrogen peroxide at 5%–15% concentration can be used as a bleaching agent or stain remover for fabrics. (15) It can get rid of coffee, tea, and even wine stains on clothing, curtains, tablecloths, carpet, etc.
How to use:
- Dip the stained area in 5% hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes before washing.
- When washing whites, pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the washing load along with the detergent.
9. To sanitize fruits and vegetables
Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant to remove pesticides, dirt, germs, and other contaminants from the surface of natural produce. (15)
How to use:
- Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and put the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray it over fruits and vegetables, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse your produce in running water and thoroughly pat them dry.
Safety Precautions
Keep these things in mind when using hydrogen peroxide:
- Hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of more than 30% can be hazardous if not handled properly.
- Breathing in the fumes or aerosols of hydrogen peroxide for a long period in a closed environment can cause asphyxiation.
- Hydrogen peroxide at 3%–5% does not penetrate through intact skin easily and is therefore considered safe for topical use. However, it can irritate your mucus membranes and therefore can make your nose runny or your eyes water. Excessive application can also damage or infiltrate your skin tissue, causing harmful side effects.
- Ingesting any amount of this chemical is highly deleterious for your health, so use it with caution.
- Typically, 3% hydrogen peroxide is the best choice for regular household use.
- Was this article helpful?
- YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
