How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide Around the House

Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used as an antiseptic, and is the active ingredient in many teeth whiteners and all-fabric bleaches. It is sold in a 3 percent solution and is quite handy for a number of uses. The followoing list of suggestions puts hydrogen peroxide to good use around your house.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Kill bacteria on a cutting board, especially after chopping meat or cutting chicken. Use a peper towel and wipe the board with vinegar, then use a second paper towel to wipe it again with hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria that may be lurking on the board.
2. Remove fresh blood stains. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and flush with fresh water immediately. Launder right away.
3. Move in on mildew with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Use a cotton ball to apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the mildew and wipe it clean.
4. Tackle grass stains wtih a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Rub it into the grass stain until it disappears, then rinse it out. Apply liquid laundry soap to the area. Launder the clothes as soon as the possible.
5. Banish fresh red wine stains. Blot up as much of the wine as possible. Pour hydrogen peroxide over the remaining stain. Blot again. Repeat as necessary.
6. Attack mysterious stains. Mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with a bit of non-gel toothpaste or a quarter-teaspoon of cream of tartar. Make a paste and rub it directly onto the stain with a soft cloth. The stain should disappear.

Tips & Warnings

• Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive. Don't swallow it, get it around eyes or nose, and don't use it near open flame.