How to Use Peroxide for Laundry Stains

Hydrogen peroxide is a manufactured chemical used as a disinfectant and a bleaching solution. Standard household hydrogen peroxide is available in a 3 percent concentration at grocery or drugstores. You can find 20 percent concentrations at home improvement or hardware stores. For most laundry stains, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide is sufficient. Hydrogen peroxide operates less quickly than common household bleach on stains, but it does not leave a yellow or gray tinge to clothing as bleach sometimes can. Hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing all types of stains, even if you are not sure what precisely caused the stain.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide, 20 percent and 3 percent solutions
• Laundry detergent
• Cream of tartar
• Soft cloth

Instructions

Laundry Whitener

1. Add 1/2 cup of 20 percent hydrogen peroxide to a load of white clothing and wash water. Bleach can cause whites to turn yellow or slightly gray.

2. Let the white clothing soak for at least 30 minutes.

3. Wash and dry the clothing as usual.

Stain Remover

1. Mix 1 tsp. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with enough cream of tartar to make a paste.

2. Rub the paste into the stain with a soft cloth.

3. Rinse the peroxide and cream of tartar out of the clothing and repeat if the stain remains.

Stain Pre-treater

1. Use a soft cloth to dab undiluted hydrogen peroxide onto the stain.

2. Allow the peroxide to work on the stain for at least five minutes.

3. Wash the clothing in the warmest water the fabric can tolerate.

Bleach Substitute

1. Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry in place of bleach.

2. Wash the clothing as usual.

3. Check your clothing before placing it in the dryer to be sure all stains are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Test hydrogen peroxide in a hidden area of your clothing before removing stains. Let the peroxide stand on the clothing for at least two minutes; if there is no color change, proceed with the peroxide.

• Do not ingest hydrogen peroxide. Keep it away from children and pets. If someone in your home accidentally ingests hydrogen peroxide, contact your local poison control center.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Quick and Easy Stain Removal
• Reader's Digest: 14 Tips for Health-Friendly Cleaning
• Reader's Digest: Homemade Stain Removal Solutions
• MedlinePlus: Hydrogen Peroxide Poisoning