Cleaning and Disinfecting with Hydrogen Peroxide

In case you were anything like me and totally bombed Chemistry 101 in high school, likely you took one look at the Periodic Table and thought “Are these written in Hieroglyphics? What the heck am I staring at?”  Now unless you went on pursue a science-based career, (if you did, more power to you! Science is cool! It is just not everyone’s forte) the first and last time you laid on eyes on the Periodic Table was in Chem 101. However, I do want to share some cool facts about one specific element that we all are highly likely to have in our own homes.

Hydrogen Peroxide – H202

I am talking about Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). Hydrogen peroxide has one single additional oxygen atom which separates it from its most famous cousin, H20 (water). However, this single atom of oxygen really packs a punch! It transforms peroxide into a robust cleaning compound with antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial abilities. The most common potency, 3%, which can be found and purchased nearly everywhere is potent enough to disinfect high touch surfaces in your home such as doorknobs, cabinet surfaces, and all your facets. It can also cut through most stains and grimes (when used with the right ratio) and has been found to behave as a natural bleaching compound (so be careful where you spray it!).

While you can totally use it undiluted, I recommend using a mix of (1:2) 1 cup peroxide, 2 cups of bottled or distilled water and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice (nothing proves you have cleaned recently better than the scent lemon, am I right?). Fill up a handy spray bottle with your mixture and you are ready to rock ‘n’ roll. Get busy spraying and cleaning your kitchen table and countertops, windows, doorknobs and whatever else you would like.

Pro Tip: this mixture will only have a super effective shelf life for about 30-60 days, so use it quick and store it in a cool, dark place.

Mix It Up!

Some other areas and items that I have found you can clean and disinfect with peroxide that you might not think of immediately include but are not limited to are:

• Patio Furniture – combine ¼ cup of peroxide, a few drops of dish soap and a gallon of warm water, using a gentle brush or dish rag to either spot clean or deep clean your patio chairs and tables. This mix is even gentle enough to use on fabrics. Once you are finished rinse it all down with the hose!
• Mattresses – using a ratio of (1:1) and a clean toothbrush, let the mixture sit on the stains for about 5 minutes before gently scrubbing, repeat as needed. Once the stain is gone, dry the spots with a hairdryer.
• Dishwashers – it is shocking to me how these machines which are built specifically to clean, can become so funky and downright gross! Spray undiluted peroxide modestly to coat the interior and the inside of the door. Pay extra attention to corners, crevices, the debris trap and the rubber seal all along the edge. Run the dishwasher through a cycle and viola, all finished!
• Tile Grout – mix ½ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of peroxide and a few drops of dish soap in an airtight container. Once mixed, spread the paste onto your grout and wait about 5-10 mins before washing away with clean water. Rubber gloves are recommended.

One of my favorite traits of hydrogen peroxide is that it is eco-friendly, budget friendly and most importantly, it is a safe way to keep my home clean and healthy. It does not contain strong, harmful chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine or bleach. If you have your own secret cleaning tips you would like to share, please share them in the comments below! Thanks for reading! Check us out on Facebook, view a complete list of our services or give us a call and we’ll gladly answer all of your questions! 321-348-7474