Originally published by Everyday Cheapskate:
Some time ago I got a message, which reminded me about the wonder of an ordinary product most people have somewhere in the house. Georgia wrote …
“I had a cut on my hand that opened up while I was putting my expensive duvet cover (recent wedding gift!) on my comforter, now I have blood stains where I touched it. Is there any hope of getting these stains out completely? I tried using a carpet cleaning solution and washing it but those stains remain. I’m worried they’ll be there permanently. Thanks so much for your help!” Georgia
I responded immediately, directing Georgia to soak the stains with fresh, full-strength hydrogen peroxide. I heard back quickly. The hydrogen peroxide lightened the stains almost immediately, and within hours they disappeared completely.
I’ll be honest that back then, removing blood stains was about all I ever used hydrogen peroxide for. And because it has such a short shelf life, I was forever throwing out old, useless hydrogen peroxide.
Since then, I’ve learned so much and done extensive research and wow. The stuff is downright wonderful—so awesome in fact, I never throw hydrogen peroxide away anymore. It doesn’t have time in my home to age out. That’s how much I use it.
Hydrogen peroxide, which is as harmless as it is powerful both as a household cleaner and all around remedy. It is non-toxic, safe, really cheap and available in any grocery or drug store in a 3% dilution. It’s a wonderful cleaning product and reliable sanitizer.
It has to be fresh
There’s one thing you need to keep in mind to avoid disappointment: Hydrogen peroxide has a limited shelf life of about one year when not opened, and only six months once opened, provided you store it in a dark place.
Light causes hydrogen peroxide to dissipate quickly turning it from H2O2 to plain water and oxygen. It needs to be fresh to be effective.
If it’s been opened and older than six months, throw it out. It’s useless! You will be terribly disappointed.
To make sure than you never have to throw out hydrogen peroxide again, check out all the ways you can use it around the house to make your life easier!
Vegetable wash
You can stop paying $7 or more for “veggie wash.” Make your own by adding 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide to a sink of cold water. Wash your fruit and vegetables in the solution then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Dishwasher
To disinfect your dishwasher, add 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide before you close the door to run a load.
Cutting board sanitizer
Spray your cutting board with undiluted hydrogen peroxide. Allow to sit for a minute or two, then rinse clean.
Disinfect countertops
Mix hydrogen peroxide with water in equal parts in a spray bottle. Apply directly to the surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom—any place you want to keep sanitized. Wipe dry with clean towel or sponge
White teeth
Make a paste of table salt, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for the best whitening toothpaste. Because hydrogen peroxide dissipates so quickly, you’ll need to make this right before every use.
Disinfect toothbrushes
At least weekly, it’s a great idea to pour some hydrogen peroxide over your toothbrushes. This can help kill staph and other bacteria, lessening the chance of introducing it back into your mouth.
T-shirt armpit stains
Those yellow stains in white t-shirts are quite annoying. To get them out, follow the step-by-step instructions here: How to Remove Yellow Sweat Stains—It Really Works!
Sanitize toys and lunch boxes
Because hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic sanitizer, it’s perfect for cleaning plastic toys and lunch boxes.
Humidifier cleanse
Add 2 cups 3% hydrogen peroxide to one gallon of water. Run this through your humidifier or steamer to clean and sanitize the appliance.
Stinky towels
Can’t get rid of that annoying odor? Try this: Add 1/2 cup fresh hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the washing machine along with those stinky towels. Fill with hot water and your regular detergent and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Continue the cycle as normal. That should get rid of the smell. If you still detect that odor read Solution for Gross, Smelly Towels for a more aggressive treatment.
Aquarium maintenance
Use hydrogen peroxide sparingly to control fungi and other pests in fish aquariums. Provided you do use it sparingly, it will not harm the fish. For specific instructions, read more here.
First published: 9-27-16; Updated 3-25-19; Revised 3-26-19 to delete using hydrogen peroxide to clean contact lenses at the advice of medical professionals. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused our readers.
Google Plus:https://plus.google.com/u/0/104831238907682620486/about
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j
Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider
fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses.
Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt.
Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so.
Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small.
All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses.
Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt.
Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so.
Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small.
All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
Together, you and I can make a difference. If you like
what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower.
Please feel free to share this post with others.
Regards,
S.J. Francis Writing is my passion, but animals are my world.
In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."
Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line
retailers and independent booksellers.
Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line
retailers and independent booksellers.
“Some secrets should remain that way.”
My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
One for the Animals blog: http://onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/
Google Plus:https://plus.google.com/u/0/104831238907682620486/about
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j
And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2018 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?
