peroxide as cleaner-005

A while back, I heard about using hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner and gave it a shot.  I have to admit, it didn’t work for me. However, last week I tried again and I love it! When I used this spray in our bathroom, I was pleased with the results. It tackled hairspray where some commercial cleaners will not and left a non-streak shine on the faucets and mirrors. I tried it in the kitchen and was equally as pleased.

Honestly, I started looking for other places to clean so I could use it more. I know, a bit odd, but the surfaces in our home benefited from it! I discovered a few pointers that made the difference in making hydrogen peroxide one of my new favorite cleaners.

The two tips I suggest to make this cleaner most efficient:

  • First, use a spray bottle. It must be in a dark bottle because light will affect the solution. I found the spray bottles at Walmart in the First Aid Section. I purchased one to keep on hand for injuries and a separate one for cleaning. The regular bottles go on sale for roughly .39 at drug stores, so you can refill the dark bottles,  making this very economical.
  • Second, paper towels are fine for counter tops, but use a microfiber towel for surfaces that need to shine or be streak free. I found the hydrogen peroxide/ microfiber towel to be a fabulous combination for mirrors, appliances and windows.

I enjoyed playing with this new discovery so much that I intend to find out what else it can do in my home. What about you, do you use peroxide for cleaning or have other ideas that I could try?

(BTW, be mindful of the surfaces where hydrogen peroxide is used. Especially in stronger concentrations, it has a bleaching effect. I did not have trouble on the hard surfaces in our home, but you might want to test first if you’re concerned.)

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This post has been linked to:
Kitchen Tip Tuesdays
Frugal Friday at Life as Mom
Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

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Shannon said on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 @10:30 am  

Thanks Heather, I didn’t realize that peroxide was so multi-purpose! I like cleaning with white vinegar. I use it to run through my coffeepot (non-toxic option to the cleaner packets in the store, I just add a couple drops of food coloring to know it’s rinsed) I also use it to clean my dishwasher, microwave, washing machine…lots of sanitizing possibilities! I know your site is still under consruction but is your button anywhere yet?

Shannon,
I haven’t done too much with vinegar yet, but I’m thinking I’m going to give it a try. I love the food coloring idea to show its rinsed. Love it! About the button, I will probably have a new one to match the new design and it is not yet created. Thanks for asking!
Heather

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Saurooon said on Friday, May 29, 2009 @3:53 am  

Hi there,
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.

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Rachel said on Saturday, May 30, 2009 @11:05 pm  

I use peroxide (1/2 cup), mixed with 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 6 drops of liquid dish soap, a cap-ful of jet dry & enough water to make a total of 24 oz, to make my own daily shower spray. It’s cheaper than buying store-bought daily shower spray, but you do have to be careful because I’ve had it bleach the color out of washcloths!

Rachel,
Thank you for sharing your recipe. You are the first one I have heard mention homemade shower cleaner. Thanks so much for sharing and reading!
Heather

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'Becca said on Friday, October 9, 2009 @3:52 pm  

Peroxide is great for removing gunk from around the drain and the base of the faucet! Just pour/spray it on, let it bubble 10 minutes or so, and wipe it off along with all the stuff it’s bubbled loose.

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Heather said on Friday, October 9, 2009 @5:31 pm  

Becca,

What a great idea! I’m kicking myself for not thinking of that, since I was already using the peroxide in those areas.

Thanks for reading and commenting!
Heather

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Eliza Welch said on Sunday, October 11, 2009 @5:00 pm  

I really enjoyed looking around your blog and would absolutely love it if you would stop by my new blog!
Eliza’s Blog

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Sara said on Monday, October 12, 2009 @10:53 pm  

Thanks for the tip. I am starting to play with “greener” cleaners and this is one I have been wanting to try. Glad to know you have had success.

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