Hydrogen peroxide and its many uses

 I was visiting a pharmacy the other day to discuss NUK and I brought the stores entire stock of hydrogen peroxide. Kim the pharmacist seemed a little surprised I would need so much of it and asked what I use it for. So I thought I’d write a little post on some of its many uses.

Beauty

Homemade mouthwash:  

50mL of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

60mL filtered or bottled water

5 drops of peppermint essential oil (it’s really important this is essential oil rather than fragrance oil)

2 drops of Tea tree essential oil (it’s really important this is essential oil rather than fragrance oil)

Put into a dark glass gar and shake before each use. Please spit out rather than swallow as essential oils and hydrogen peroxide shouldn’t be swallowed.

Cleaning tooth brush and tongue scraper

Pour a little 3% hydrogen peroxide into a jar and dip in your toothbrush head and tongue scraper into the solution. Throw it away after use as hydrogen peroxide deteriorates rapidly when exposed to light.

Hair lightener

Put your hydrogen peroxide into a small spray bottle with either dark glass or dark plastic and spray on your hair and comb through to gently lighten hair. As with any lightening you should use a good mask and shampoo and conditioner on your hair to prevent weakening.

Acne

Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball to sweep over acne and spots to kill the bacteria

Colds and blocked ears

3% hydrogen peroxide can be dropped into blocked ears and noses using an eye dropper. You will feel a bubbling sensation as it works its magic unblocking.

Household

Spray cleaner

100 mL 20% hydrogen peroxide

100mL filtered water

10 drops of lemon essential oil

5 drops of tea tree essential oil

Mix up in a dark spray bottle and use to clean around the home. Avoid using on soft furnishings as hydrogen peroxide is bleach. This mix is also really good for using on mould in bathrooms. Spray it on and leave it for a few minutes and it should kill the mould.

Use undiluted on messy clean up jobs in the kitchen. Wipe over cutting boards to kill germs and salmonella.

A capful of hydrogen peroxide can be used in white loads of laundry to lift stains. Can also be sprayed directly onto blood stains and it will lift them out.

Hydrogen peroxide can be poured into a sink of water with your vegetables and fruit to remove harmful chemicals and toxins from their surface.

Mix a little hydrogen peroxide into your watering can and it will help your plants grow stronger and greener.