Most people already know that household hydrogen peroxide is superlative at cleaning minor scrapes. What they may not know is that it can be used for other things around the house as well. Here are a few additional uses for hydrogen peroxide that you may have never thought of:
When I was a child, I struggled with frequent bouts of swimmer’s ear. My family physician instructed my mother to put drops of hydrogen peroxide into my ears to reduce wax build-up. He also suggested that she use a mixture of warm water and hydrogen peroxide, along with a syringe, to help clean my ears out as well. Personally, I found the syringe method painful but effective. The drop method was also effective, albeit pain free. I would suggest, however, that you do not try using either of the above mentioned treatments without first discussing it with your primary care physician.
Hydrogen peroxide may be used in the care of certain fish. The form of hydrogen peroxide used in the care of fish, however, differs from the one found in your medicine cabinet. It typically contains 35% peroxide as opposed to the meager 3% peroxide found in most first aid kits. I would recommend that before you attempt to clean your fish tank with it that you consult with your local pet shop owner on what percentage is needed for your aquarium.
Treat Plants
Hydrogen peroxide is also used to treat plants that are under stress due to insects and disease. I have used a mixture of household hydrogen peroxide and water on some of my plants before as a treatment against aphids, scale insects and spider mites with mixed results. I had more success using the mixture on aphids than I did the other two. Basically, all you do is mix ¼ cup of household hydrogen peroxide with water into a spray bottle and mist your plants with it. Some people also add rubbing alcohol and dish detergent into the mixture as well. I didn’t do that because I was afraid that the rubbing alcohol would kill the plant.
Based on my experience, hydrogen peroxide may also be used to remove blood stains from fabric. Simply pour or dab it onto the blood stained fabric and let it sit like that for a minute or two. Then use a clean, dry towel to blot up as much of the blood stain as you can. I have used this technique to remove both old and new blood stains. The method tends to work best on new stains. Old stains may require several applications of hydrogen peroxide before it completely disappears. Hydrogen peroxide may also remove the coloring from some fabrics. Therefore, be sure to test the fabric’s reaction to the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous area first.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys the great outdoors with her family and has traveled extensively. She has also worked in health care as a social worker.
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