Uses for Peroxide

I got an email a couple weeks ago saying that Peroxide is safer than bleach and offering lots of uses for it. Well, some of the uses in the email are true, but not all of them. I thought I would post some uses here based on the research I did.

I found that hydrogen peroxide is seen as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine-based bleaches. I'm not sure if it was really used during WWI, but it was first isolated in 1818 by Jacques Thenard. Remember to always keep peroxide in dark bottles and in dark places. The light causes the peroxide to "break down" and not work as well. It has something to do with its chemical makeup. Here are the uses:

1. Take one capful and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. This is known to help whiten your teeth and keep canker sores away.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a fresh cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs. This can be done weekly, but definitely would be a good idea after any illnesses.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooded cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system.

6. If you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. This will give natural highlights that lighten gradually, so it's not a drastic change.

7. You can add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. It there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

8. If you have blood or other stains on your carpet, put a few tablespoons on to the stain. The excess liquid can be bloated after a few minutes. Always test in a small area first as this can sometimes bleach the carpet.

9. Some gardeners use it to enhance root development and treat root rot. Add 1 tablespoon to every quart of water.

I hope you find some of these useful. Always make sure you look into the claims you find in emails. You never know what kind of false information is floating around!