What exactly is hydrogen peroxide? This substance found in just about every home is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. Sounds harmless, but in high concentrations it is unstable and poisonous. In lower concentrations, such as what we buy at the drugstore, it works as a disinfectant and antiseptic to clean cuts and other wounds. There are many other uses for this combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach. I use baking soda or vinegar in my laundry, but when it comes to removing bloodstains, nothing beats hydrogen peroxide and cold water. Since my daughter experienced a lot of nosebleeds while she was growing up, I have had a lot of experience with this. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the bloodstain and watch it dissolve right in front of your eyes. Immediately rinse with cold water. Be careful; hydrogen peroxide is a bleach and will remove color from clothing unless the clothing is colorfast. A cup of peroxide can also be added to the wash in place of bleach to whiten whites.

Peroxide can also be used to clean mirrors and will leave them streak free. The first time I tried this, I didn’t think that it worked and left the room to get something else to clean the mirror with, but when I returned there was no need to clean it; my mirror was beautifully clean.

The normal use of peroxide is to clean the infection from cuts, scrapes and wounds. Another medical use is to prevent and cure colds, flu, etc. How? Tilt your head to the side and place approximately ¼ teaspoon of peroxide in your ear and allow it to bubble (at times the bubbling is quite ferocious) for at least 5 minutes, then drain the peroxide out and clean your ear. Repeat with the other ear. I have found that this will keep you from getting sick, or if you are already sick, will shorten the duration of your sickness. If you are already sick, this will relieve your symptoms and make you feel better. This is safe to do several times a day, if you feel the need. There are no side effects, such as drowsiness, from using hydrogen peroxide in your ears.

Peroxide will kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals, so it is great to use as a wash for fruits and vegetables. It will even remove strains of E coli from contaminated produce.

Salmonella and other bacteria are removed from your cutting board when hydrogen peroxide is poured over it. Your counters and stove tops are also left germ free when cleaned with peroxide.

If you find mold or mildew, consider using hydrogen peroxide to get rid of it. H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) is extremely effective at killing the spores which spread mold and mildew. After a few hours, the H2O2 breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen, leaving no evidence except clean surfaces that it has been used. Saturate the areas you want to treat with H2O2 and allow to stand for a while. Then re-moisten the area with hydrogen peroxide before wiping clean with a cloth or sponge. Remember, hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach, so be careful to only use it on surfaces that are colorfast.

If you would like to lighten your hair, dilute peroxide with water, spray on wet hair and comb through. The change is not drastic; your hair will lighten gradually.

Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at just about any store. I buy mine from Dollar General where its regular price is $0.50 a bottle. Quite a bargain when you consider all that it can be used for. Of course, if you prefer, there are more expensive brands of it available. Below I have provided a link to buy hydrogen peroxide from Amazon.

Heritage Products Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash, 16-Ounces (Pack of 4)