Ah, grout, the arch-nemesis of tiles. It can be a pain to deal with, and also expensive at times if you continue buying store-bought grout solutions. Never fear, though, because hydrogen peroxide is here to save the day (and your shower walls!)
To mix up this DIY bathroom cleaner, mix up two parts of baking soda with one-part hydrogen peroxide. Put the paste all over the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines until the discoloration fades away. This solution is especially helpful because not only does it help with the color, it helps to kill the bacteria and germs that are living in the grout.
Kill an Ear Infection
This is the main thing we used hydrogen peroxide for around our house growing up. Hydrogen peroxide, while not the most pleasant thing to use, is a simple and affordable solution to some types of ear infections in both children and adults. If using on a child, mix one-part peroxide to one-part water and use an eyedropper to pull up some liquid and drop a few drops into their ears. Let it sit for 15-30 seconds before having them tilt their head to release the fluid.
Alternatively, you can use a cotton ball to soak the mixture up from the container after combining and squeeze it to release into the ear canal. If you’ve ever used hydrogen peroxide in your ears before, you know that it creates a bubbling and fizzing which both feels and sounds strange while it’s happening, but it does help to relieve the infection. Blot the outside of the ear dry with a clean tissue or towel after you’re done using the solution.
Take a Detox/Oxygenating Bath
Adding some hydrogen peroxide to your next bath can produce all sorts of health benefits. For starters, it helps pull toxins and bacteria out of your skin, which allows the body to detox. Add a cup and a half to your next bath while the water is running. Soak for 20 minutes to half an hour. Try to use this method between 1-2 times per month, maximum.
If you’re suffering from a yeast infection or some other type of bacterial infection, it may also help to relieve your symptoms. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide baths may help to get rid of pesky parasites like lice. Whatever you’re using the soak for, be sure to rinse off completely when you’re done.
Kill Fungus
It shouldn’t come as any surprise after reading all about how hydrogen peroxide kills bad germs and bacteria, that it can also work to get rid of nail fungus. Fungus under your toenails can be embarrassing, especially during the warmer months when you want to wear open-toed shoes. Luckily, hydrogen peroxide works like a charm in this case.
Fill up an old bucket or Tupperware with a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (one-part to one-part works well.) Soak your feet in the liquid for 30 minutes, rinse in the bathtub and pat dry. A lot of the advice you’ll see floating around may tell you to use 35% hydrogen peroxide, but don’t. It will be much too concentrated and can lead to adverse reactions.
Sanitize Kitchenware
Dishes can be a tricky thing to keep clean. You use them every day to put your food on and ingest the things that come off of them. You use your cutting boards to chop meat, and then vegetables later on. Without keeping everything sanitized, you’re risking getting sick from cross-contamination. You can spray your cutting board and knives with a bleach spray and then wash them with regular dish soap, but that can be pretty harsh.
If you prefer a more natural (and affordable) alternative, you guessed it; it’s time to grab the hydrogen peroxide. Mix one-part peroxide to one-part water in a spray bottle and use it to spray down kitchenware before you wash it regularly. Let the solution sink in for a few moments before washing off. Then, use your dish soap and sponge and rinse with clean water.