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Hand holding a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

by | Jan 23, 2025 | House Cleaning

Looking for some natural cleaning solutions? Vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid are the usual suspects, but there’s a secret weapon in your home – hydrogen peroxide (or H2O2).

You can use peroxide for cleaning all around your home, from the bathroom to the kitchen. It’s a great disinfectant, stain remover, and multi-use cleaning agent.

How to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite tips and hacks – so add a bottle of H2O2 to your cleaning supplies!

Safety Tips Before Cleaning | How to Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide | How to Remove Mould | How to Remove Stains | How to Disinfect | What Not to Clean 

 

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good for Cleaning?

focus of hydrogen peroxide solution in brown amber bottle

Yes! Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is great for cleaning around the house.

It’s a natural cleaning agent with disinfecting properties (so it kills germs!). That makes it a less harsh, less hazardous alternative to chemical cleaners like bleach and ammonia.

Plus, it’s affordable and accessible, meaning it’s a perfect multi-use product to have at home.

Just make sure it’s compatible with the surface or material you’re cleaning. Peroxide can bleach, discolour, or corrode certain materials.

NOTE: H2O2 has a shelf life of about 3 years in a sealed container. However, once opened, it starts to decompose and usually lasts about 1 year when stored at room temperature.

If you use peroxide to clean and you notice the product doesn’t fizz on contact with dirt, it may be expired!

 

What Percentage of Hydrogen Peroxide to Use for Cleaning

You’ll commonly find hydrogen peroxide sold at a 3% concentration.

3% peroxide is the most you’ll need for cleaning and other home uses. It’s still quite powerful, though, so exercise caution when using it!

Wear rubber gloves and a face mask when cleaning peroxide. Contact with your skin can cause dryness and irritation.

If it accidentally comes into contact with your eyes or is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

NOTE: So long as it is at 3% concentration or less, it’s generally safe to flush hydrogen peroxide down the drain!

 

Before Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide: Safety Tips

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen – H2O2.

Even if it’s “milder” than bleach, it’s still good to know proper precautions before you use peroxide to clean around the house.

 

Can you mix hydrogen peroxide and alcohol for cleaning?

close up of hand holding a bottle of antibacterial alcohol spray

Generally, it is safe to mix 3% hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). They don’t create a dangerous chemical reaction.

However, you should still be careful. Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and peroxide is an oxidising agent that encourages combustion, making the combination a big fire risk.

The two products also work differently, so there’s no real benefit in combining the two as disinfectants.

 

Can you mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning?

No, you should never mix white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. The chemical reaction creates peracetic acid, which is highly corrosive and hazardous to your health.

If you have used one of the substances on a surface, make sure it has been wiped clean and dry. Wait a few hours in between using each product.

For accidents, open all windows and immediately exit the room. Seek medical attention ASAP.

 

Can you mix bleach and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning?

No, you should never mix bleach and hydrogen peroxide. The reaction will create a highly toxic and flammable gas.

Bleach should never be mixed with anything but plain water.

If a surface has been cleaned with bleach, rinse off any residue and wipe it dry. Wait at least a day before using a different product on the surface or material.

For accidents, immediately leave the space and seek medical attention.

 

How to Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide Around the House

There are a lot of hydrogen peroxide cleaning hacks, from removing laundry stains to disinfecting your toilet brush.

We’ve asked some of our home cleaning pros for some top H2O2 cleaning solutions.

 

1. Clothes and laundry

woman's hand washing laundry

There are a few ways to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning clothes!

For example, it’s useful for brightening and lightening white fabrics. When washing your whites, add a cup of 3% peroxide to the water (do not add any bleach).

It’s also a great homemade laundry stain remover! Apply peroxide directly to white and light fabrics to remove stains like blood, food, and anything plant-based.

Wait a few minutes, then wash the clothing as usual.

 

2. Grout lines

H2O2 is best for cleaning white or light-coloured grout lines, since it can lighten or bleach the grout.

It works in many tiled areas, from orange grout stains in the shower to food-stained grout in your kitchen.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to clean grout? Make a paste out of one part H2O2 and three parts baking soda, then apply it with a damp sponge before scrubbing.

For deep-seated or stubborn stains, simply pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Wait a few minutes, then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

 

3. Humidifiers

Stagnant water or moisture in a humidifier can lead to mould and bacteria growth. Hydrogen peroxide is a great cleaner and disinfectant.

To clean a humidifier with hydrogen peroxide, mix one part H2O2 with three parts water. Pour the mixture into the tank and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Empty the hydrogen peroxide solution and rinse the water tank. Let it air dry before reassembling.

 

4. Mattress and bed linens

spraying mattress with hydrogen peroxide solution

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean various linen and mattress stains.

For sweat, blood, and urine stains on a mattress, mix 1 tsp of dish soap in a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Spray the solution onto the mattress and let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the area clean.

Peroxide is also great for stain removal on bed linens. For example, it’s perfect for getting blood out of sheets since it breaks down the blood and makes it easy to wash off.

 

5. Refrigerator surfaces

When deep cleaning your fridge, you’ll need to wipe and disinfect the interior surfaces.

A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution is safe and effective for cleaning the fridge. It’ll kill any germs, bacteria, and mould that might be hanging out on the shelves and walls.

Mix equal parts peroxide and water, then dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution. Wring it out and wipe all the interior surfaces of your fridge, down to the corners and crevices.

Follow with a clean cloth to wipe off any residue and dry the surfaces.

 

6. Shower tiles

cleaning shower tiles with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge

Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing soap scum and other build-up on your shower floors and walls.

It’s safe to use on ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and light-coloured sealed stone tiles.

To use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning tiles, mix equal parts H2O2 and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the surface and scrub off the soap scum with a non-abrasive sponge.

TIP: Peroxide is great for cleaning a bathtub as well, especially if it’s discoloured or yellowed.

 

7. Stone benchtops

Note that you should only use this method on light-coloured benchtops! Otherwise, you could discolour the surface.

To clean stone benchtops with hydrogen peroxide, start by wiping off dirt and food residue with a soft cloth.

Mix equal parts water and 3% peroxide in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the benchtop and wait a few moments before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

 

8. Toilets

DIY toilet fizzie bomb for cleaning home toilet bowl.

You can do a lot with hydrogen peroxide in the bathroom, from cleaning the toilet to removing stains.

Make a DIY toilet bomb with baking soda, citric acid, and 3% peroxide. Toss one into the toilet bowl and let it dissolve, then scrub the bowl clean.

You can also combine those ingredients into a paste to remove hard water stains in the toilet.

To clean your toilet brush, saturate it with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let the solution sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the brush with hot water, then let it air dry.

 

How to Remove Mould with Hydrogen Peroxide

Showers, dishwashers, and even front-load washing machines can be a hub for mould and mildew thanks to their damp conditions.

H2O2 is a less harsh alternative to bleach for removing mould and disinfecting a surface.

Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected surface (like a rubber gasket seal). You can also mix it with some dish soap for added cleaning power.

Scrub the mould stains off with an old toothbrush, then rinse the area with a damp cloth. Repeat until you’ve removed as much mould as possible.

Wipe off any residue with a cloth dampened in clean water, then thoroughly dry the surface to prevent the mould or mildew from coming back.

 

How to Remove Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

H2O2 is an excellent natural stain remover for many surfaces.

For surfaces such as benchtops and floors, make a cleaning paste with one part hydrogen peroxide and three parts baking soda. (Yes, this combination is safe!)

Apply the paste with a damp sponge and gently scrub the surface clean. Alternatively, let the stain sit for a while – up to a few hours – then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

For white and light-coloured fabrics, hydrogen peroxide is great for organic stains. You can use it to remove coffee from clothes or red wine from carpet.

Mix a few drops of dish soap with 3% peroxide and apply it directly to the stained area. Wait up to an hour, or until the stain lightens.

For upholstery and carpet stains, lightly blot the area until the stain has lifted. For clothing stains, rinse the item clean under cool water.

 

How to Disinfect Household Surfaces with Hydrogen Peroxide

disinfection of door knob using hydrogen peroxide

You can use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect many surfaces around your home.

Besides anything on our list, it also works for things like:

  • Cleaning tools
  • Mirrors and windows
  • Sponges and loofahs
  • Doorknobs and handles
  • Porcelain and ceramic dishes
  • Interior surfaces of the fridge

First, wipe off any visible dust and dirt with a soft cloth. Then mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.

Spritz the solution onto the dirty surface or item and wait at least 5 minutes. For surfaces that come into contact with food, rinse the area with soapy water.

Otherwise, wipe the area or item with a dry cloth or let it air dry.

 

What NOT to Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide

While peroxide is a great multi-use cleaner around the house, it won’t work on everything!

Here are some things you should not clean with hydrogen peroxide:

  • Coloured fabric – Peroxide is a bleaching agent and can strip colour from fabrics
  • Dark stone – H2O2 can discolour dark-coloured natural stone
  • Delicate fabrics – Avoid using peroxide on delicate fabrics like silk or wool
  • Metals – While it’s generally safe, H2O2 can speed up oxidation and corrosion
  • Wood – Peroxide can bleach wood, especially unsealed wood

In general, don’t use hydrogen peroxide on dark-coloured materials, since it can cause permanent discolouration.

Avoid using it on anything where it could oxidise and create an unwanted reaction. For example, peroxide can react with metal alloys and lead to rust or pitting.

 

FAQs About Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide

Here are a few more tips for cleaning with peroxide around the house.

 

Where to buy hydrogen peroxide for cleaning in Australia?

Your best bet for finding 3% hydrogen peroxide in Australia is at the chemist or the supermarket. It typically comes in a white or brown bottle.

You can also purchase a peroxide-based cleaning product! For example, Koala Eco’s Laundry Stain Spray uses hydrogen peroxide to lift stains from fabrics.

 

Can you clean marble with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

Yes! An H2O2 and baking soda paste is great for cleaning stains on light-coloured marble and other sealed stone surfaces.

 

Do I need to dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide for cleaning?

Not always! In some cases – such as removing stains – you can apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected material.

For routine or everyday cleaning, though, it’s fine to use a diluted solution of equal parts H2O2 and water.

 

Do you need to rinse after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide?

If the surface makes contact with food (like kitchen surfaces) or is accessible to pets and young children, then yes, it’s best to rinse after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide.

This removes any residue from the area that could contaminate food or accidentally be ingested.

About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

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About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

Share