Hydrogen Peroxide has been around for many years. It was initially used as a disinfectant for cuts and abrasions. Medical science does no longer recommend it for this purpose.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide.
Hydrogen Peroxide has one more extra molecule of of oxygen than water. That single molecule turns it into a powerful oxidising agent that has many house hold uses. According to Wikipedia, it is used as an oxidiser, bleaching agent and antiseptic.
How can Hydrogen Peroxide by used in the home?
In the Kitchen – The household dishwasher can actually be a haven for a range of fungi, yeast and biological hazards. these are often found in the rubber seals, traps and in the utensil baskets. Using 3% hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle, spray in the areas where water is trapped to give a complete clean to your dishwasher. Counters and cutting boards can harbour pathogens like E.coli and salmonella bacteria. Hydrogen Peroxide kills germs and pathogens so it is excellent to have sitting in a darkened spray bottle to give a quick spray when cleaning.
Bathtubs/Sinks and Showers – Most wet areas where water manages to pool and stay stagnant become breading grounds for pathogens. Due to the bleaching power of Hydrogen Peroxide, it become a valuable tool in maintaining a healthy environment for the family. Simply wipe the offending areas dry, then spray 3% hydrogen peroxide over the areas and wipe down. You will not have the same smell standard bleaches leave behind.
Extending vegetable and produce shelf life – Hydrogen Peroxide is a strong antioxidant that is naturally produced by the body. Its antioxidant qualities mean that it can help with extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. Simply fill a sink with cold water, add a quarter of a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and wash your produce. After you have washed it, dry it off and thee you go. You will notice your produce will last longer.
Gardening – have you had one of your favourite plants looking very poor and likely to die. Hydrogen peroxide can help. Ensure the plant still has green in the branches by scraping the stem to still see if it is green. If it is, cut off all the dead branches till you can see the green in the stem. Remove the plant from the soil and exposing the roots. prepare a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. you will need 2 – 3 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide per litre of water. Then soak the roots of the plant in the solution for about 6 hours. Re-pot the plant in a new container with fresh potting mix. Then water the plant with the same solution and leave the plant in a shaded area for a few days. Watering the plant when the first few inches of the top soil has dried completely. Keep this process up until the plant starts showing signs of life.
