Organically Inclined

We have often used Hydrogen Peroxide to “bubble” out wounds in our house.  But it wasn’t until I purchased a huge bottle on sale - for something like 89 cents - that I started to think about peroxide’s other possible uses. In particular, for laundry. After realizing that I was probably killing my septic system by using chlorine bleach (bleach kills bacteria…but we need bacteria to keep the septic working…duh!)

So, I was looking at the tub of “Oxyclean” - available for $10. And then I looked at the hydrogen peroxide. Aren’t they essentially the same thing? I asked myself. Yes - they are…except that the Oxyclean costs more and has niftier packaging. I bought more peroxide and decided that if it could bleach hair, it could probably handle my whites.

I tried a cup of peroxide, instead of bleach, in my next load of diapers and wipe rags. It worked briliantly! I’ve since used a bit less and it works just as well. I also filled up a spray bottle with peroxide and water (about one quarter peroxide and the rest water) and decided that it must be good for cleaning too. After some research, I discovered that I was right! Here are some other uses for peroxide:

1. Use it to wash fruits and veggies safely - will kill E.Coli and Salmonella and other bacteria! Just fill your sink with cold water and a half cup of peroxide - or spray the peroxide and water solution on your veggies. It will break down pesticides too. Rinse clean.

2. Immerse yellowing linens in a sink full of cold water and one cup peroxide. They will emerge white and undamaged (like bleach).

3. Remove bloodstains (and most other stains) from clothes by blotting with peroxide. Rinse with cold water so that the rest of the fabric doesn’t bleach.

4. Sterilize cuts and abrasions. Great alternative to alcohol based “wound cleaners,” as peroxide doesn’t sting!

5. Use your spray bottle solution to clean up moldy or mildewy areas.

6. Use as a mouthwash (but don’t swallow!).

7. Mix baking soda and peroxide for a whitening toothpaste…save yourself the cash and the Triclosan!

8. Excellent bathroom cleaner.

9. Use full strength for pet stains…bubbles the stain and the smell right out of carpets.

10. Great for red wine or punch stains too!