Are you looking to kick those harsh chemical cleaners to the curb? Hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover can be the perfect substitute. It's not as harsh as bleach, and it's a proven disinfectant. A lot of power is packed in that brown bottle. Grab your hydrogen peroxide and learn how to make a quick stain remover for just about every surface in your home. See how hydrogen peroxide measures up to bleach too.
Simple Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover Recipes for Home and Laundry
You've probably got a bottle of hydrogen peroxide laying around in your bathroom. Sure, it's great on cuts, but it's is also a powerful cleaner when it comes to protein and plant-based stains like blood or wine. However, hydrogen peroxide might not be as effective as other cleaners on grease or oil stains.
But what is hydrogen peroxide? Well, it's a mild antiseptic and disinfectant, which makes it great for getting the surfaces of your home and clothes clean. So, whether you've got a Kool-Aid stain on your counter or chocolate pudding drops on your favorite white shirt, these DIY stain removers can help you out.
General Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover Spray
Does your stovetop need a little TLC? Did you get some curry on your T-shirt? And let's not even talk about sweat stains. Don't stress; this basic hydrogen peroxide spray can make quick work of removing stains. Just grab:
- ½ cup of dish soap (Dawn Recommended)
- 1 cup of hydrogenperoxide
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (optional)
- Dark spray bottle
It's important to have a dark spray bottle when working with hydrogen peroxide. Light can make it break down, taking away its important cleaning power.
- In a dark spray bottle, combine hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda. If you have a larger job, you double the ratios of each.
- Shake the bottle to mix. You'll want to do this before each use to ensure the baking soda hasn't clumped at the bottom.
- Spray a liberal amount of the cleaner on your stain or fabric. (Hydrogen peroxide can work for most colored fabrics, but test a small area if you are unsure of steadfastness.)
- Work the cleaner in with your fingers.
- Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes.
- Blot away with a damp cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Stain and Odor Remover Paste
Have a stubborn stain that needs some scrubbing power? Maybe it's an odor issue? Whatever the case, you might want to try a hydrogen peroxide paste to get rid of that stain once and for all. Here's what you need:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap (Dawn recommended)
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- Container
Creating a stain remover paste isn't a perfect science. Therefore, the consistency will change depending on what you are using it for. If you are looking for a runnier paste to add to your countertop or soak on a shirt stain, add more peroxide. If you need a thicker paste to use as a scrubber, add more baking soda for scrubbing power.
- Add the ingredients to a container.
- Use a spoon to mix everything together well.
- Spoon the cleaner onto your stain.
- Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Scrub and wipe away.
Baking soda is a good non-abrasive cleaner that's good for use on most surfaces. However, if you are worried about scratching, use the spray cleaner.
Common Ways to Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover
Hydrogen peroxide stain remover can be used all over your house. From your countertops to pillows to mattresses, these cleaners offer a lot of stain-fighting power in a little container.
Upholstery, Bedding, and Carpets
Make sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause any color-bleaching issues. You can then follow the instructions for the cleaner. Since you aren't able to rinse the cleaner away, it's important to blot the area with a clean, damp cloth. For the paste, you might want to have a vacuum on hand to vacuum it off the surface.
Laundry
The hydrogen peroxide stain remover isn't recommended for delicates and silk laundry. It might cause colors to bleed. For cotton and blends, you do not have to separate the laundry. You can wash as normal after applying the stain remover.
Hard Surfaces
The hydrogen peroxide stain remover spray and paste are perfect to use on most hard surfaces. However, you'll want to avoid using them on untreated wood and stones. It might also cause slight discoloration on quartz countertops. Therefore, you might want to test a discrete area first.
Tips and Precautions for Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean
Hydrogen peroxide has a lot of uses in your home when it comes to cleaning. But it's still a chemical. So, you want to make sure to take some precautions when using it for stain removal.
- Always do a spot test to ensure the hydrogen peroxide won't damage your fabric or surface.
- Create your cleaner in a dark or black spray bottle for storage.
- Never mix hydrogen peroxide with bleach or ammonia.
- Use precautions like wearing rubber gloves when cleaning.
- Continuously check the progress of the hydrogen peroxide cleaner to ensure proper lifting of the stain.
- Hydrogen peroxide does have a shelf life, so ensure it still fizzes before use.
Can You Use Straight Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Stains?
Hydrogen peroxide does have bleaching properties. Therefore, when you dilute it, you can typically use it safely on most surfaces. But that doesn't mean you can't use straight hydrogen peroxide to treat stains on white carpets, clothes, and bedding. Using hydrogen peroxide straight on white or light clothing can give you more stain-removing power.
Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Bleach for Stains
When you thought about stain removal or whitening whites, bleach was typically the way to go. However, bleach can be pretty dangerous to your skin and when inhaled. It's also corrosive. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a more green cleaning chemical commonly used on the skin for cuts and abrasions. Therefore, you have less potential for issues. Overall, it's a good DIY alternative for stain removal if you are trying to kick bleach to the curb.
Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Fighter for Every Stain in Your Home
Hydrogen peroxide isn't just reserved for the stains in the laundry room, it can be used all over your home. You can use a hydrogen peroxide stain remover to get spill rings out of your countertops or treat pasta sauce on your couch pillows. You can also use it on floors and mattresses. There are no limits to your stain-fighting power now!
