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Potent Peroxide

by Janean Nusz

H2O2 is the chemical equation for hydrogen peroxide, which is a naturally occurring substance that takes its form as a water-like substance. You are probably very familiar with the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution commonly found in pharmacies, and may even have a bottle or two of this inexpensive elixir in your medicine cabinet right now. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful oxidizing substances known to man. What does that mean to you?

As an oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide has the power to kill fungi, bacteria and viruses - even strong concentrations of Salmonella, Shigella and E.Coli! You probably already knew of its germicidal properties from the many times you've used it to treat minor wounds. But, did you know that just by substituting hydrogen peroxide for your regular cleaner you could make your house a cleaner, safer place to live? At about 50 cents per bottle, you can't beat peroxide for value! When compared to those expensive cleaners that cost between $2 and $5, you'll soon realize that this commonly overlooked substance deserves a second glance!

Here are just a few more uses for hydrogen peroxide, some of which may surprise you!

Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner

Do you want to serve your family clean, bacteria free vegetables, but are hesitant about buying those expensive packaged vegetable washes? Simply fill a clean spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide, and another spray bottle with common cider vinegar. Spritz vegetables with the peroxide, then the vinegar, or vice versa. It does not matter which you use first, as long as you use both, one right after the other. Rinse vegetables well under running water, then prepare and serve as usual. No lingering taste of either the peroxide or the vinegar will remain, and there is no need to worry about a small amount of either liquid remaining on vegetables, as both are natural substances and small amounts will not harm children or adults if ingested.
Do you need a clean, disinfected house, but worry about using harsh, expensive chemicals in your household because you have small children or elderly family members? Break out your set of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar-filled spray bottles, and start cleaning! Spray surfaces with both substances, and wipe with a clean water-dampened cloth to wash away bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins, Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli and even yeast deposits! Be sure to use both sprays, as the dual action is 10 times more effective that using either one alone. In studies, these two sprays used in a combined effort to sanitize heavily contaminated surfaces worked more effectively than chlorine bleach or any other commercial kitchen cleaner! Who says you have to pay more to get quality?

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Are you tired of paying for those expensive mouthwash products, but worried about periodontal disease and bad breath? Using hydrogen peroxide as an inexpensive gargle and mouthwash can help prevent gum disease and kill germs that cause bad breath! It has even been shown to help clear up periodontal disease that may already have taken hold in your mouth. Using this inexpensive product can save you hundreds in dental bills by helping your family avoid frequent visits to the dentist and even expensive surgeries! As an added bonus, using 3% hydrogen peroxide in this manner can also help to whiten teeth.
Do you need a replacement for your regular toothpaste? If so, mix baking soda with enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, and use this mixture instead of your regular toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used alone to brush teeth. In addition, you can have family members soak their toothbrushes in hydrogen peroxide to help kill germs and stop the spread of illnesses to other family members.
Replace your normal facial astringent with hydrogen peroxide to help clear up some cases of acne.

Hydrogen Peroxide Around the House

A solution of 1 ounce 3% hydrogen peroxide combined with 1 quart of water can be used to water plants in order to increase health. When used in this manner, it is always a good idea to use a small amount first to test plant sensitivity. It is also a good idea to mix the peroxide into the water, instead of mixing the water into the peroxide.
How can hydrogen peroxide save the life of your household pet? If your pet has accidentally ingested a poisonous substance, such as antifreeze, pills or poisonous plants, use a solution of equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water to cause vomiting. Do not try to dump this mixture down your pet's throat, as that you may inadvertently cause a case of inhalation pneumonia, but rather pull your pet's lower lip away from gums to form a small pouch and place the solution there. Use at least one tablespoon of the hydrogen peroxide/water mixture for every ten pounds of your pet's body weight. It may take up to two minutes for your pet to vomit after this mixture is used. Hydrogen peroxide is often the best solution in a case such as this, as oxygen and water are both harmless to your dog; syrup of ipecac should not be used, as it can be toxic to your pet. Be sure that your pet receives prompt professional follow-up care after poisoning has occurred.
And, as always, 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat minor wounds in place of expensive commercial products used for the same purpose. Why buy expensive products when hydrogen peroxide can take care of so many of your household needs? Add up the savings, compare that cheap 50 cent bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide with those expensive cleaners, with that high-priced bottle of mouthwash sitting in your medicine cupboard, and with that expensive facial astringent by the bathroom sink. Sure, they may have better flavor, or smell better, but why add unneeded expenses to your budget when you don't really have to? Turn to hydrogen peroxide instead!

It is important to remember that though hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring substance, ingesting large quantities of it is not recommended.

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