A Powerful (and Affordable) Stain Remover
You might think to reach for baking soda and vinegar, but as it turns out, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best stain removers for protein- and plant-based blemishes. A bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide costs under $5 and can be used to treat all kinds of pesky stains, including blood, sweat, urine, vomit, tea, grass, and tomato sauce.
Peroxide can also erase stubborn stains from wine and coffee, and it even works on mold, mildew, and mineral deposits (including the unsightly ring that always forms in your toilet bowl), so you can replace expensive bathroom cleaners with it.
In addition to its stain-removing capabilities, hydrogen peroxide is deodorizing. Use it to remove the B.O. stench from athletic gear, treat musty-smelling towels, or get odors out of pet bedding.
Hydrogen Peroxide Tips and Tricks
Keep in mind that 3% hydrogen peroxide is a mild oxidizer, so you should always use it with caution. By stealing electrons from other molecules, hydrogen peroxide deftly destroys viruses and bacteria, but it also breaks down dye pigments. This causes certain fabrics treated with the chemical to fade or change color. It should therefore not be used on colorful or delicate fabrics (silk and wool particularly), leather, wood finishes, natural stone, grout, or metal. However, durable, dye-stable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and synthetic blends tend to hold up well to the treatment.
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Before applying hydrogen peroxide to a stain, conduct a 15-minute spot test on a hidden area of the fabric or surface. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s OK to proceed, spray or dab 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the stain, wait five to 10 minutes, then rinse the item in cold water before laundering as usual.
While you can safely mix hydrogen peroxide with dish soap and baking soda to concoct a powerful DIY stain remover, combining it with vinegar creates peracetic acid, which can cause serious health issues and even result in fire or explosion. Similarly, you should never mix it with bleach or ammonia; the former causes a dangerous chemical reaction, while the latter produces toxic fumes.
