A post last week for an all-purpose cleaner recipe that uses hydrogen peroxide as a key ingredient seems to have left a few questions about safety and how to use this solution. So here are a few facts drawn from the medical safety data sheet and other sources.

• The regular variety 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is ideal for household use, and should be available at your drugstore. Stronger commercial grade concentrations can be dangerous.


• Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a dark container in a cool place. Exposure to light, air, and heat cause it to break down rapidly into water and oxygen. So if you plan to use hydrogen peroxide as a household cleaner, use it as quickly as possible.


• Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that can be used to kill bacteria, mold, and even salmonella. It is also a bleaching agent, so if you are using it on wood of fabric make sure to try a test area first.


• Contact with eyes, or ingesting large amounts may cause irritation. Both exposures can be treated with water. There are no known adverse health effects caused by long-term exposure to hydrogen peroxide.


• At low concentrations, 3% or less, hydrogen peroxide is safe for humans and animals. But obviously, common sense should prevail.

For more information see the Hydrogen Peroxide Medical Safety Data Sheet.

Related Posts on Re-Nest:

• What Strength of Hydrogen Peroxide Should I Use?
• An Excellent Homemade 3-Ingredient All-Purpose Cleaner
• How To Whiten Laundry Without Chlorine Bleach
• Is Hydrogen Peroxide Bad for the Environment?

(Image: Emily Ho)