It’s spring cleaning season; a time to throw open the windows, dust off the HVAC systems cobwebs, and breathe new life into your home. But if you’re reaching for chemical and fragrance-filled cleaners to get the job done, you could be doing more harm than good.
Instead, look to healthier alternatives – ones that you probably already have on hand, like hydrogen peroxide. That’s right, this inexpensive brown bottle sitting in your medicine cabinet is loaded with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and bleaching properties that make it an ideal solution for cleaning and disinfecting various areas of your home. Here are 8 uncommon uses for this household staple.
Clean tile and grout.
In a sealable container, mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with ½ cup of baking soda and add one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Close the lid securely and shake well until the mixture is fully combined. Wearing protective gloves, apply the mixture to dirty tile and grout. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then rinse clean with water. For stubborn stains, scrub with a soft-bristle brush before rinsing.
Freshen mattresses.
After you strip all bedding, vacuum the mattress. Then, add one-part water and one-part hydrogen peroxide to a small bowl. Work the solution in to any stains using a clean, soft-bristle brush. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and air dry before putting linens back on.
Clean and disinfect toilets.
Pour a half cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then use a toilet brush to remove any leftover stains or discoloration. Pour or spritz hydrogen peroxide on the toilet brush and let air dry before placing it in the holder.
Polish windows and mirrors.
If you’re tired of store-bought glass cleaners leaving streaks behind, try hydrogen peroxide instead. Simply fill a clean spray bottle with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and spray it onto your mirrors, windows, or other glass surfaces. Wipe away with a paper towel or lint-free microfiber cloth.
Clean plastic toys.
Children’s toys can become riddled with germs and bacteria. Spray larger individual toys with undiluted hydrogen peroxide, or fill a large container with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water and soak multiple smaller toys at once.
Clean the dishwasher.
Remove build-up and bacteria from your dishwasher with hydrogen peroxide. Start by emptying the dishwasher of all dishes and remove any large pieces of food or debris. Pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. To boost your dishwasher’s disinfecting power, add a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide every time you run the appliance.
Sanitize your refrigerator.
Remove all items from the fridge, tossing anything that’s expired. Clean all surfaces with warm, soapy water, then wipe away excess moisture with a clean cloth. Spray the interior with hydrogen peroxide to kill any lingering bacteria. Let it sit for several minutes then wipe with plain water.
Rid the humidifier and dehumidifier of bacteria. Fill the humidifier with one-part hydrogen peroxide and four-parts water, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse out with cold water. Do this at least once a month to keep mold and bacteria at bay.
Does your home feel sticky in the summer and dry in the winter? It’s a common problem in homes with older HVAC systems. Stop putting up with it and contact Anthony’s today to put those woes behind you. Whether you’re dealing with too much or too little humidity, we have just the right humidity control solution and HVAC systems to help you feel more comfortable no matter the season.
