July 24, 2014
Bleach Alternative: Green Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide
Bleach is a home cleaning agent that many individuals around the world have in their homes. While this product is very handy when it comes to disinfecting and cleaning, it isn’t environmentally friendly or safe to use. Not only can skin contact with the product result in irritation and burns, but when it reacts with other elements, bleach can form toxic byproducts like furans, dioxins, and organchlorines.
One of the most useful alternatives to bleach is hydrogen peroxide. This product is made of water that simply has an extra oxygen molecule, also known as H202. H202 is created with both plant and animals cells and is found naturally in the environment when sunlight acts on water.
Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased very inexpensively at almost any store. When buying it, however, make sure to choose the 3% solution. This solution means the peroxide has been diluted so it is safe to use for almost any application. If you do happen to purchase the 35% solution, dilute it yourself with distilled water.
Using Peroxide for Home Cleaning
When using hydrogen peroxide for home cleaning, keep these tips in mind.
- Always test the area first, no matter what surface you will be using the peroxide on. Choose a small, less visible area and apply the peroxide with a cotton pad or ball. If the surface or fabric begins to become discolored, run water over it to prevent the discoloration from continuing.
- Apply 3% to a rag and use it to clean counter tops and cutting boards. This can help kill bacteria like salmonella.
- Fill a spray bottle with peroxide and top it off with water. Keep this bottle in the bathroom to use as a toilet disinfectant and cleaner. This is a useful home cleaning method if you have a blackwater, greywater, or septic treatment system, as the peroxide will dilute in the flush water and won’t hurt the treatment area bacteria.
- Keep your peroxide out of the sunlight, as the heat can quickly break it back down into water and oxygen. Store it in a dark bottle and keep in it a cool place out of the reach of children.
- Want to kill bacteria like E. Coli on your fruits and vegetables? Fill your sink with water and then add ¼ cup of peroxide to it. Immerse the fruits and vegetables, rinse them off in cold water, and drain. This will keep you safe and your vegetables will last longer.
- When doing a load of wash, avoid the bleach. If you’re washing whites, add a cup of hydrogen peroxide instead.
Hydrogen peroxide can be an effective green alternative to bleach, but only at certain concentrations. Keep in mind that any solution above 3% can be hazardous to your health. In fact, it can cause damage to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Be mindful what solution of peroxide you use for home cleaning so you don’t end up replacing one chemical with another.
Tired of cleaning everything in your home yourself? Take a break and let Greenapple House Cleaning do it for you. Our green home cleaning solutions will ensure your house is spic and span and also safe.
