How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide As a Safer Alternative for Cleaning, Disinfecting, Laundry, & More

Hydrogen peroxide, also known as non-chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach (in the case of powdered peroxide), may not seem like a natural, non-synthetic substance for cleaning.

Yet, if you’ve been following our content, you’ve probably noticed we regularly recommend hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, disinfecting, laundry, mold and mildew removal, and as a bleach alternative.

So, is hydrogen peroxide natural or is it a synthetic chemical?

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about why we recommend hydrogen peroxide as a clean and safe cleaner and disinfectant, what it's made of, and how to use it to create a healthier home.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Natural or Chemical (the answer may surprise you)

Much of the confusion surrounding the safety of hydrogen peroxide stems from the fact it is both a chemical and a natural substance.

How does that work?

Hydrogen peroxide is made from two elements: two hydrogens and two oxygen (H2O2) molecules, and breaks down as such in our bodies and the environment. 

Our bodies also make hydrogen peroxide, which is typically broken down by specific enzymes that decrease as we age. 

Did you know gray hair, for example, is partially the result of hydrogen peroxide build-up in hair follicles due to decreased enzymatic activity due to age?

Thus, it is considered a natural substance.

However, hydrogen and oxygen are also considered chemical substances, so it is also a chemical.

Water is similar. It’s made up of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule (H2O) and is also a natural substance.

For this reason, hydrogen peroxide is approved for oral use in toothpaste for teeth whitening systems and topically as a disinfectant. 

Hydrogen peroxide has even been used historically to treat various health conditions, and its use is still employed in certain medical and alternative health therapies.

Insofar as environmental safety is concerned, hydrogen peroxide is considered a human-safe and environmentally-friendly substance because it breaks into hydrogen and water.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning, Disinfecting, Laundry, and More

There are two types of hydrogen peroxide available to consumers for cleaning, disinfecting, and laundry:

1: 3% Hydrogen peroxide: This is what you find in the brown bottle at your local pharmacy, grocery store, or big box store. 

It is liquid and works excellent for cleaning surfaces, as a bleach alternative, and disinfecting. Dentists may also recommend it for at-home teeth whitening or as an oral rinse.

2: Powdered peroxide, also known as Sodium Percarbonate, Washing Soda, or Oxygen Bleach

This powdered version of peroxide is one of two ingredients in our best-selling Oxygen Boost and new Dishwasher Tablets.

It’s an incredible laundry booster, bleach alternative, and stain remover. 

Sodium percarbonate has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-algae, anti-mold, and deodorizing properties and is rated 1-2 for “low toxicity” on the Environmental Working Group database.

It can also be used as a disinfectant. It’s actually the only disinfectant allowed in organic aquaculture production due to its safe & eco-friendly nature.

However, since it requires warm or hot water to activate its disinfectant properties, we recommend 3% hydrogen peroxide for surface disinfecting.

Higher concentrations of peroxide and food-grade peroxide are available, but these aren’t typically recommended or necessary for at-home cleaning and laundry purposes.

10 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Laundry At Home

There are so many ways to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, disinfecting, laundry, and more.

We like to affix a trigger sprayer directly to our hydrogen peroxide bottles for ease of use. 

We also like buying it in bulk at price clubs (although any type of 3% hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive).

Note: 3% hydrogen peroxide is already diluted—it’s 97% water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Therefore there’s no need to dilute when cleaning.

Here are ten ways to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning, disinfecting, laundry, and more.

1: Use Peroxide As a Safer and More Natural Disinfectant

The extra oxygen molecule in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) allows it to oxidize and kill germs, making it an excellent disinfectant for surfaces, sinks, tubs, and more. 

Yes! You absolutely can disinfect without the use of harmful chemicals or chlorine bleach.

In fact, a 2018 study revealed 3% hydrogen peroxide was more effective at killing certain germs and viruses than mainstream Quat-containing disinfectants (Quats are a highly toxic chemical used in disinfectants).(source 2)

As discussed in previous articles, we always recommend removing germs with soap and water. 

However, there is a time and a place for sanitizing and disinfecting with a safe option like hydrogen peroxide, if there is a desire to use a disinfectant after the germs have been removed. For example:

• For cleaning toilets
• If someone is ill
• You have a new baby or a severely immune-compromised person in the house
• You’re working with raw meat
• Your pet has an accident
• You suspect harmful bacteria or pathogens have contaminated a surface
• For toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, tweezers, etc.

In this case, we recommend the following natural disinfecting procedures:

1. Clean the surface or object to remove germs with Branch Basics or another human-safe and eco-friendly cleaner.
2. Spray a few sprays of hydrogen peroxide on the surface, and let dwell for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wipe thoroughly.

You can use hydrogen peroxide alone or combined with vinegar (used and stored in separate bottles) for ultra-disinfecting power.

Here’s how to use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar safely to sanitize and disinfect.

1. Clean the surface or object with Branch Basics or another natural cleaner.
2. Spray a few sprays of vinegar or peroxide on the surface, and let the one product dwell for 5-10 minutes. Do not use them simultaneously, as this could create harmful fumes. 
3. Wipe thoroughly. 
4. Spray the other product on the same surface. Let dwell and wipe thoroughly. 

Again, these products are only to be used separately (spray one first, wipe, then spray the other) and stored in separate bottles.

Vinegar contains natural acetic acid, which will react with peroxide to form toxic fumes. 

You will avoid this by using them separately and storing them in separate bottles.

Learn more in: 7 Effective and Natural Alternatives to Quat-Containing Disinfectants.

2: Use Peroxide For Stain Removal

If you wear clothes, you need to know about peroxide as a non-toxic stain remover.

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used directly on light-colored clothing to remove a variety of stains (always do a patch test in an inconspicuous place first), including:

• Nail polish
• Chocolate
• Pet stains
• And nearly any type of food or drink stains

Peroxide also works on many types of hard surface stains (such as countertops, but check to ensure compatibility with the manufacturer first), some types of flooring, such as tile or LVP, and carpets.

The powdered peroxide/sodium percarbonate found in Oxygen Boost is also an incredible soaking aid for stains.

To use:

• Fill a basin or bowl with warm to hot water.
• Add a scoop of Oxygen Boost and let it dissolve.
• Soak the garment for 30 minutes to several hours to loosen the stain.
• Launder as usual using Branch Basics Laundry or your favorite natural Laundry Soap or Detergent.

This is a secret weapon among busy parents for blow-outs, baby food stains, etc.

Note: Sodium percarbonate, aka oxygen bleach, has a bleaching action on clothes and fabrics. 

Although it is typically safe to use on colored clothing, we recommend doing a patch test first to avoid fading.

Sodium percarbonate is not recommended for use on wool or silks.

3: Try Peroxide for Cleaning Grout and Tile

3% peroxide combined with baking soda or powdered peroxide/Oxygen Boost mixed with warm water or Branch Basics All-Purpose to form a paste, can be used to whiten grout and clean tile.

Learn how in:

• 5 Best Bathroom Cleaners Without Toxic Bleach
• How To Clean Tile Floor Naturally

4: Use Powdered Peroxide/Oxygen Boost as a Laundry Booster

Powdered peroxide/sodium percarbonate built its reputation as a laundry booster and oxygen bleach.

Unfortunately, mainstream oxygen bleaches also contain a toxic soup of harmful chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting fragrance, phthalates, and synthetic surfactants.

Instead, reach for mineral-based oxygen bleach/sodium percarbonate products, like Branch Basics Oxygen Boost.

To use, just add 1 scoop of Oxygen Boost to your washer along with Branch Basics Laundry or your favorite safe and natural laundry soap for brighter, whiter, and ultra-clean clothes, sheets, towels, etc.

5: Try 3% Hydrogen Peroxide or Oxygen Boost /Powdered Peroxide for Cleaning and Disinfecting Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are one of those things that may require disinfecting. Especially if you’re working with raw meat, fish, seafood, or any food that may harbor harmful bacteria.

Peroxide's safety record (and use in oral care products) makes the perfect disinfectant for use around food.

Here are 3 ways to use peroxide to disinfect cutting boards:

Always clean the cutting board using warm soapy water or Branch Basics All-Purpose first to remove germs.

 

For more tips, see: How To Clean and Disinfect A Wood Cutting Board.

6: Use 3% and Powdered Peroxide On Ovens, Stovetops, Countertops, & More

As we just mentioned, peroxide is an ideal cleaner, sanitizer, and disinfectant to use in the kitchen. After all, who wants harmful cleaning chemicals sprayed around their food?!

Here are a few ways to use peroxide in the kitchen:

Oven cleaning: Step aside fume-free and fume-full chemical oven cleaners and make room for Branch Basics All-Purpose + Oxygen Boost. Get the full tutorial in: How To Clean Ovens & Stovetops Naturally. 

Note: Self-cleaning ovens may have special instructions. Therefore, check with the manufacturer to ensure the oven surface is compatible with Oxygen Boost, which contains sodium percarbonate and baking soda.

Disinfecting sinks and countertops: Most countertops and sinks can be disinfected using 3% hydrogen peroxide. Always check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

Stovetop cleaning: Combine Oxygen Boost with Branch Basics All-Purpose for scratch-free scouring of messy stovetops. See How To Clean Ovens & Stovetops Naturally for detailed instructions.

Burnt Pots and Pans: Oxygen Boost + All-Purpose work like magic on burned pots and pans or those with burnt-on food. Learn how in: How To Clean Pots And Pans With Branch Basics.

For more kitchen cleaning tips, check out: Best Eco-Friendly & Natural Kitchen Cleaning Tips for 2023.

7: How to Use Peroxide for Mold and Mildew Removal

Did you know that the EPA and OSHA do not recommend chlorine bleach for mold and mildew removal?

leach only kills surface mold, introduces water to the area which feeds subsurface mold, and researchers are reporting that bleach creates mutant super molds just as resistant superbugs are created when germs are treated with disinfectants  

So, what do they recommend? You guessed it, cleaning and removal of molds with soap and water! Then, if desired hydrogen peroxide!

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used “neat” to kill small mold patches or mildew on surfaces, walls, etc. 

Just apply, let sit until it's dried, wipe, and repeat (while wearing a mask and using gloves). It may take more than one application to work.

We highly recommend leaving larger mold remediation jobs to the experts to prevent serious illness.

Powdered peroxide, aka sodium percarbonate, also has natural antifungal and anti-mold properties. 

This makes it ideal for removing mold and mildew on hard non-porous materials like tile and grout. 

Learn how in: How To Remove Mold From Shower Grout Naturally.

8: Use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide as a Laundry Bleach Alternative

If you can find unscented non-chlorine bleach in the store, it’s likely made of hydrogen peroxide.

If not, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide in place of bleach in your washer. 

Add half to 1 cup to your load and launder as usual.

9: Destain Dingy Blenders With Oxygen Boost

We were so excited when we discovered the power of powdered peroxide in Oxygen Boost to destain and revitalize our high-powered blenders.

And it’s so easy! Here’s how:

1. Fill your blender with warm or hot water.
2. Add a scoop of Oxygen Boost.
3. Let sit overnight or all day.
4. Dump out the liquid, scrub lightly, and you’ll have a like-new blender for all your green-smoothie needs.

10: Try Peroxide as a Glass Cleaner

3% hydrogen peroxide can be sprayed directly on glass to remove dirt, grime, and smudges.

How To Store & Dispose Of Peroxide

3% hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a dark-colored bottle out of direct heat and sunlight to prevent degradation.

Sodium percarbonate should be stored in a sealed container, at room temperature, and out of the reach of children and pets. Since it is in powder form, always be careful not to inhale or aspirate the particulates.

Since both types of peroxide are human-safe and biodegradable, they can generally be disposed of in the trash, but check with local regulations to be sure.

Hydrogen Peroxide FAQs

Now that you have the basics of cleaning with peroxide and powdered peroxide/sodium percarbonate, we’ll answer some FAQs.

Q: Can I Use Peroxide On Colored Fabrics Without Causing Discoloration?

A: Yes and no.

Since peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, it may discolor your clothes if left too long or used undiluted or in high concentrations.

However, powdered peroxide/sodium percarbonate/Oxygen Boost can safely be used on colored clothing with minor (if any) discoloration, even overnight when diluted and soaked, such as in a pre-treatment bath or when used as a laundry booster.

3% peroxide may be appropriate for light-colored clothes when used instead of bleach.

We recommend doing a small patch test to see how your clothing reacts.

Also, never use sodium percarbonate on silks or wools.

Q: Are Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Percarbonate Safe To Use Around Children And Pets?

A: Generally, it is okay to clean with hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate if your pets or children are nearby.

However, since both can cause skin, eye, or lung irritation and must not be ingested, any peroxide-containing product should be kept out of reach of children. 

We also recommend using gloves if the cleaning application involves touching sodium percarbonate. 

Most people can touch 3% hydrogen peroxide while cleaning without an issue. However, if you have sensitive skin or any doubts, wear gloves.

Q: Can I Use Peroxide To Clean Produce?

A: This is a great question. Three percent food-grade peroxide can be used as a non-toxic fruit and vegetable treatment to remove viruses and parasites from store bought produce to be used raw, as in salads.

To use:

1. Fill a sink with cold water and ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide.
2. Soak produce for 5 - 20 minutes. 

There is no reason to do a hydrogen peroxide soak on fruits and vegetables that will be cooked. 

Another option for cleaning store-bought produce is with a natural soap, like Branch Basics All-Purpose, which will remove the harmful bacteria and germs without over-sanitizing the fruit or vegetable.

If you have your own garden, then just quickly rinse produce as fresh foods, especially those grown in healthy soils, are teeming with many beneficial microbes that promote microbiome health.

A pure water rinse is usually sufficient for homegrown foods grown without pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.

Many experts believe the digestive and immune issues plaguing modern humanity are at least partly due to our ultra-sterile diets.

Q: Are There Surfaces Or Materials That Should Not Be Cleaned With Hydrogen Peroxide or Sodium Percarbonate?

A: All peroxide is non-corrosive; therefore, it can generally be used on nearly any type of indoor or outdoor surface except finished and unfinished wood surfaces. 

Do not use on hardwood floors, and always check with the manufacturer before using it on countertops, carpets, etc.

Q: Does Peroxide Expire?

A: 3% hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate will begin decomposing after one year. 

This doesn’t mean it won’t work or is dangerous to use; rather, it may lose some effectiveness.

You can extend its life by keeping it at room temperature and away from direct heat and sunlight.

Experience The Cleaning Power of Peroxide With Branch Basics

We’ve included many links in this article containing more information on how to use peroxide and powdered peroxide to clean and disinfect your home and laundry.

If you’re interested in trying powdered peroxide/sodium percarbonate, you can find it combined with baking soda in our best-selling Oxygen Boost.

Oxygen Boost comes with most Branch Basics Starter Kits (available in plastic or glass), including our Laundry Kit (glass option here), or as a stand-alone product.

Once you test it out, you will not want to be without it for laundry, stain removal, house cleaning, and more.

For more safe, eco-friendly, and natural cleaning and lifestyle tips, check out our blog, podcast, and Toss The Toxins Online Course.