Hydrogen peroxide (in the brown bottle) is one of our favorite inexpensive, human-safe disinfectants and bleach alternatives.

But did you know you can also use it for some of the toughest stains like red wine, blood, and grass stains?

It’s true, 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used on most fabrics, carpets (light colored), and surfaces to remove stains without any harsh chemicals.

However, there are some caveats, so come along as we share how to use hydrogen peroxide as a safe and effective stain remover.

How Hydrogen Peroxide Works On Stains

Hydrogen peroxide is best known for its disinfectant* properties, making it a popular alternative to chlorine bleach and other harsh antibacterials.

We love using it in our signature natural disinfectant method to kill germs*.

*Note: We recommend this as a precautionary measure on frequently touched surfaces after always cleaning first with soap and water to remove germs.

It is essential to realize that just spraying any disinfectant (including hydrogen peroxide) on a surface has been shown to miss some germs and possibly contribute to the development of resistant germs, whereas using soap and water rinses the germs away. 

Also, there is a contact time for disinfectants that requires the solution to remain wet. Standard household 3% hydrogen peroxide requires one to ten minutes of dwell time to kill germs (hardy germs and viruses need a longer dwell time). 

Using hydrogen peroxide can provide peace of mind as a follow-up step to cleaning when someone in the household has a contagious infection. 

How does it work on stains?

As discussed in How To Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide: A Safer Alternative for Cleaning, Disinfecting, & More, hydrogen peroxide is made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms (H2O2).

The extra oxygen molecule causes it to oxidize, creating that bubbling action that breaks up, lifts, and lightens stains.

It is so gentle that it’s approved for use as a mouthwash, teeth whitener, and disinfectant in organic aquaculture.

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost contains a powdered form of peroxide known as sodium percarbonate, which is responsible for its legendary stain-removing and natural bleaching properties. 

The Dos And Don’ts Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Stains

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used safely on most types of stains, with a few exceptions:

Don’t Use On The Following Fabrics/Upholstery:

• Silk
  
• Wool
  
• Cashmere
  
• Colored fabrics (light-colored fabrics may be OK, but spot-test on an inconspicuous place first)
  
• Leather
  
• Suede
  
• Vintage fabrics
  

Don't Use On Finished And Unfinished Wood Surfaces

Unlike bleach, peroxide is non-corrosive and can generally be used on nearly any type of surface except finished and unfinished wood surfaces, such as butcher block or wood floors.

We do, however, use it on wood cutting boards and haven’t had a problem.

Don't Mix With These Stain Removers

Although peroxide is safe to use with some stain removers, like Branch Basics, it can create a toxic gas if combined with vinegar, bleach, or ammonia.

Do Work Quickly

The faster you get to the stain, the more effective the peroxide will be.

Do Test A Small Inconspicuous Area On Carpets First

Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe to use on light-colored carpets, but test first, as too much or excess dwell time could cause discoloration.

Do Affix A Trigger Sprayer For Easier Use

Affixing a trigger sprayer to hydrogen peroxide is one of our favorite hacks for easy use, safety, and extending shelf life.

Why keep hydrogen peroxide in its original bottle?

Although very safe and gentle, 3% hydrogen peroxide can cause eye irritation and should not be swallowed in excess. 

As mentioned previously, peroxide can also cause a deadly gas if mixed with other substances, including vinegar or bleach.

Finally, peroxide will break down in the presence of light, so keeping it in its original bottle is essential.

Do Use With Branch Basics

Branch Basics Concentrate, All-Purpose (made using Concentrate), and Oxygen Boost are our #1 go-tos for natural stain removal, and can get stains out of just about anything.

However, for really tough, set-in stains, we often use and recommend hydrogen peroxide as a final step to bleach away the last traces of a stain.

See Branch Basics Stainmaster Guide for more details.

Do Use Fresh Peroxide

Peroxide starts to lose effectiveness after about a year if stored properly (in its original bottle and away from heat, light, and humidity).

Older peroxide isn’t harmful, but it will not be as effective on stains.

Now that we’ve got the dos and don’ts covered, let’s get to work on some stains!

What Types Of Stains Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work On?

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or combined with other natural stain removers on most types of stains, including:

• Blood
  
• Red wine
  
• Grass stains
  
• Chocolate
  
• Juice
  
• Sweat stains
  
• Pet stains
  
• Coffee and tea stains
  
• Spit-up or vomit stains
  
• Most types of food stains

The only type of stain we don’t recommend peroxide for are oil and grease stains, which respond better to surfactants and absorbent powders.

Also, peroxide often works best as a final stain-remover step, such as combining peroxide with Branch Basics or your favorite, safe (and compatible, no vinegar!), natural stain remover. We’ll cover this more in the next section.

See How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes Naturally for more details.

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide On Stains Step-By-Step

Hydrogen peroxide can be used on almost any type of stain, alone or combined with other natural stain removers, such as Branch Basics, club soda, or the sun.

Here are general instructions for using it on clothes, surfaces, and carpets.

On Clothes: Hydrogen-Peroxide-Only Method

1. Remove solids and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or rag to remove as much residue as possible.
   
2. Spray or pour enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the stain.
   
3. Let dwell for 5–10 minutes.
   
4. Rinse with cold water.
   
5. If the stain persists, repeat or try using another method, like the one outlined below.
   
6. If the stain is gone or mostly gone, launder the garment as usual.
   

On Clothes: With Branch Basics All-Purpose, Laundry Dilution, Or Laundry Detergent

Method 1: Branch Basics All-Purpose + Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Remove solids and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or rag to remove as much residue as possible.
   
2. Spray Branch Basics All-Purpose directly on the stain and agitate by rubbing fabric together or with a soft brush, cloth, or sponge.
   
3. Rinse with cold water.
   
4. Finish off the stain by spraying or pouring hydrogen peroxide directly on it and letting it dwell 10-15 minutes.
   
5. If the stain is gone or mostly gone, launder the garment as usual.
   
6. If the stain persists, repeat the process.

Method 2: Branch Basics Laundry Dilution + Peroxide

1. Remove solids and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or rag to remove as much residue as possible.
   
2. Pour a small amount of Branch Basics Laundry dilution directly on the stain and agitate by rubbing fabric together or with a soft brush, cloth, or sponge until the stain is mostly gone.
   
3. Rinse with cold water.
   
4. Remove the rest of the stain by applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly and letting it dwell for 10-15 minutes.
   
5. If the stain is gone or mostly gone, launder as usual.
   
6. If the stain persists, repeat the process.
   

Method 3: Branch Basics Laundry Detergent + Peroxide 

1. Remove solids and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or rag to remove as much residue as possible.
   
2. Sprinkle Branch Basics Laundry Detergent directly onto the stain and spritz with Branch Basics All-Purpose to wet.
   
3. Agitate and let sit for 5-10 minutes, but do not allow the laundry detergent powder to dry onto the fabric.
   
4. Rinse with cold water
   
5. Apply peroxide to finish off the stain and let dwell 5-10 minutes.
   
6. Launder as usual.

Related reading: How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide]

On Surface Stains

1. Wipe the area clean using Branch Basics All-Purpose, or your favorite human-safe all-purpose cleaner.
   
   1. Note: If you use vinegar on surfaces, that’s fine. Just be sure to wipe it off completely before applying hydrogen peroxide.
      
2. Apply peroxide directly to the stain and let dwell 10-30 minutes.
   
3. Wipe clean, and repeat until the stain is gone.

A bonus: hydrogen peroxide disinfects surfaces!

On Carpet

1. Remove debris and blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth.
   
2. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain.
   
3. Let dwell 10-15 minutes, allowing sufficient time for it to break down the stain.
   
4. Gently blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts, applying more peroxide as needed.
   
5. Rinse with a small amount of water and blot dry.

Related reading: Our 5 Go-To Natural Stain Removers For Carpets

On Shower Curtain Liners To Remove Mold And Mildew

As discussed in How To Clean A Shower Curtain Liner Without Chemicals, it is not always possible to remove set-in mold and mildew from shower curtain liners.

However, peroxide is effective against mold and mildew and can work if the stain hasn’t set in for too long.

1. Remove as much of the mold and mildew as possible using Branch Basics All-Purpose and a stiff-bristle brush
   
2. Rinse.
   
3. Spray or apply a liberal amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain, or soak the curtain in a bowl of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
   
4. Let dwell for several hours.
   
5. Rinse clean.
   

How To Use Powdered Peroxide (Oxygen Boost) On Stains

Sodium percarbonate, one of two mineral-based ingredients in Branch Basics Oxygen Boost, is another highly effective form of peroxide for stain removal.

Oxygen Boost combines sodium percarbonate (powdered peroxide) with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), giving it extra whitening, brightening, deodorizing, and stain-fighting power.

How To Use Oxygen Boost On Stains:

• As a convenient soak (colors and whites)
  
• Directly on light-colored fabrics with All-Purpose (whites and light-colored clothes)
  
• In the washing machine as a laundry booster (colors and whites)
  
• Diluted with water to use on carpet stains (light-colored carpets)

Oxygen Boost is MADE Safe certified, EWG-Verified, human-safe, pet-safe, 100% mineral-based, and biodegradable.

As with all powdered products, take care not to inhale.

Get all the details in: 

• How To Use Branch Basics Oxygen Boost [Complete Guide]
  
• The Power Of Sodium Percarbonate For Laundry
  

Looking For More Natural Stain Remover Tips?

So many have been led to believe we need harsh chemicals and expensive stain removers to remove stains.

As you can see, this is not the case! For under $1.00 in many cases, you can buy a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and use it on even the toughest stains.

At Branch Basics, our mission is to empower you with information and tools like this to make creating a healthy home easy.

Our product line was created with ease in mind. Just one MADE Safe Certified, cruelty-free, plant- and mineral-based Concentrate makes enough All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Wash, and (optional) Laundry solution to clean your entire home.

And it costs less than you think.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can make with just one bottle of Branch Basics Concentrate in our refillable bottles:

• 3 Foaming Wash Refills @ $3.09 each
• 3 All-Purpose Refills @ $3.09 each
• 3 Bathroom Refills @ $6.18 each
• 3 Streak-Free Refills @ $0.49 each
• 1 Laundry Refill (64 loads of laundry) @ $0.26 per load

Simple, economical, effective, safe, environmentally-responsible, and natural—that’s what you get with Branch Basics.

Shop Branch Basics Starter Kits.

For more natural stain remover tips, check out the following articles:

• The Top 7+ Natural & Reliable Laundry Stain Removers
  
• How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide]
  
• Natural Stain Remover Rescue! How To Remove 7 Of The Toughest Stains Naturally
  
• How To Remove Sweat And Armpit Stains [Complete Guide]
  
• Human-Safe Laundry Stripping With Branch Basics