The demand for green cleaning products in Australia is on the rise as consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact on their lives and the planet. Excessive use of harmful cleaning chemicals like ammonia, bleach, etc., can deteriorate your health and the environment.
Studies show that air and water pollution causes respiratory problems in 20% of the population, while 30 per cent of waterways face serious contamination from cleaning chemicals. That's one of the reasons why households prefer white vinegar, baking soda and other non-toxic cleaners over traditional ones. One of them is hydrogen peroxide.
Earlier used to clean and disinfect wounds and scrapes, this magical chemical-free product is versatile, effective, and has tones of cleaning benefits. It is a colourless, clear liquid with powerful oxidising properties. It works wonders in maintaining a green and clean home.
Here is a practical guide on using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning around the home. As it is highly reactive, make sure you wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation.
Let’s Get Started!
1. De-grease Kitchen Surfaces
Whether it’s your filthy baking tray or a grease-laden stovetop, hydrogen peroxide is a perfect natural cleaning agent to achieve sparkling results. Seasoned end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts recommends mixing 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together to form a thick paste. Now, apply it on the racks of your oven or stovetop surface and let it sit for half an hour.
The duo will break down gunk, burnt food particles, and grease and make scrubbing super easy. Use a gentle brush or sponge to scrub off the grease from surfaces. Rinse and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. This will restore the shine of your oven, microwave, cookware, dishes, pots, stovetop, and other kitchen surfaces.
2. Kill Lingering Germs From Your Refrigerator
Many believe that white vinegar is effective in removing stubborn stains from kitchen appliances like refrigerators, but few know that hydrogen peroxide can do wonders by restoring the shine of your appliances. It can banish fungus, grime, and other lethal microbes from your fridge in no time.
Dampen a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and wipe it down inside the walls, shelves and racks after eliminating stains and grime. Do not forget the door handle, seal and gaskets to prevent foodborne illnesses.
3. Refresh Your Dirty Kitchen Sponges
Are you wiping dishes and then removing oil spots from walls with the same cloth or sponge? This is called cross-contamination, which can harbour lethal germs, leading to serious health concerns. It is important to clean and disinfect the kitchen sponge after each use. Instead of using strong disinfectants, add 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide and warm water to a bowl and soak your sponge for an hour. This will kill lingering germs. Next, rinse it with plain water and dry the sponge before you re-use it for cleaning.
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Sterile Your Bedding
According to microbiologists, leaving pillowcases dirty for a week can harbour 3 million bacteria per square inch. This is 18,000 times more than the germs on a toilet seat. Moreover, dust mites and other lingering germs can lead to various health concerns, such as hay fever, respiratory disorders, skin allergies, etc.
Washing your pillowcases, bed sheets, and other linens in a bathtub is good. Mix water, dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide and soak dirty bedding for two hours. This will kill germs and bacteria effectively.
5. Kill Mould and Mildew
Mould grows on dark, humid, and moist surfaces like bathroom walls, kitchen surfaces, and basement ceilings. These nasty spores can pollute the indoor air quality and even trigger allergies or pre-existing asthma symptoms.
Whether it's on ceiling fans, carpets or bathroom tiles, hydrogen peroxide is the most effective natural cleaning solution for effective results. Many experts use this method when performing a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne at the end of a tenancy. All you need to do is to spray 3 % hydrogen peroxide onto the affected area and leave it for a few minutes. The oxidising properties kill mould and mildew and make your work a lot easier. Use a non-bristled brush or a sponge to gently scrub the area. Rinse, wipe and dry using a lint-free cloth to prevent re-growth.
Tip: Open doors and windows for proper ventilation when tackling mould and mildew spores.
6. Clean Dull & Dingy Grout Lines
The Grout lines of your bathroom tiles are among the hard-to-reach places in your home. The lines are often laden with soap scum, mineral deposits and grime that can make them look dull and dirty. Unfortunately, using harsh products or abrasive products can cause damage to the grout lines. So, dip a soft-bristled brush in the hydrogen peroxide paste and gently scrub the lines. Ensure you rinse and wipe the surface for sparkling results.
7. Remove Brown Stains From a Toilet Bowl
There is no denying that vinegar and baking soda are the two most effective natural cleaners for a toilet bowl. Both can help remove stains and grime from the surface. Another in the row is hydrogen peroxide. It can effectively remove brown stains and kill germs. Use it with dishwashing soap and pour it down the bowl. Next, scrub with a toilet brush and flush for a clean, refreshing, and shiny toilet.
8. Tackle Carpet and Upholstery Stains
This magical eco-friendly cleaning solution effectively removes stubborn stains from carpets and couches, including ink, beverages, oil, and pet stains. However, it is good to read the care label and test the solution on a hidden spot before using it on a larger area. For an added shine, you can steam clean your floor coverings and upholstery to promote a healthy indoor environment. This will also help you pass rental inspection without any conflict or dispute.
Tip: Professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne recommend using the blotting technique to prevent further damage or discolouration.
Cleaning Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Home
Wrapping Up
Cleaning a home with hydrogen peroxide has myriad benefits. It promotes eco-friendly cleaning practices, reduces chemical exposure to the air, protects kids and pets, and creates a spotless and harmonious indoor environment. It is a great cleaning agent and disinfectant for people seeking green cleaning products.