Vicks VapoRub Hacks Will Have You Running To The Medicine Cabinet
If you open your medicine cabinet right now, chances are fairly high that you have a jar of Vicks VapoRub sitting on the shelf. After all, you only use a little bit during flu season so you usually have most of a jar left by the time the next winter rolls around.
We're happy to tell you that the mentholated ointment doesn't have to sit in your cabinet for another year. There are many more uses for the menthol serum than you might have known about. Learn why you should even rub it on your feet at night.
Cover Up Bad Smells
If you're a busy bee without a lot of time to spend cleaning, then you know that funky smells inevitably pop up from time to time. It could be smelly shoes, a baby's diaper, or even a carpet that has seen better and cleaner days.
Even though there aren't enough hours in the day to complete every chore, that doesn't mean you should have to live with the smell. Apply a bit of Vicks under your nose and you'll be smelling the sweet scent of menthol and eucalyptus all day long!
It Can Be Neosporin Replacement For Scratches And Scrapes
If you're not prone to falling and scratching yourself on random things, it's likely that you don't own Neosporin ointment. Have no fear! If you accidentally trip, fall, and need to clean the resulting cut, use some VapoRub as a replacement.
Spread a thin layer around the wound to speed up the healing process. The serum will also help protect against germs and bacteria. Be sure not to put it on any open wound, though!
Help Ease Headaches
Have you ever been in class, at work, or even hanging out at home when a random burst of pain explodes in your brain? Yeah, it's not fun, and there is only so much that can be done when a migraine comes on. Sitting in a dark room with no sound tends to be a go-to for people.
If you want to be among the living and not out of commission for the rest of the day, some migraine sufferers swear by the natural aromas of Vicks to ease the pain. Just dab a bit on each of your temples and, hopefully, you'll feel better!
Bugs Be Gone!
Forget all of that sticky spray that seems to do everything but keep bugs away. All you need is a jar of Vicks VapoRub and poof, no more bugs. The reason bugs hate the scent of the serum is because of one of its main ingredients, eucalyptus.
The best part is that you don't have to put it all over your body. A few tiny dabs behind each ear will do the trick! No more spraying harsh chemicals that you're going to inhale. Just run to the nearest CVS for some VapoRub before hiking and you're good to go!
Don't Worry If You Can't Find ChapStick
Chapped lips are never ideal. The sensation is even worse when you can't find any lip balm lying around the house or in any of your bags. But there is an at-home remedy that will make you stop licking your lips! Because let's be honest, that only makes matters worse.
Vicks VapoRub is a great replacement for that missing ChapStick. The ointment will alleviate some of the stinging pain while moisturizing and softening your lips!
Keep Your Pet From Doing Their Business Inside
If you're a dog owner, then you know that these furry companions like to mark their territory and do their business in the same place. Unfortunately, when you first get a dog, that place is usually inside.
The solution? Put some VapoRub on your pooch's regular spot to skew their sense of smell. The ointment will mask any familiar scents, hopefully, making it easier for you to train them to use the bathroom outside.
Make Door Hinges Sound Like New
Squeaky door hinges are not a fun addition to a home. And if you're out of oil, then the situation isn't going to be resolved until you go to the hardware store. Thankfully, you can use Vicks VapoRub as an emergency replacement.
Just rub some of the ointment on the door hinge and you'll be opening and closing a door that sounds like it was just installed -- completely and utterly silent!
Get Rid Of Unsightly Warts
There's no need to go to a dermatologist if you have an unsightly wart. At least, not if you have Vicks VapoRub in the cabinet! The ointment has healing properties that cause warts to disappear within a few weeks.
Apple a decent amount of VapoRub to the wart and cover the spot in gauze so it doesn't get everywhere. Repeat this process twice a day for two weeks and magically see your blemish vanish.
Try Using Vicks To Relieve Earaches
Earaches can be very annoying and make your concentration non-existent. But before heading over to see your doctor, try using a bit of VapoRub to relieve your ears.
All you have to do is put a bit of the serum on two cotton balls and stick the balls in each ear for a few hours, several times a day. The VapoRub should help reduce the pain and it can also reduce the risk of a possible infection.
Save The Couch From Your Cat's Claw Marks
We're going to give your cat another reason to plot your downfall: apply VapoRub to save your furniture. Even though there is a scratching post in the corner of the room, if your cat has marked the sofa as their territory, you're doomed.
Thankfully, there is a solution. Apply a bit of Vicks to your furniture! Your cat is going to want to avoid the smell at all costs. Who says cats aren't trainable?!
If You're Out Of Aloe, Use Vicks!
If you're like us, you get home from the beach, take a shower, and then head straight to the refrigerator for a cool bottle of aloe to reduce the pain of your sunburn. But what would you do if there was no aloe left?
Run to your medicine cabinet for some Vicks! The ointment is the perfect relief from that stinging sensation. Just rub some on the burned area and you'll be feeling better in no time!
Bug Bites Don't Have To Be Uncomfortably Itchy
Some people just have a horrible affinity to bug bites, meaning no matter where they go the pesky insects follow and bite them until the person is riddled with welts. If you're one of these people, then you know that those bites can get beyond uncomfortable and itchy.
At least there is a way to relieve the itchiness, and it's Vicks Vaporub! Apply some of the rub to the bite to prevent scratching your skin raw!
Use It For A Temporary Slimming Effect
Rumor has it that Vicks VapoRub can be used with other elements to have a temporary slimming effect. Studies suggest that cooler core temperatures can burn fat. If you need to drop a few pounds before a special event, try this herbal wrap.
The ointment combination is Vicks, camphor powder, baking soda, and a little rubbing alcohol. Rub this mixture on your "trouble spot" and wrap your waist up in a plastic wrap. Go for a light jog if you really want to see some results!
Stop Buy Expensive Acne Creams
If you have a jar of Vicks in your bathroom, there is no need to break the bank on expensive acne creams and face washes. Put some Vaporub on pimples, acne, or other blemishes and leave it on overnight.
When you wash your face in the morning the blemishes should magically be gone! Keep in mind that everyone has different skin, and what works for one person might not work for another. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try this hack out, though!
Use It In A Humidifier For At-Home Aromatherapy
Humidifiers are great when you're trying to get a bit more moisture in the air when it's too dry. They can be very helpful in the case of a sore throat, dry nose, and even dry lips. Some of these machines are even equipped with aromatherapy compartments to add soothing oils to the air.
That's where Vicks comes into play! Add some of the VapoRub to the humidifier and keep the menthol-eucalyptus air circulating all night long.
Moisturize Those Stretch Marks
Stretch marks pop up on our skin for multiple reasons: you had a baby, gained some weight, or maybe you had a huge growth spurt as a teenager and the tiger stripes have been with you ever since.
We're here to tell you that there is something that might help diminish the look and feel of the marks: VapoRub! Since the serum is full of natural oils, it might help stretch marks feel softer and reduce the dryness, both of which will improve the situation!
Time For The Bath To Make Way For The Shower
Baths are a great way to relax after a long day. The only issue is that not every house or apartment has a bath, some only have stand-up showers. If your home falls into the latter category, have no fear, Vicks is here!
A product called a "shower disk" contains VapoRub, and, after placing the disk in the shower, the vapor will evaporate into the air. The vapor plus the steam from the shower equals one relaxing wash session that is sure to clear your sinuses!
Make Your Heels Pedicure-Ready
It's never fun going over to a friend's house and doing each other's nails if you have cracked and dry heels. It's just embarrassing. We're here to tell you that there is no reason to ever have cracked heels because VapoRub is the answer to all of your problems.
Apply some of the ointment to your heels and ruse a pumice stone to exfoliate. If you do this routine nightly, you're going to have smooth heels that will make your friends jealous!
Apply To Feet So You Don't Cough
As weird as it sounds, if you have night coughs that are keeping you awake, slather some Vicks VapoRub on your feet. And when we say slather, we mean it! Once you have your feet nice and sticky with ointment, put on a pair of breathable cotton socks.
The rub will work as a coughing suppressant that will, hopefully, allow you to get a good night's rest. No need to be up and down for a glass of water when you have Vicks!
Use Vicks To Alleviate Bruises
Bruised skin is never fun. For one, it hurts, and then it makes people ask questions on how you got the bruise. Maybe you just bruise like a peach? If so, Vicks is going to be your new best friend.
To help relieve bruises, take a pinch of salt and mix it with a tiny bit of VapoRub. Rub the mixture onto the bruised area. It's not a miracle worker, but it will help dissipate the bruising and get your skin back to normal.
Say Bye-Bye To A Dry And Itchy Scalp
Like dry and cracked heels, Vicks VapoRub is also a great healing agent for itchy and dry scalps. Treat the affected area of your scalp by applying a thin layer of ointment and rubbing it in.
The oils from the eucalyptus and the petroleum in the ointment work together to make a soothing balm for your scalp! This at-home remedy is perfect for doing right before bed or after you get out of the shower.
No Need To Fall Asleep With Stained Lips
After a night on the town, some ladies dread going home because they have to go through the process of removing their matte, red, or other bold colored lipstick. Those colors are not easy to fully remove. But they are if you're using Vicks VapoRub!
Apply a thin layer of VapoRub on top of your stained lips and leave it on for about five minutes. Remember not to lick your lips! Once five minutes have passed, just wipe the lipstick completely off with a tissue!
Use Vicks If You Ever Have To Cry On Command
Don't worry if you're an amateur actor and aren't able to cry on command. There is a solution that doesn't include hiding chopped onions in your pocket. Rub a little bit of Vicks VapoRub underneath each eye.
The combination of oils -- specifically the menthol -- will be sure to bring tears to your eyes. Don't believe us? Try out this little hack the next time your acting coach wants you to cry in a scene.
Relieve A Congested Chest
Even though this is the most common use for Vicks VapoRub, it doesn't make it any less helpful. If you don't enjoy cough medicine (who does, really?) then this is the perfect solution for your congestion.
Apply some Vicks on your chest to alleviate some of the built-up phlegm. It even works for bad coughs. The natural ingredients in the rub are fantastic healing agents and a jar of this stuff should be in your medicine cabinet at all times!
Get Rid Of Unwanted Parasites
Here to hoping you never do, but if you ever find yourself with a case of ringworm, keep in mind that you can apply Vicks VapoRub to it two to three times a day.
Dr. Peter H. Gott and Jared Zeiman, M.D, said, "Vicks, as well as store and other generic forms of mentholated chest rubs, has been used successfully by many of my readers for a variety of conditions, including nail fungus, plaque psoriasis, seborrheic keratoses, ringworm, neuropathy pain and more."
Promotes Hair Growth
A YouTuber called "Just Jocq" posted about the benefits of using Vicks VapoRub to stimulate hair growth. The ingredients in VapoRub that help promote hair growth are lavender, camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol.
People should apply Vicks to their scalp one of two ways. The first is to directly message the ointment into the scalp. The second way is to take some of the serum and add it to another product to massage into the scalp. Most of the women who've used the product for hair growth swear it works!
Clear Away Rosacea
Like helping with acne and other blemishes, Vicks Vaporub is able to help with the look and discomfort of both rosacea and eczema. And if you live with either of these skin conditions, you know that they can get very uncomfortable during flare-ups.
All you have to do is apply a bit to the affected area of skin (it doesn't have to be on your face). The VapoRub will then soothe the irritation and dry it out!
It Helps Soothe Cooking Burns
If you're in the kitchen trying to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, don't be surprised if you accidentally burn your arm or hand doing a fancy pan flip. But fear not, we have a solution!
After doing the sensible thing and running the fresh burn under freezing cold water, head to your medicine cabinet and take out your handy dandy VapoRub. Applying the ointment to your burn will help soothe the sting away, similar to what it does to a sunburn.
Vicks Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles
After a tough workout at the gym, it's always nice to go home and relax. Well, relaxing is quite difficult when you can't move your body after a shower. We're here to tell you that there is a way to move those sore muscles once more!
Grab your Vicks VapoRub, sit on the couch, and massage the ointment into your sore muscles. The cooling sensation will feel great and the aroma will have you sinking into a relaxing state of mind.
Keep Your Horse Focused (If You Have A Horse)
If you have a male horse, then you know they can get slightly distracted if they pick up the scent of a female. Especially if it's mating season! You can keep your horse from "socializing" by blotting a tiny bit of Vicks under his nose.
This makes it so the male won't pick up the scent of any females in the general vicinity, only the natural aroma of Vicks. You are then free to ride to your heart's content!
Hydrogen Peroxide Can Remove Ink Stains From Clothes
It's nearly impossible to rub ink out of clothing. At least, it would be if we didn’t have hydrogen peroxide. For light-colored clothing, you can soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the infected area. Then wash your clothes as normal.
If this doesn't work, your fabric may need a heavy-duty recipe. Create a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% ammonia. The ammonia catalyzes the peroxide to work better. Only use clear ammonia, and don’t use it on wool or silk since the ammonia will eat through the proteins on both fabrics.
Time For Teeth Whitening
According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Dentistry, hydrogen peroxide effectively bleaches teeth. To whiten your teeth, create a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. Swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, or as long as you can stand. Spit the solution out if it hurts your mouth, and don't swallow it.
The higher the concentration, the brighter the whitening. However, a 2006 study from the same journal reported that higher concentrations could harm the enamel. If you use a higher concentration (25% or 35%), shorten the amount of time that the peroxide is in your mouth.
Help Your Plants Grow Big And Strong
Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen. Because plants use oxygen to absorb nutrients from the soil, they love this extra oxygen molecule. This promotes healthier, more vigorous plant growth for your garden.
To encourage garden growth, mix one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per one cup of water. After you pour the mixture into a spray bottle, mist your plants. If you want to cover an entire garden, increase your dosage to 35% hydrogen peroxide. You can also use this to pre-treat seeds. Since peroxide kills fungi, it also wards off potential diseases such as root infections.
It Can Save Your Dog's Life
Dog owners understand the risk of accidental poisoning. As soon as your dog eats a lot of grapes or chocolate, you're on the clock. You can safely induce vomiting by feeding your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide creates a mild reaction but not extreme enough to cause harm.
To induce vomiting, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide (any higher concentration is toxic). Feed your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of their body weight. The vomiting works ten to 15 minutes after eating, and it can last for up to 45 minutes. Afterward, follow up with your vet.
Remove Labels or Glue
It can be difficult and frustrating trying to remove a label or a sticker from a product you purchased. More often than not, the label or sticker will break apart into irritating small bits that take way too much work to get off. Plus you end up getting the label or sticker stuck under your nails, and it makes a big mess.
An easier way to remove labels and stickers is by using hydrogen peroxide. Set the product on a flat surface and spray the label or sticker with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit. After about 10 minutes, the label should easily come off with a little light scrubbing.
Re-Beautify Your Makeup Brushes
"Through daily use, makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution, and bacteria, says dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer, who co-founded the Dermatology Associates of New York. Dirty makeup brushes can result in staph infections if they aren't cleaned properly. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide sufficiently disinfects them.
Add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of warm water. Soak your brushes in the mixture for ten minutes. Swish the brushes around every now again. Afterward, remove your makeup brushes, rinse them with cold water, and let them air dry. If there’s any remaining residue, you can wash it off with soap.
Wash Your Fruits And Vegetables
It's essential to wash your fruits and vegetables when you bring them home. You never know who touched them or which pesticides they came into contact with. But instead of paying $8 for a veggie wash, why don’t you use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide?
To create a veggie cleaner, fill your sink with cold water and add 1/4 cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Wash your fruit and vegetables in the mixture, and then rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. According to Poison Control, hydrogen peroxide isn’t toxic, except in large amounts.
Here's How To Safely Remove Wax From Your Ears
A 2015 study from Australian Family Physician supports ear irrigation as the most effective way to remove ear wax. Ear irrigation involves a liquid that softens the wax and dislodges it. Since hydrogen peroxide makes the wax bubble and weaken, it's a safe way to clean your ears.
Start by lying on your side. Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your upward-facing ear. Wait five minutes, then sit up and use a tissue to absorb any excess liquid. Then do the same on your other ear. Remember to consult your doctor before trying these home remedies.
Disinfect Your Walls, Windows, Mirrors, And Countertops
Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. That's why many household cleaners include this ingredient. If you’re running low on kitchen cleaners, use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead. Store it in a spray bottle and use as you would any other household cleaner.
Although hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant, it takes time to work. You might want to leave the solution on your countertops or walls for a minute before wiping. A mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and plain soap makes an efficient cleaning solution for windows and mirrors.
Hydrogen Peroxide Is A Natural Deodorant
When bacteria breaks down sweat, it creates body odor. Because our armpits sweat more than any other area, they're the main culprit of body odor. Some people use 3% hydrogen peroxide to kill these germs, and hence halt the B.O.
Hydrogen peroxide is not an antiperspirant, so it won’t inhibit your sweating. But neither do deodorants. Swipe or spray some hydrogen peroxide wherever you’re sweating for odor relief. And it’s certainly cheaper than paying for a deodorant that could contain harmful substances like aluminum.
Reshine Your Rusty Tools
When is the last time you cleaned your gardening shovel, screws, or hammer? Probably never. If your tools begin to rust, it's time for a scrub. Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the rusted area and rub it with steel wool or a brush.
Before you dive into this DIY, test a small of hydrogen peroxide. H202 may react with some metallic irons, although it shouldn’t affect stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. Double-check what your tools are made of before experimenting.
Help Unclog Your Drain
If your sink drain keeps clogging, hydrogen peroxide may be able to help! Try pouring one cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and let it sit for an hour. After an hour has passed, run several hot cups of water down the drain to encourage the gunk to pass through.
For best results, repeat the process every two weeks to keep your drain from clogging up again. It's always handy to keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide under the sink!
Bye Bye, Burn Residue
Burn residue can take ages to scrub off. Since burned debris cakes onto the surface of pots and pans, just scrubbing won't do much. You need a substance that dissolves and lifts the residue. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove the grime without having to scrub.
Pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% is fine) to cover all the burned areas. Then stir in a pile of baking soda. Leave it for at least a couple of hours; aim for six hours. The debris should lift right off! Wipe off any sticky remains until your pot or pan looks like new.
Lighten Your Hair At Half The Price
Hydrogen peroxide makes up 6% to 10% of most blonde hair dyes. To save money, you can use the liquid chemical to lighten your hair instead of a lengthy routine. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, an alkaline chemical that will lower the acidity. Spread the paste through your hair and leave it on from 15 to 60 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with cold water.
While the solution won't turn your hair bleach blonde, it will lighten the color noticeably. Be careful handling hydrogen peroxide, because it easily irritates the eyes. And if you use too much, it can damage your hair and skin.
Have Discolored Nails? Try This
Fungi can transform your nails into yellowed, cracked fragments of what they used to be. Hydrogen peroxide can kill this fungus quickly and efficiently. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of hot water with one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. For extra strength, include one teaspoon of baking soda.
Soak your nails in this solution for about ten minutes. If you don't want your skin to soften, you can soak a cotton ball in the mixture and press it to your nails. If you need to, scrub stains off with a clean, unused toothbrush or a nail brush.
Soften Those Cracked Heels
Why spend your money on spa foot treatments when you have so many other things to pay for? If you have cracked, rough callouses on the edges of your feet, hydrogen peroxide can soften that skin by breaking down the tissue around it.
Dilute two cups of hydrogen peroxide into two cups of hot water. Soak feet for 30 minutes. After you dry them off, scrub off all the dead skin. Then lather your feet with lotion, pop on some warm fuzzy socks, and hit the hay. Your feet will feel super soft in the morning.
Mix Hydrogen Peroxide With Borax For An Even Deeper Rust Clean
We already told you that scrubbing 3% hydrogen peroxide with steel wool will help remove rust from old metal tools. If even that doesn't do the trick, try mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide with borax and dish soap for an even deeper clean.
Combine 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of regular dish soap, and a scoop of borax to make a solution that will pre-cleanse the rusted surface. Cover the rusted surface entirely and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then you can srub the rust away as normal.
This Can Alleviate A Painful Canker Sore
Anyone who has had a canker sore knows that it hurts. While hydrogen peroxide can't make a canker sore disappear, it can speed up the healing. The peroxide kills growing bacteria in your mouth, which may ameliorate some pain.
Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water–no more than half and half. Apply the mixture to your canker sore. Either dip a cotton ball in the solution and press it to your sore, or swish the liquid in your mouth. Either way, make sure not to swallow any of the peroxide. Oh, and it might sting a bit.
Protect Your Shower From Mildew
Nobody likes cleaning their shower. That's why it’s best to clean a shower and shield it from future mold at the same time. Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spritz the walls of your shower and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Then, wipe the mildew away.
According to a 2013 study in BMC Research Notes, hydrogen peroxide effectively kills microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. It also demolishes budding yeast systems, so you won’t have to clean your shower for a while longer.
Here's How To Clean Your Toothbrushes
Have you ever thought about how many germs gather on your toothbrushes? The reality is that they attract plenty of bacteria, and yet most people never clean their toothbrushes. According to the Children's Oral Health Institute, hydrogen peroxide is a safe method of disinfecting your child’s toothbrushes.
Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a cup, and place your toothbrushes into it bristles-down. Leave the toothbrushes in there until the liquid stops bubbling. Afterward, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly before use. Another method is to swish your toothbrush through a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide before use.
If You Have Carpet Stains, Check This Out
Commercial carpet-cleaning products contain sodium percarbonate, which is a powdered form of hydrogen peroxide. That's why cleaners often have "Oxy" or “Oxi” in the name. Why don’t you skip the extra charge and use hydrogen peroxide instead?
Before you start pouring, dilute the peroxide. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with five parts water. Spray it on the dirty spot and wait for a couple of minutes, and then scrub the stain away. You might want to test it on a small area first.
Kill Mold Without Using Harsh Chemicals
Mold can develop within 24 hours. Leaving it unattended can result in respiratory illnesses; it's a hazard to those with allergies. While it’s important to kill mold quickly, most people don’t want to spray chemicals everywhere. Here’s a way to eradicate mold without those dangerous cleaners.
Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Saturate the mold-infected walls with the solution, and leave it there for ten minutes. Over time, the anti-fungal liquid will destroy the organisms. After ten minutes pass, scrub the area to remove all the stains. Then wipe the surface to dislodge any remaining mold stains.
Finally, An Easy Way To Clean Your Retainer Or Mouthguard
That tiny plastic mold that you have to stuff into your mouth every night is hard to keep clean. But you can clean your retainer for little-to-no money by using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water.
Place your retainer into a jar and submerge it in water. Add one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a sprinkle of baking soda. Leave the retainer in there for about ten minutes. Afterward, take it out and rinse all the residue off. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly before popping it back in your mouth.
Give Your Dishwasher More Oomph
Dishwashers make everything easier–when they work. If you don't clean your dishwasher, the extra residue will cake the walls and leave your dishes less than lustrous. Plus, the hydrogen peroxide will lend your dishwasher soap more cleaning power.
Before you run your next load, add 1/4 cup (or three ounces) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your dishwasher. Close the door and run it. The hot water will swirl it around, and the peroxide will disinfect the surface. That’s all you have to do!
Your Humidifier Needs Cleaning, Too
When's the last time you cleaned your humidifier or diffuser? Bacteria adore wet, warm places. Humidifiers remain damp for a long time. Plus, standing water allows bacteria to multiply. Dirty humidifiers can trigger allergy symptoms rather than help them.
To clean a humidifier or diffuser, add two cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide to one gallon of water. Pour it into the humidifier’s water tank and filter, scrub it, and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. Then rinse the base in clean water and leave it to air dry.
Treat Acne Spots
Hydrogen peroxide works as a spot treatment for acne. When the peroxide touches your skin, it loses an extra oxygen atom. That oxidization process kills off the bacteria, which allows your skin to heal faster. Don't use it for acne scars, as overuse can damage your skin further.
To spot-treat your acne, saturate a cotton ball with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Dab the cotton ball over the infected areas, leave for five minutes, and then rinse your face with cold water. Limit your use to three times a week, and make sure to wash your face before applying hydrogen peroxide.
Beat That Bad Breath
Hydrogen peroxide not only whitens your teeth, but it also eliminates bad breath. Gargling hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria in your throat, so it can also assuage sore throats and gum inflammation. Before you pour it straight into your mouth, dilute the peroxide in water.
Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into water: one part peroxide per two parts water. This will lower the concentration to 1% hydrogen peroxide. Gargle and swish the solution around your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds and then spit it out. Do not swallow. Rinse your mouth afterward, and you're ready to go!
Clear Your Contact Lenses
If you don't clean your contact lenses, you run the risk of spreading an eye infection. Instead of buying a solution, you can clear your lenses with hydrogen peroxide. This technique may help people who are sensitive to the preservatives used in contact solutions. To prevent hydrogen peroxide from stinging your eyes, you’ll need a neutralizer as well.
To clean your contact lenses, you can place them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for a little while. Afterward, leave them in a neutralizer for a couple of hours. Usually, the directions on the bottle will tell you exactly how long to leave them in.
Disinfect Your Sponges
When your sponge starts smelling, it's time to clean it. You don’t have to throw your sponge away every time it smells germ-infested. Hydrogen peroxide will soak into the sponge and kill all bacteria inside the tiniest crevices.
To start, place your sponge in a container. Pour hydrogen peroxide until the sponge is mostly submerged, and watch for the white bubbles. That means the bacteria is dying. After a few minutes, flip the sponge over and leave it for a few more minutes. Then take out the sponge and rinse it. You’re done!
Safely De-Germ Your Children's Toys
If you're worried about chemical cleaners, you’ll want to keep hydrogen peroxide in mind. It’s a great tool to use on kids’ toys since it doesn’t leave harmful residue. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water can easily disinfect plastic toys.
First, wipe off visible dirt. Remove any batteries if the toy has them. Then, create a solution that’s half water and half 3% hydrogen peroxide. (If you use all peroxide, it may strip the paint off.) You can either place the toy in a bowl of the mixture, or you can soak a towel and rub the toy.
