Pour full-strength hydrogen peroxide directly onto grimy grout lines, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse. It bleaches away mildew stains without harsh fumes.
Seven Surprising Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn't just for scraped knees. The brown bottle sitting in your medicine cabinet can tackle a surprising number of household jobs.
Whiten Grout
Wash Produce
Add a splash of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of cold water and soak fruits and vegetables for a few minutes to help remove surface bacteria, then rinse well.
Remove Stains From Clothes
Dab diluted hydrogen peroxide directly onto blood or sweat stains before washing — its oxidizing action breaks down the proteins that cause staining.
Clean a Cutting Board
After washing, spray cutting boards with hydrogen peroxide and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing to disinfect without the lingering smell of bleach.
Deodorize the Fridge
Wipe down fridge shelves with hydrogen peroxide to kill odor-causing bacteria and mold without leaving behind a chemical smell.
Brighten Dingy Grout and Tile
Mix with baking soda to form a paste for tougher tile stains, applying the same way as the grout tip above.
Sanitize Sponges
Soak kitchen sponges in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes to kill off bacteria that build up between washes.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →