Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Simple Ideas for Cleaning with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is one of my favorite things to do. Find out why these two readily available ingredients work well together and discover some of the things you can clean with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Worried about using harsh cleaning products that can harm your family’s health? Are you looking for a more natural way to clean your home? If so, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda may be the perfect solution!

Combined correctly, these two natural ingredients can help make your home sparkle without harsh chemicals. Let’s look at how this powerhouse duo works together to get the job done!

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What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product used in cooking and cleaning since the late 1800s. It is an alkaline salt that helps neutralize odors. Studies have shown that it also has mild antiseptic properties.

Baking soda is a fine crystalline powder that works as a gentle abrasive scrubbing agent that can help remove tough spots and stains.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless liquid with antiseptic and bleaching properties dating back to the 1800s. It works as an oxidizer, which means it causes a reaction between oxygen and other substances.

When applied to a surface, it breaks down into oxygen and water, leaving no toxic residue. It is commonly used as a disinfectant, bleach, and oxidizer.

Peroxide can clean and sanitize surfaces, remove stains, and whiten dingy substances. It is also used in many medical applications as an antiseptic.

Is it Safe to Mix Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide?

Combining ingredients can create an effective cleaning solution that will get the job done. Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is generally safe, as these two everyday household staples are safe.

No harmful gases are produced when combining the two (oxygen). However, you may want to wear gloves when handling hydrogen peroxide, as it can be a skin irritant.

Please note: In this post, we are talking about the 3% strength peroxide when we refer to Hydrogen Peroxide. In other words, it is 97% water and 3% peroxide. There are peroxides with higher concentrations, but we wouldn’t recommend using those for cleaning.

What Happens When You Mix Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda?

When baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are mixed, they create a chemical reaction that releases oxygen. This reaction is due to the basic (alkaline) nature of baking soda and the oxidizing properties of hydrogen peroxide.

The released oxygen helps break down dirt, grime, and stains, making it an effective cleaning solution for various surfaces.

Additionally, the reaction can help neutralize odors, making it helpful in freshening up fabrics and surfaces.

Caution: Only mix as much as you can use at any one time. This mixture cannot be stored in a closed container because the reaction between the two produces oxygen gas. A sealed container will become pressurized and could explode.

Mixing Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

The mix ratio of baking soda to hydrogen peroxide depends on the specific cleaning task you want to achieve. Here are some ratios:

For general cleaning: Mix a paste of approximately two-thirds baking soda to one-third hydrogen peroxide. You are aiming for a thick but runny mix about the consistency of molasses.
For scouring: Mix a paste of about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. You are aiming for a paste-like substance.
For descaling and removing cooked-on grease: Try 1 part baking soda and 3 parts peroxide. You are looking for a thin runnier mix.

It is important to note that these are rough guidelines. You may need to adjust the ratio based on the specific cleaning task and the surface you are cleaning.

It is also essential to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.

9 Things You can Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

So now we have the chemistry and mix ratios covered; what kinds of things can you clean with this mixture?

#1. Whiten Grout

Don’t you just hate dingy grout? Keep grout looking its best with a simple peroxide and baking soda solution.

Create a paste thin enough to apply easily but thick enough that it won’t drip down! Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing gently with an old toothbrush or special grout brush. Remember to rinse well after! Especially soiled areas may need more than one cleaning session.

#2. Get Rid of Soap Scum

Eliminating soap scum can be quite an unpleasant task. But fear not, I have a solution! Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a paste and use a stiff scrub brush to tackle the scum. Voila! The job will be done in no time.

Tip: Pre-treat with hydrogen peroxide spray if a lot of soap scum has built up on your surfaces. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then proceed with the scrubbing method described above.

#3. Lift Stubborn Food Burns from Pans

Tired of wasting hours scrubbing away at your pots and pans to remove the stubborn residue? I have the perfect solution for you! Just coat the bottom of your pot or pan with hydrogen peroxide, sprinkle some baking soda onto it, then let sit – easy peasy.

In less than 30 minutes, you can scrape off all that burnt-on food without breaking a sweat. Now isn’t that something to celebrate?

(Here are more genius kitchen cleaning tips and tricks you may find helpful.)

#4. Lift The Grease from Cookie Sheets

Do your cookie sheets look stained and feel sticky even after washing them in dish soap and hot water? This is likely due to grease buildup.

The best way to remove this grease is by applying a heavy baking soda paste and hydrogen peroxide. Allow the mixture to sit overnight; in the morning, you’ll find it easy to scrape away the baking soda and the loosened debris.

#5. Get Rid of Toilet Bowl Rings

Eliminate stubborn toilet bowl rings with ease. First, shut off the water supply to the toilet and empty it by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl. You may want to dry the surface with a cloth or paper towel.

Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the stains. Let it rest for several minutes and then scrub until the stains are history (gloves are highly recommended). Finish by flushing the toilet several times to rinse everything well.

You may also want to learn how to get rid of hard water stains in toilet bowls.

#6. Remove Stains

Tired of fighting tough laundry stains? Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are the ultimate natural cleaning duo.

Mix the two ingredients to create a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then gently scrub with a brush or cloth. Rinse with water and repeat if needed.

Tip: Before using this mixture on colored fabrics, be sure to test in an inside seam or less conspicuous spot. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that may cause spots or streaks in some materials.

#7. Clean Water Bottles

Cleaning and disinfecting water bottles are essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Did you know you can deep clean your water bottles with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? Both have disinfectant properties, and baking soda eliminates unpleasant odors.

Fill the bottle a quarter of the way with hydrogen peroxide and add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda. Cover the opening with your hand and carefully rotate the bottle around to coat the interior walls with the mixture.

Avoid putting the top of the water bottle on, as the gas buildup could cause excessive pressure. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes, then pour it into a measuring jug. Now soak the lid in the mix for another 15 minutes. Rinse the bottle and lid well and leave to dry.

#8. Clean Bathroom Faucets

Make quick work of dull, grimy bathroom fixtures by giving them the tender, loving care they deserve. Bathroom fixtures tend to get covered with hard water stains and soap scum.

Start by making a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and spread it generously over the affected surfaces. After letting the solution sit for several minutes, take a damp cloth and wipe the mixture away.

Finish off with a clean, dry cloth, and you’ll be left with sparkling fixtures that reflect their former glory!

#9. Whiten Your Teeth

Yes, this may not have anything to do with cleaning your home, but you can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth.

Simply dampen your toothbrush with water, sprinkle some baking soda on the brush, add 1-2 drops of peroxide and brush your teeth. The combination of these two ingredients not only helps to whiten your teeth, but also helps keep your breath fresh

Final Thoughts on Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

When it comes to keeping your home clean, there’s no need to use harsh cleaners. Why not reach for hydrogen peroxide and baking soda instead? These two natural cleaners are incredibly versatile and practical.

We have demonstrated that they can tackle any mess, from baked-on grease to soap scum. They are non-toxic, making them safe for people and pets alike! So why not give them a try? We guarantee you will be satisfied!