Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two inexpensive but powerful cleaning agents that can be used together or separately to clean and disinfect many areas of your home. When combined, these common household staples create a natural cleaning solution that harnesses the stain-fighting power of baking soda with the germ-killing power of hydrogen peroxide.
Read on to discover 10 effective ways you can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to deep clean your home from top to bottom. With just these two items from your pantry and medicine cabinet, you’ll be able to tackle dirt, grime, stains, mold, and bacteria in every room.
1. Clean Kitchen Surfaces
The kitchen is prone to grease splatters, sticky messes, and bacteria buildup. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide and spread onto countertops, backsplashes, appliances, and sinks. Allow to sit for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The peroxide will disinfect while the baking soda scours away grime. For tough stains, let the paste sit overnight before scrubbing.
2. Whiten Sinks and Bathtubs
Over time, porcelain sinks and bathtubs can become stained and dingy looking. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can lift stains when paired with hydrogen peroxide. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface of the sink or tub. Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the baking soda. Let bubble for 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a cloth or sponge and then rinse clean. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. The bubbly mix will get porcelain gleaming again.
3. Clean Tile Floors
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 1 gallon warm water in a bucket. Dampen a mop and dip into the solution. Mop tile floors with the mix, allowing the solution to sit on the floor for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. The peroxide will sanitize the floors while the baking soda scrubs up grime stuck in grout lines. Rinse thoroughly. Floors dry clean and bacteria-free.
4. Freshen Carpets
Carpets harbor dirt, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. Baking soda’s odor-absorbing powers paired with hydrogen peroxide’s disinfecting properties allow this duo to freshen carpets. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming up. Then spray carpets with a hydrogen peroxide/water solution. Let dry fully before walking on carpets. Repeat monthly for clean, allergen-free carpets.
5. Clean Garbage Cans
Over time, garbage cans can accumulate sticky, stinky gunk. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide make quick work of cleaning and deodorizing garbage cans. Sprinkle bins liberally with baking soda. Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the baking soda coating and let bubble for 5 minutes. Use a scrub brush to scour the inside surfaces of the bins. Rinse thoroughly before replacing garbage bags. Garbage cans will be pristine.
6. Eliminate Refrigerator Odors
Funky smells can linger in the refrigerator. Wipe down shelves with hydrogen peroxide. Place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to absorb odors. Replace the baking soda box every 30 days. For tough odors, place a bowl of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in the fridge for several hours to absorb smells before rinsing clean. Foods will taste fresher.
7. Whiten Grout
Grout can appear dark and dingy over time. Liberally coat grout lines with baking soda, then spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the baking soda. Allow the mixture to bubble for 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a stiff grout brush before rinsing clean. Repeat as needed for dramatically whiter grout. Grout may need several treatments to fully brighten. But this non-toxic combo gets the job done.
8. Disinfect Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards are prone to bacteria buildup. Disinfect with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Form a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Rub paste into cutting boards and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Allow boards to dry completely before use. The hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria while the baking soda scrubs away stains.
9. Clean Ovens and Microwaves
Grease splatters and baked-on food can make ovens and microwaves difficult to clean. Apply a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste to interior surfaces. Allow to bubble for 10 minutes. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Wipe away grime and food residue. No harsh chemical oven cleaners needed. The natural disinfecting and cleaning powers of this duo get the job done.
10. Remove Mold from Tile Grout
Tile grout provides the perfect place for mold to grow. Make a thick paste of baking soda and just enough hydrogen peroxide to form a spreadable consistency. Apply paste to moldy grout and let sit overnight. Reapply if needed. Allow to sit for several hours or overnight. Scrub with a stiff grout brush before rinsing clean. The antifungal properties in hydrogen peroxide will kill mold while the baking soda scrubs it away.
Conclusion
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are natural, non-toxic cleaners that can tackle dirt, stains, grime, mold, and germs all over your home when used alone or together. Keep a box of baking soda and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide on hand for tackling cleaning challenges. With just these two inexpensive household staples, you’ll be able to deep clean your entire home.
FAQs about Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Your Home
Is it safe to mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are safe to mix together. When combined, they create a bubbly, disinfecting cleaning solution.
Can I mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in any ratio?
For most cleaning uses, a paste of approximately 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide works best. Adjust ratios as needed for spreading or scrubbing ability.
How long should I let baking soda and hydrogen peroxide pastes sit before scrubbing?
For most uses, allow baking soda and hydrogen peroxide pastes to sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. For tougher stains or mold removal, overnight application works best.
What’s the benefit of using baking soda with hydrogen peroxide?
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts stains while hydrogen peroxide disinfects and whitens. Together, they form a powerful cleaning duo.
Can baking soda and hydrogen peroxide be used to clean every room of my home?
Yes! This duo can tackle dirt, stains, mold, and bacteria throughout your entire home from kitchens and bathrooms to carpets and cutting boards.
Are there any surfaces I shouldn’t use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean?
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on wood floors as it can discolor certain types of wood. Test paste in inconspicuous area first. Avoid using on marble or granite.
Is it better to use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide separately for cleaning?
Used together, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide enhance each other’s cleaning powers. However, they can also be used separately for different effects.
Should I rinse surfaces after using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?
Always rinse surfaces thoroughly after using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean. Residue left behind can damage some surfaces.
Is baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste safe for kitchen surfaces?
Yes, this paste is safe for most kitchen surfaces like countertops, sinks, and appliances when rinsed thoroughly after use. Avoid using on marble.
In Summary
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are natural, non-abrasive cleaners that can tackle grime throughout your home. Used together, baking soda lifts stains while hydrogen peroxide disinfects. Make cleaning paste by combining 3 parts baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Apply paste and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing. Use in kitchens, bathrooms, on floors and appliances. This duo gets the cleaning job done without harsh chemicals. Keep them on hand for an effective, non-toxic way to deep clean your entire home.