Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile household chemical with many uses, including as a laundry booster. Here are 5 compelling reasons to start using hydrogen peroxide for doing laundry:
1. It Acts as a Stain Remover and Whitener
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover and whitening agent. When added to your regular detergent, it helps break down stubborn stains and prevents dinginess by brightening whites.
The oxidizing properties of hydrogen peroxide allow it to tackle set-in stains like blood, wine, grass, coffee, and more. It helps lift the stains from the fabric rather than just covering them up. This makes it great for getting clothes looking like new again.
For dingy whites, hydrogen peroxide brings back brightness by oxidizing the dull grayish pigment. Socked tank tops, sheets, and towels can be restored to their original white with a peroxide boost.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide as a Stain Remover and Whitener
- Check clothing tags and test for colorfastness before using. Hydrogen peroxide may bleach or discolor some fabrics.
- For stains, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before laundering as usual.
- For brighter whites, add 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the detergent compartment or drum of the washing machine. Wash as normal.
- For extra whitening power, soak whites in a dilute peroxide solution (1 part peroxide to 8 parts water) for 30 minutes before washing.
- Never use or mix hydrogen peroxide at higher concentrations for laundry. Dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide if needed.
Hydrogen Peroxide vs Bleach for Stain Removal
Both hydrogen peroxide and bleach are effective at stain removal. However, peroxide is often a better choice because:
- It’s safer on colored fabrics. Bleach can cause discoloration.
- It naturally breaks down to harmless water and oxygen. Bleach leaves behind toxic chemicals.
- It won’t weaken or damage fabrics like bleach can over time.
- It brightens whites without leaving behind a dingy “bleached” look.
- It’s more versatile for use on a wider variety of stains and fabrics.
2. It Softens Clothes Without Toxic Chemicals
Many conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and artificial fragrances. Hydrogen peroxide offers a non-toxic alternative to softly soften laundry.
When added to the rinse cycle, hydrogen peroxide naturally softens fibers. The laundry comes out with a soft, fluffy feel without the need for chemical fabric softeners.
Hydrogen peroxide works by swelling the fabric fibers ever so slightly. This allows the fibers to become more pliable and loose. The result is softened, comfortable clothing without any chemical coatings.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide as a Fabric Softener
- Add 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener.
- For extra softening, increase to 1 cup peroxide.
- Use this for all washable fabrics except water-repellent materials like rain jackets.
- Skip the dryer sheets too. Peroxide softens laundry without added chemicals.
- Bounce dryer bars may be used to reduce static without added perfumes.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide for Softening Laundry
- Leaves no chemical residue behind that can irritate skin. Great for sensitive skin.
- Will not clog fabric or affect wicking ability like fabric softener. Safe for performance and sportswear.
- Does not leave a lingering artificial fragrance.
- Softens naturally without endocrine disrupting phthalates found in many fabric softeners.
- Cost effective. A bottle of peroxide can soften many loads of laundry.
- Biodegrades quickly without harming the environment like chemical softeners.
3. It Naturally Whitens and Brightens Clothing
In addition to whitening whites, hydrogen peroxide can safely brighten and bring out the natural colors in clothing. It helps revive fading clothes and keeps bright hues looking vibrant.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that whitens fabrics by oxidizing the colored pigments. When used in the wash cycle at the proper dilution, it can lift stains and brighten clothes without removing or altering dyes.
For white fabrics, peroxide whitens by removing dullness and yellowing. For colors, it simply helps lift stains, eliminate dinginess, and sharpen the original shades.
How to Brighten Clothes with Hydrogen Peroxide
- Add 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a load of whites to whiten.
- Use 1/8 cup peroxide for brightening colors.
- For heavy whitening, soak garments for 30 minutes in a peroxide solution before washing.
- Check care labels and wash similar colors together.
- Avoid using peroxide on delicates and anything prone to bleaching.
- Increase peroxide amounts for larger loads or heavily soiled laundry.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide for Brightening Clothes
- Non-toxic and safer than chlorine bleach. Won’t damage or weaken fabrics.
- Leaves behind no smelly chemical residue.
- Environmentally friendly. Breaks down into water and oxygen.
- Helps preserve and extend the life clothing by reviving colors.
- Works for both white and colorfast laundry.
- Cheap to use for brightening many loads of wash.
4. It Sanitizes to Remove Odors and Bacteria
Hydrogen peroxide is a proven sanitizer that can eliminate odors, bacteria, mold, and other grime in laundry. Its oxidizing effects help sanitize fabrics and leave clothes fresh and clean.
When laundering, hydrogen peroxide helps destroy the bacteria and organic matter that cause foul odors in clothes. It kills mold and mildew that can grow in front load machines and in towels left wet. It also oxidizes away sweat, body oils, and other grime that get trapped in fabric.
By sanitizing and deodorizing at the same time, hydrogen peroxide leaves laundry thoroughly clean with no lingering unpleasant or musty smells.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Sanitize Laundry
- Add 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide during the wash cycle along with detergent.
- Use a full cup for extra dirty or smelly laundry.
- For machine cleaning, run a hot wash cycle empty with 2 cups peroxide.
- Soak moldy towels in a peroxide bath before washing.
- Use peroxide instead of bleach for sanitizing whites like sheets and towels.
- Wash clothes with peroxide after illnesses to kill germs and bacteria.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide for Sanitizing Laundry
- Kills odor and mold causing bacteria so clothes smell freshly cleaned.
- Helps remove organic stains, sweat, and body soils from fabric.
- Oxidizing effects help destroy viruses and sanitize laundry.
- Deodorizes musty front load washers.
- Non-toxic disinfecting solution. Safer for you and the environment than bleach.
- Inexpensive and versatile sanitizer for all your laundry needs.
5. It’s an Eco-Friendly Laundry Booster
Hydrogen peroxide is a green, eco-friendly alternative to harsh laundry detergent and chemicals. It effectively boosts cleaning power while avoiding toxic ingredients.
Hydrogen peroxide is highly biodegradable. It quickly and easily breaks down into oxygen and water after use. This makes it far less environmentally damaging than chlorine bleach and other laundry chemicals.
It’s also suitable for greywater systems, septic tanks, and places with sensitive plumbing since it doesn’t contain salts, phosphates, or corrosive ingredients.
When used properly, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic for you, your clothes, and the environment. It’s an effective yet gentle cleaner and whitener.
How Hydrogen Peroxide is an Eco-Friendly Option
- Biodegrades rapidly without harming waterways or septic systems.
- Contains no hazardous ingredients, unlike many conventional laundry products.
- Breaks down into oxygen and water. Non-toxic end products.
- Helps clothes last longer which reduces waste and the need to buy replacements.
- Can allow you to wash clothes in cold water to save energy. Hot water isn’t needed to activate it.
- Versatile for many laundry uses so fewer products are needed. One bottle replaces many!
- High efficiency. Only small amounts are needed per load.
Hydrogen peroxide is affordable, accessible, and easy to use in place of laundry products with harsh fumes, dyes, preservatives, and other dangerous chemicals. It’s the ideal eco-friendly laundry booster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry
Here are answers to some common questions people have about using hydrogen peroxide as a laundry aid.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for all fabrics?
Hydrogen peroxide can be used on most colorfast fabrics but should be avoided on wool, silk, rayon, leather, and anything prone to bleaching. Always check clothing tags and test for colorfastness before using.
Does hydrogen peroxide really remove stains?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover on many types of stains thanks to its oxidizing and bleaching abilities. It works well on coffee, wine, blood, grass, and other organic-based stains.
Can hydrogen peroxide be mixed with laundry detergent?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe to mix and use with your regular laundry detergents. Make sure to add the peroxide to the drum or detergent compartment, not directly in with the detergent.
How much hydrogen peroxide should be used per load?
For laundry use, stick to concentrations of 3-6%. Use around 1/4 cup for average loads, and up to 1/2 cup for larger or heavily soiled loads. Increase amounts for bigger machines and load sizes.
Does hydrogen peroxide brighten colors?
Hydrogen peroxide can help brighten colorfast fabrics and preserve vibrancy by lifting stains and preventing fading. But higher concentrations can remove dye, so use care when adding it to colored loads.
Is hydrogen peroxide an effective sanitizer and deodorizer?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is proven to sanitize fabrics by killing odor-causing bacteria and other microbes. It’s commonly used in hospitals for disinfecting laundry.
Can hydrogen peroxide replace fabric softener?
Hydrogen peroxide naturally softens fabric fibers when added during the rinse cycle. It’s an effective alternative to chemical-laden fabric softeners.
Is hydrogen peroxide better for whites than bleach?
Hydrogen peroxide whitens similarly to bleach but is gentler on fabrics. It brightens whites without weakening fibers or causing damage over time like bleach.
The Bottom Line
Hydrogen peroxide is a smart, eco-friendly boost for laundry. It works to safely remove stains, whiten whites, brighten colors, eliminate odors, soften fabrics, and sanitize laundry without toxic chemicals.
While bleach and conventional laundry products can be harsh, hydrogen peroxide is effective yet gentle. It washes clean without harming clothes or the environment.
Given its proven cleaning power, non-toxic properties, and versatility, there are so many great reasons to start using hydrogen peroxide for laundry. It’s affordable, accessible, and easy to add to your regular wash routine.
Try it the next time you have stained, smelly, or dingy laundry and see the hydrogen peroxide difference yourself! Your clothes will come out fresh, bright, soft, and clean.