One of the ways that I like to save money is looking for alternatives uses of products I already own. This week, I added 3 more bottles of hydrogen peroxide to the stockpile (pics and details coming on Super Saving Saturday). That makes 9 bottles total! We all know hydrogen peroxide can be used for first aid, but it’s much more versatile. Here are 20 surprising uses:

1. Kitchen Cleaner   (Mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Can be used on counters and cutting boards to kill salmonella.)

2. Produce Wash   (Mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle and mist over produce. Let it soak for about five minutes before rinsing off and drying to remove waxy residue and bacteria.)

3. Sponge Disinfectant   (Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a bowl. Let the sponge soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.)

4. Whiten Nails   (Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and wipe onto yellowed nails. Don’t do this if you have torn cuticles.)

5. Stain Fighter   (Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that works well on blood, red wine, and many other stains. Mix with equal parts laundry detergent and apply generously to stain. Let soak for 5-10 minutes, then wash normally.)

6. Mouthwash   (Dilute in room temperature water. The mixture should be about half water/half hydrogen peroxide. Be very careful not to swallow any. This mouthwash kills germs and freshens breath. It can also heal canker sores for some.)

7. Cold Cure   (Put 2-3 drops of hydrogen peroxide into each ear daily until cold is gone. You will hear some bubbling and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation. Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside then drain onto a tissue.)

8. Toothbrush Cleaner   (Regularly soak your toothbrush in a hydrogen peroxide and water solution between uses to keep the brush free of bacteria.)

9. Nasal Wash   (Make a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Tilt head back and spray or pour into clogged nostrils. Can help with colds, allergies, and sinus problems.)

10. Toothache Treatment   (If you have a toothache, put a capful of hydrogen peroxide into your mouth and hold for 5 minutes. Repeat several times a day. Don’t swallow! This works very well.)

11. Hair Highlighter   (Make a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray onto wet hair and comb it through from tips to ends. Should produce a subtle color change. Don’t use on color-treated hair.)

12. Mirror Cleaner   (Mirrors and anything else made of glass can be cleaned with straight hydrogen peroxide.)

13. Sore Throat Aid   (If you’re suffering from a sore throat, gargle with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.)

14. Mold Killer   (Any normal household-type mold/mildew can be killed with straight hydrogen peroxide.)

15. Detoxifying bath   (If you’re suffering from a mild rash or irritation, add 2 quarts of hydrogen peroxide to a full tub. Soak for approximately 30 minutes.)

16. Foot Fungus Aid   (Some people have found relief from foot fungus by spraying their feet with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Let dry overnight and repeat if needed.)

17. Homemade Toothpaste/Whitener  (Teeth can be cleaned and whitened by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, then brushed.)

18. Dishwasher Additive   (Add hydrogen peroxide to the rinse agent container in your dishwasher.)

19. Humidifiers   (Use 1 pint of hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water inside a humidifier.)

20. Animal Stain Eliminator   (Dog and cat carpet/fabric stains can be eliminated with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.)

All of these ideas use a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, which is mild. I haven’t tried each one, so these are general guidelines. There are many more ideas available. The only ones I am begging you to stay away from are these:

* Douches  (Unnecessary and unhealthy.)

*  Colonics  (Same as above.)

*  Yeast infection treatments  (Please just go to a doctor.)

*  Homemade contact lens solution  (As a contact-wear for over 20 years, this truly scares me! Never, ever use a homemade solution for contacts. It’s not sterile.)

 Please use common sense and be safe, folks! Your health is more precious than saving a few nickels.

Do you use hydrogen peroxide? If so, how?