Did you guys know that hydrogen peroxide is basically a magical potion for about a million different things around your house? The first thing that comes to mind is unpleasant memories from my childhood of getting a cut or scrape and my mom pouring hydrogen peroxide on my cut to clean it. But it can do so many other things too--anything from a disinfectant, whitener (teeth and clothing), improves your plants' root system, and for many things beauty related as well. And the best part about it is that it is cheap and readily available so you can use it to your heart's desire!

Did you know that hydrogen is almost exactly the same thing as water? It just has an extra Oxygen molecule so its chemical makeup is two parts Hydrogen, two parts Oxygen (H2O2). Because of this, it breaks down quickly and harmlessly into oxygen and water.

Here are some really great uses for hydrogen peroxide you might not have known about:

· In the dishwasher, add 2 oz. to your regular detergent for a sanitizing boost. Also, beef up your regular dish soap by adding roughly 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 to the bottle.

· Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It kills the bacteria that causes halitosis. Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. I also had a friend with beautiful, perfectly white teeth and she swore by gargling with hydrogen peroxide every day.

· Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. Helps with early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria. Mixed with salt and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide works as a whitening toothpaste.

· Clean your cutting board and countertop. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean.

· Wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it's non-toxic, it's great for cleaning places that store food and dishes.

· Remove baked-on crud from pots and pans. Combine hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, then rub onto the dirty pan and let it sit for a while. Come back later with a scrubby sponge and some warm water, and the baked-on stains will lift right off.

· Remove stains from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treater for stains - just soak the stain for a little while in 3% hydrogen peroxide before tossing into the laundry. You can also add a cup of peroxide to a regular load of whites to boost brightness. It's a green alternative to bleach, and works just as well.

· Brighten dingy floors. Combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of hot water, then scrub the heck out of that floor. Because it's so mild, it's safe for any floor type and there's no need to rinse.

· Clean kids' toys and play areas. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe cleaner to use around kids, or anyone with respiratory problems, because it's not a lung irritant. Spray toys, toy boxes, doorknobs, and anything else your kids touch on a regular basis.

· Hydrogen peroxide helps to sprout seeds for new plantings. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution once a day and spritz the seed every time you re-moisten. You can also use a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 32 parts water to improve your plants' root system.

· Remove yellowing from lace curtains or tablecloths. Fill a sink with cold water and 2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak for at least an hour, rinse in cold water and air dry.

· Use it to remove ear wax. Use a solution of 3% with olive or almond oil. Add a couple drops of oil first then H2O2. After a few minutes, tilt head to remove solution and wax.

· Use 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water to clean humidifiers and steamers.

· Wash shower curtains with hydrogen peroxide to remove mildew and soap scum. Place curtains in machine with a bath towel and your regular detergent. Add 1 cup full strength 3% hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle.

· Use for towels that have become musty smelling. Add 1/2 cup Peroxide and 1/2 cup vinegar to washing machine, let soak for 15 minutes wash as normal. It magically gets rid of the smell!

I hope you enjoy trying out the magic of hydrogen peroxide for different uses around your home! Is there anything else you do with hydrogen peroxide? I'd love to know in the comments below.