Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide and Its Uses

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

It is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by the action of sunlight on water. A water-like liquid, it has many practical applications and occurs naturally in our bodies, plant life, and animals, and is even found in honey. It is made of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms (H2O2) and looks like water (H2O), but the extra oxygen molecule makes it one of the most potent oxidizers known. As a result, if used in precise proportions, it can heal and even stimulate life. If those proportions are off, and too much is used, its oxidizing effect is disastrous and deadly to living tissues.

Environment Friendly

Since hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring substance in nature, it breaks down naturally with no toxic residue to the environment. Known as a potent bleaching agent, it makes a great substitute for such caustic and toxic chemicals as chlorine, bleach, and ammonia.

Different Types of Hydrogen Peroxide

It is manufactured in different ¹strengths and grades:

• 3.5% Pharmaceutical Grade: Used as a disinfectant and mouthwash. This grade is available at grocery stores and pharmacies. It contains stabilizers that are not edible, and should NOT be ingested.

• 6% Beautician Grade: Used to color hair. Not for internal use.

• 30% Reagent Grade: Used for scientific experiments and contains stabilizers. Not for internal use.

• 30% to 32% Electronic Grade: Used to clean electronic parts. Not for internal use.

• 35% Technical Grade: More concentrated than Reagent Grade. It has phosphorus added to neutralize chlorine usually contained in the water used to dilute it.

• 35% Food Grade: Used in the production of foods such as whey and egg products. It is also sprayed on the foil lining of fruit juice and milk product packages as a disinfectant.

• 90%: Used as an oxygen source for rocket fuel.

Uses of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-yeast make this substance widely used with a variety of applications. However, it is also controversial with proponents and opponents regarding certain uses.

Standard uses acceptable to all include:

• Disinfectant for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including refrigerator and dishwashers, stoves, and utensils.

• Disinfect and treat drinking water, replacing chlorine and other harsh chemicals which have shown to be long-term cancer risks.

• Insecticide for gardening, which also oxygenates the soil. Spontaneous decomposition releases oxygen that enhances plant root development, thus avoiding root rot (cellular root death due to lack of oxygen).

• Kills mold and mildew.

• ²Disinfect pools, spas, hot tubs and foot baths, replacing the smelly and harmful effects of chlorine and bleach-based treatments.

• An effective bleaching agent in hair, teeth, and clothing. For clothing, it is an effective blood stain remover. It must be applied to the stained area before washing, and then use cold water and soap to remove the stain.

• To whiten laundry, and as an environmentally friendly substitute to chlorine bleach, pour one cup of 3% pharmaceutical grade hydrogen peroxide into the washer before adding clothing.

• An effective agent in removing skunk odor when mixed with a small amount of baking soda and a little hand soap.

• Used in some instances to treat acne and other skin problems.

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• Effective in rapidly stopping capillary bleeding (to slow the rate of blood oozing from small blood vessels) as well as disinfecting the wound.

• Small amounts can be used if a ³dog has swallowed a harmful substance such as rat poison, chocolate, etc., to induce vomiting.

• Use as a ⁴toothpaste by mixing correct quantities of baking soda and salt.

Dilution rates are provided in the diagram below:

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Must Be Diluted

The key to harnessing hydrogen peroxide as a tool is dependent on understanding how it will react in the circumstances that it is used. For example, 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide, used at full strength on nearly anything would most likely be disastrous since its extremely powerful oxidative effects will destroy living tissues and organisms quickly. Therefore, to harness its power and use it effectively, one must become educated in how to dilute it properly for the uses intended. Pharmaceutical grade 3% hydrogen peroxide is usually all the strength anyone will need to accomplish the intended purpose. Most any strength beyond this makes its oxidative powers dangerous.

Use Carefully!

Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely powerful substance and should only be handled by those who understand how it will react in the circumstance they intend to use it. Most forms of hydrogen peroxide are 3% pharmaceutical grade solutions, available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. This form must not be swallowed, but can be used for a variety of cleaning, disinfecting, and household uses.

Those who wish to use 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide usually do so because they use it for a wide variety of purposes, use it frequently, and are familiar with how it works under a variety of conditions. The purpose of this article is to make the consumer aware of both the environmentally friendly applications that hydrogen peroxide has, as well as provide information on how to safely use it, and assess both standard and nonstandard uses for themselves.

There are other antimicrobial/antiviral natural alternatives such as colloidal silver and oregano oil. This isn't a complete list, but these are good resources when they are needed.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

sugarswt55@yahoo.com on April 24, 2020:

the h202 above in red and white bottle what strength is it....

Scottj Jankins on December 26, 2019:

You can get 3%, 6%, 10%, 20% and 35% from https://bulkperoxide.com if anyone needs it.

Daniel Carter (author) from Western United States on November 20, 2014:

Yes, Tootoo1980, that is correct. Exactly as you stated it.

Tootoo1980 on October 19, 2014:

Is the drops chart for 35% food grade? If so, do I put those many drops in 5 oz of distilled water?

Johna542 on October 06, 2014:

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Penny Rich on March 21, 2014:

I have been using 35% food grade in distilled water - 5 drops per gallon for the past year. I am wondering if someone else has been using it that long and is it time to change to Kagan Water.

Daniel Carter (author) from Western United States on September 04, 2013:

Thanks for stopping by, Hydrogen 202 and Alise-Evon!

Alise- Evon on August 29, 2013:

Very informative hub. I have been looking into using this product, and you have provided many great uses, very useful charts, and good cautionary remarks throughout.

Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Hydrogen 2o2 on August 17, 2013:

35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide is very powerful always be cautious when diluting. Food Grade does come in 34% a lot of people may not be aware of this but it is true. Companies like http://www.hydrogen2o2.com began offering 34% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide after new regulations on 35% took effect, resulting in more red tape. Certified 34% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide is essentially the same just less paperwork.