These Two Household Ingredients Create a Magical All-Purpose Cleaner—Here's How (2024)

Cleaning

• 01 of 10

  Whiten Yellowed Laundry

  

  Hydrogen peroxide in laundry works as a mild bleaching agent to whiten dull or yellowed clothes. Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washer drum or the automatic bleach dispenser before adding the water and laundry.

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• 02 of 10

  Remove Laundry Odors With Baking Soda

  

  Baking soda acts as a deodorizer to remove laundry odors by balancing the pH in water. For strong laundry odors, create a pre-soak by dissolving 1 or 2 cups of baking soda in 2 cups of warm water.

  Fill the washer tub or large sink with cool water and add the dissolved baking soda. Soak the stinky laundry overnight and then wash as usual.

  For stale-smelling garments that can't be washed, place the smelly items in a sealable plastic storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Check for freshness after at least 24 hours—longer is better.

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• 03 of 10

  Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Sanitize Beauty Tools

  

  Each time you use tweezers, manicure or pedicure tools, and eyelash curlers, they come in contact with body soil and bacteria.

  Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a bowl to sanitize the tools. Submerge the tools for 15-20 seconds and then rinse in warm water. You can also dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide to wipe down combs and hairbrushes.

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• 04 of 10

  Remove Carpet Odors With Baking Soda

  

  Baking soda can help brighten and freshen carpet fibers. Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet or area rug and spritz the carpet with a spray bottle filled with cool water. It should be very damp, but not sopping wet.

  Use a scrub brush to work the baking soda deeper into the carpet fibers. Go in one direction and then at a 90-degree angle to help lift the soil. Use old towels or rags to wipe away the loosened soil. It is fine to leave a bit of baking soda in the fibers.

  Allow the carpet to air-dry. When the carpet is dry, vacuum to remove any remaining baking soda from the fibers.

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• 05 of 10

  Remove Stains From Silicone Baking Mats and Molds

  

  See Also

  How to Whiten Your Teeth With Baking Soda

  Use baking soda to remove sticky residue from silicone bakeware.

  • Heat the oven to 350°F and place the silicone item directly on an oven rack.
  • Bake for 10 minutes to soften the residue.
  • Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the silicone and dampen it with hot water.
  • Sprinkle the items with enough baking soda to create a paste over the surfaces.
  • Allow the baking soda paste to dry completely.
  • Fill a sink with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
  • Wash the silicone pieces with a non-abrasive sponge.
  • Rinse in warm water and dry thoroughly.

  Use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from silicone bakeware. Place the bakeware in a sink and add enough 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to cover the stained area. Let it soak for 24 hours, and rinse well before using it.

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• 06 of 10

  Make a DIY Grout Cleaner

  

  Add the mild bleaching action of hydrogen peroxide to the gentle abrasive action of baking soda to clean tile grout.

  • In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
  • Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the grout.
  • Let it work for at least 10 minutes.
  • Use a grout brush to scrub the grout lines.
  • Wipe away the mixture with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
  • Rinse well with a stream of water or a clean cloth.
    

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• 07 of 10

  Degrease Baking Sheets

  

  To remove grease and baked-on grime from baking sheets, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the baking sheet so it is about 1/8-inch thick. Don't forget the edges.
  • Using a spray bottle, spritz the sheet with hydrogen peroxide. Spray until the baking soda is damp but not soupy.
  • Allow the mixture to remain on the baking sheet overnight or at least 8 hours.
  • Use a plastic scraper or spatula to lift the sticky mess.
  • Use the abrasive side of a sponge to wipe away any clinging particles.
  • Wash the baking sheet in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
    

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• 08 of 10

  Clean Bathroom Showers and Faucets

  

  Soap scum loves to accumulate on fiberglass tubs and shower stalls. While durable and cost-effective, fiberglass finishes cannot stand up to harsh cleaners and abrasive scouring pads. So make your own powerful, yet gently abrasive, cleaner with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

  Make a paste of one cup of baking soda and one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide. Spread the mixture on the fiberglass with a sponge, and allow the mixture to work for at least 30 minutes.

  Start at the top of the shower stall or tub and use a non-abrasive sponge to remove the grime. Rinse the fiberglass well and dry it with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.

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• 09 of 10

  Make a Laundry Stain Remover for White Clothes

  

  The combination of hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid will remove stains from white and light-colored fabrics.

  • Use a dark-colored glass or opaque plastic spray bottle to help keep the hydrogen peroxide stable.
  • Using a funnel, add 2 parts hydrogen peroxide (1 cup) and 1 part dishwashing liquid (1/2 cup) to the spray bottle.
  • Seal the bottle and shake to mix.
  • Add a label and usage directions.
    
  • To use, spray the stain remover on the stained area and work it in with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers. Let it work for 5 or 10 minutes and then wash the garment as usual.

  Warning

  Do not use this mixture on dark-colored clothing because it can cause unstable dyes to fade.

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• 10 of 10

  Remove Mold Stains from Walls

  

  While chlorine bleach is the most effective mold killer, hydrogen peroxide will slowly kill mold and lighten stains. As with any mold removal treatment, wear protective eyewear and a mask and improve ventilation while cleaning.

  • Apply undiluted hydrogen peroxide with a spray bottle or a sponge.
  • Start at the bottom of the mold colony and work your way up to help prevent the spores from spreading and the stain from streaking more of the wall.
  • The surface should be fully wet but not oversaturated to prevent damage to the drywall.
  • Wipe away the visible mold. Do not rinse the wall.
  • Allow the surface to air-dry completely and then repeat the treatment if needed.