How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Stains

6 steps

Step by step

1. 1

   Use the 3% solution and test first

   Use the 3% drugstore solution, not the stronger solution sold for bleaching hair. Test it on a hidden spot of any dyed fabric before you treat the stain.

2. 2

   Apply it to the stain

   Use a medicine dropper to put the peroxide on the stain. For blood, leave a few drops on the stain for one to three minutes. For blood or chocolate, a university fabric guide adds a drop or two of ammonia, so use only that amount.

3. 3

   Flush and rinse

   Flush the area with water after treatment. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all of the bleach.

4. 4

   Repeat on carpet

   On carpet, moisten the tufts with 3% peroxide and let it stand for one hour. Blot the area, then repeat until the stain is clean. If a stain remains after normal cleaning, this is the next step to try.

5. 5

   Pretreat fresh red wine

   For fresh red wine, mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part laundry stain-release detergent. Test it on a hidden spot, then let it sit for half an hour to an hour before washing.

6. 6

   Store it safely

   Keep hydrogen peroxide away from metal containers and metal tools. Use one product at a time and rinse in between, and never mix it with another product in the same container.

What Hydrogen Peroxide Is Good For

The 3% solution sold in drugstores is a mild bleach that helps loosen stains. It works on protein stains like blood, once enzyme and water treatment has done most of the work.

Once the fat is taken out of a chocolate stain, peroxide can remove the color that is left. It also lifts drink stains such as red wine. On natural stone, it can clean mildew and algae, and it can remove ink on light-colored stone.

How to Use It on a Spot

Start by testing the peroxide on a hidden spot of any dyed fabric. Apply it with a medicine dropper, and let it work on the stain for the time the guide gives.

For blood on clothing, a few drops on the stain for one to three minutes is the usual approach. Flush the area with water and rinse thoroughly afterward to remove the bleach from the fabric.

Where Hydrogen Peroxide Is Unsafe

Because it is a bleach, it can affect the color of dyed fabric that is not colorfast. Keep it away from metal containers and metal tools, and do not store it in metal.

Electronics makers advise against cleaning laptops, displays and tablets with products that contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Some cookware makers warn that detergents containing bleach or peroxide can damage stainless steel pans. Dark natural stone should not be treated with it, since ink treatment is limited to light-colored stone.

Common Myths About Peroxide Stain Removal

A common belief is that the stronger peroxide sold for bleaching hair removes stains better. Fabric guides say to use only the 3% solution, because higher concentrations can cause burns.

Another belief is that peroxide is so gentle it is safe on any colored fabric. It is safe for all fibers, but it is still a bleach, so every dyed fabric needs a test first.

What Never to Mix With Hydrogen Peroxide

Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, because together they form peracetic acid, which can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs. Never mix it with bleach, since Washington State's health department says the two react with each other.

Dish soap, borax, citric acid and most other household cleaners should stay out of the same container. Poison Control warns that mixing household cleaning products can give off poisonous fumes. Fabric guides direct only one combination for spot work, a drop or two of ammonia, and ammonia makers warn against mixing it with other chemicals, so use that amount only as the guide says.

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