Retainers are something that should be kept as clean as possible. Our mouths are full of germs, which means so is your retainer. As peroxide is amazing for dissolving odors, you can imagine how beneficial it can be as a DIY retainer cleaner. Plus, it’s non-toxic and safe to use orally, so you don’t have to worry about swallowing any harmful chemicals.
To create the solution, mix equal parts peroxide and water in a small glass and soak the retainer for 30 minutes. All of the bubbles you see are fizzing away the bacteria and odors. For a minty fresh kick, you can add a couple of drops of mint essential oil to the glass, as well. Just make sure to stir it up a bit so you don’t end up with a concentrated area of oil in your mouth!
Add to Laundry for Whitening
Not only can you use hydrogen peroxide directly on stains to lift them right out of clothes, but you can also add it to your loads of whites to whiten and brighten the laundry. While bleach does the same job, it’s also a lot harsher to deal with.
While the washer is filling with hot water, add a cup of hydrogen peroxide. This solution will not only lift stains and brighten clothes and towels, but it will also help remove odors. Doing this instead of using bleach or expensive and harsh whitening ingredients is safer on your skin and will save you money.
Clean the Tub
You can remove stains and odors from all sorts of different materials and surfaces with peroxide. Mix one-part of water with one part of the bubbly liquid in a spray bottle and shake lightly. Keep it stored under the bathroom sink for easy access.
Whenever it’s time to clean the bathroom counters, bathtub, or toilet, use your homemade solution instead of reaching for an $8 bottle of chemicals. Spray the mixture on the surface, let it sit for a few moments, scrub if necessary and wipe clean with paper towels or a rag.
Get Rid of Canker Sores
Canker sores can be triggered by some types of foods and are very uncomfortable to deal with. Luckily, hydrogen peroxide can help heal them in no time. The peroxide can help keep the bacteria around the canker sore to a minimum, which in turn helps promote faster recovery.
Mix equal parts of water and peroxide in a small container and apply directly to the affected area. Repeat the application three times per day until the sore disappears. You can simply swish the solution around in your mouth to apply. Just be sure not to swallow any peroxide.
Teeth Whitener
Peroxide can be used to make those pearly whites, well, white again. So many different foods and drinks can cause stains on teeth; coffee, soda, tea, and juice, among others. You could waste a ridiculous amount of money to go to the dentist and have your teeth professionally whitened. Or, you could use those drugstore tooth whitening trays that leave you unable to swallow comfortably for like, an hour.
But if you’d rather avoid doing either of those things, you can make your own teeth whitener at home, using only hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Dip your toothbrush into the peroxide and cover with baking soda. Brush your teeth for at least a minute before rinsing. This method has been proven to be pretty tough on your tooth’s enamel, so don’t do it every day. Instead, aim for once or twice per week.