Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits And Hacks That Could Change Your Life
In recent years, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has garnered quite the reputation as a "superfood" across the internet. While it's a common ingredient in salad dressings and a well-kept secret to add flavor to various dishes, the versatility and health benefits of ACV extend far beyond the culinary realm.
Move over, acai berries and quinoa, because apple cider vinegar is here to take the spotlight! It's not just a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes; it's a multipurpose elixir that can enhance different aspects of your life. In the kitchen, ACV can be used to elevate flavors, marinate meat, or pickle vegetables, but its utility doesn't stop there. Beyond its role in nutrition, ACV boasts a range of unexpected uses, as a fantastic natural house cleaner and more!
Soothes Pain From Sunburns
Sunburn is never fun for anyone. Next time you have one, you can feel better faster by relaxing in a bath with apple cider vinegar. Make a cool bath with a cup of ACV, 1/14 of a cup of coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil to soak your pain away.
Alternatively, you can make a 1:1 solution of ACV and water and dab or spray it onto your sunburn. It doesn't smell the best, but you'll feel relief in no time.
Ousts Weird Smells In Your Home
Apple cider vinegar can also get rid of those strange, elusive odors around your house. Filling small jars or bowls with apple cider vinegar and placing them in smelly rooms will make them smell fresh in no time. You can add herbs or essential oils to customize the scent.
People have also used a 1:1 solution of ACV and water as a natural alternative to aerosol air fresheners and deodorizing sprays.
Helps Ease Cold Symptoms
Apple cider vinegar just might be your saving grace the next time you have a cold. Sooth your sore throat by gargling a diluted solution of ACV and dissolved table salt. This will kill bacteria and help you feel better faster.
You can unclog a stuffy nose by sitting in front of a bowl of hot, steamy water that has ACV in it. The scent and steam will clear up blocked nasal passages caused by a cold, allergies, or sinus infections.
Reduces Heartburn Symptoms
Because apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, it might be useful to people who suffer from acid reflux and heartburn. ACV can increase stomach acid, which in turn will prevent back-flow into the esophagus.
Drinking a couple of tablespoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water before any meal will surely allow you to have a pleasurable dining experience. It also reportedly reduces flatulence and heartburn caused by a spicy meal.
Works As A Natural House Cleaner
Apple cider vinegar works well as a natural alternative to every-day bathroom and kitchen cleaners made with harsh chemicals. Its active cleaning agent is acetic acid, which is safe for most surfaces and kills bacteria on a cellular level.
As well as removing dirt and grime, ACV can effectively kill mold and E. coli when combined with table salt or hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure mix in a gallon of water for every cup of ACV that you use.
Reduced Risk Of Developing Heart Disease
Could apple cider vinegar reduce the risk of developing heart disease? It's possible. Animal studies have shown that ACV reduces blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure, which might be promising for future cases with humans.
The only human evidence so far is reduced risk of heart disease in women who ate salad dressing with ACV. But the fact that ACV also helps combat diabetes is a heart disease risk reduction in itself and is worth a try.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Apple cider vinegar has scientifically proven in a small study to aid patients with type 2 diabetes and those with high blood sugar. ACV works to improve's the body's insulin sensitivity to meals that are high in refined carbs and sugars.
Just a couple spoonfuls of ACV before bedtime can work wonders for you by morning. Just be sure to check with your doctor if incorporating apple cider vinegar in place of blood-sugar-lowering medications will be safe for you.
Cleanses The Lymphatic System
Some people use apple cider vinegar to detoxify and cleanse their lymph nodes. The acids in raw, unfiltered ACV bind to toxins in the body, helping it get rid of them faster. It also helps break up mucus and flushes out the lymph nodes for better circulation.
ACV also stimulates circulation and aids detoxification in the liver. All of this works to remove toxins and improve the immune system.
Cleanses Skin And Reduces Blemishes
Apple cider vinegar is the best-kept skincare secret for some people with acne problems. The acetic acid in ACV is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-biotic. Not only can it cleanse skin of dirt and grime, but it can also dry out blemishes and maintain clear skin.
Always be sure to dilute your ACV with water because putting ACV directly on the skin can be harsh. There are plenty of homemade recipes for facial toners that use ACV that can add extra benefits as well!
Kills Pesky Weeds Naturally
Apple cider vinegar is often used in organic gardens as a natural weed killer. The acetic acid is strong enough to kill weeds on contact, making them wither up within a matter of days.
However, some horticulturists say that this isn't as effective as pulling out the weeds by hand early on. They argue that while ACV kills weeds on contact, it doesn't necessarily kill the roots.
Relieves Itchy Scalps For Healthier Hair
People with dandruff issues have found an awesome natural remedy in apple cider vinegar. Washing your hair with ACV improves scalp health, while also strengthening your strands and enhancing shine.
Not only is it rich in vitamins, but ACV's antimicrobial properties also help relieve itchy scalps while its acidity can regulate the hair's pH levels. After cleansing and conditioning hair, just work a solution of water and ACV into your scalp and hair. After a few minutes, rinse.
Cleans And Softens Laundry
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural alternative to try on your next laundry day. It can practically replace detergents and fabric softeners that are chock full of harsh chemicals. ACV kills bacteria that builds up in clothes over time, eliminating chemical buildup from synthetic laundry products.
It can also soften your clothes while removing static cling, lint, and pet hair. To try this, simpl add a 1/4 cup of ACV to a full load of laundry.
Help Kill Foot Fungus
Apple cider vinegar has been used by people who suffer from athlete's foot. The probiotics found in ACV can help to kill off candida yeast that causes fungus to develop on your feet.
You can soak your feet in a small basin of water that has a cup of ACV in it for about an hour. After a few nights of this, your foot fungus will start disappearing. Alternatively, you can make an anti-fungal spray.
Effectively Removes Stains
Apple cider vinegar's acidity can break up hard stains on many fabrics. Simply apply it to greasy or oily spots in clothes before you throw them in the wash.
ACV has also helped people remove carpet stains. After blotting up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth, spray the stain with an ACV solution and blot it again after a few minutes. Repeat the process until the stain is gone!
Eliminates Body Odor For Some People
There are some folks who've completely replaced their everyday deodorant with apple cider vinegar! The acidity in ACV, when used regularly for this purpose, can regulate your skin's pH levels. This reduces the amount of odor-causing bacteria that accumulates on the skin over time.
While this has proven most effective for people who cleanse themselves with ACV from the inside-out, it has also worked for people who apply diluted ACV directly to their skin.
Spray It Around Windows To Deter Bugs From Entering
Help prevent bugs (especially spiders!) from entering your home with this next hack. Combine water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray around the edges of the window frames, both inside the house and out.
It's this easy to deter bugs from entering your home. And wouldn't you rather prevent them from going inside, than worry about how to get them out, once they're in there? All you need is a spray bottle, apple cider vinegar, and add water.
Magically Unclogs Drains
When you have a clogged shower or sink drain, apple cider vinegar just might do the trick. Start by heating up some ACV in a pan on the stove so that it is hot but not boiling. Carefully pour the hot ACV down the drain and let it sit a few minutes before plunging.
You can even add some baking soda into the drain before you add the ACV for extra-strength cleaning power.
Refurbishes Furniture To Look Brand New
Apple cider vinegar can also make your furniture look brand new! You can make a natural furniture polish out of equal parts of ACV and olive oil. A bit of lemon juice can boost this mixture's cleaning power. Just rub down your furniture with it, then buff it away.
You can even extend ACV's use to make a natural wood stain. Soaking a piece of steel wool in undiluted ACV for a few days will create a rich brown stain for wood.
Makes A Great Mouthwash
Some people are even brave enough to use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for mouthwash. The taste isn't for everyone, but ACV has helped people who are sensitive to chemical mouthwashes.
ACV's antibacterial properties effectively help your mouth achieve that extra-clean feeling, while also eliminating microbes that cause bad breath. Just mix a tablespoon of ACV for every cup of water for a safe rinse. Concentrated ACV has too much acid that will damage your teeth if swished alone.
When Taken Daily, Apple Cider Vinegar Can Work Wonders For The Digestive System
We've already learned that apple cider vinegar can help with heartburn symptoms, but its benefits to the digestive system go beyond that. Proper stomach acid levels are vital for both nutrient absorption and for proper digestion.
Well, ACV can help improves your digestive health by upping healthy stomach acid production. Just drink one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in one glass (8 oz) of water once a day, preferably before a meal and you should notice digestive benefits within days.
The Many Benefits Of Acetic Acid
As mentioned earlier, ACV's active ingredient is acetic acid. We've learned that the acid can help with acne and even with housecleaning chores, but it has other benefits as well.
Acetic acid can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, unclog arteries, keep blood sugar levels even, and generally keep your body's systems all running smoothly. Another added benefit is that drinking it will give you an antimicrobial effect. Pharmaceutical versions of acetic acid are even used to treat ear canal conditions.
Avocados
It's hard to imagine anyone hating on avocados. These green beauties are nutritional powerhouses that not only taste great but do wonders for your health. Rich in Vitamin K and folate, avocados boost cognitive function by protecting against stroke and improving your concentration and memory.
If you're worried about the fat content in avocados, you shouldn't. Avocados have monosaturated fats, which are good for you as they stabilize your blood sugars and do wonders for the skin. That's not all — not only are they rich in vitamins B and C, avocados have the highest protein and lowest sugar content of any fruit.
Beets
Beets certainly aren't a favorite for many vegetable-heads out there, but this might change their minds. Beets are naturally packed with nitrates that boost blood flow to the brain, which of course equals seamless mental function!
This happens because beets are rich in nitrates, which when converted into nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Beets are also rich in Vitamin C, Iron, and Magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that help rid your body of toxins, reducing inflammation and your chances of getting cancer. Gym rats might want to start snacking on beets too since they help boost energy and improve overall athletic performance.
Bone Broth
Consuming bone broth is like drinking a multivitamin. It's packed with over 19 essential and non-essential amino acids, as well as nutrients that support your digestive health. How does this impact your brain exactly?
Proper digestive and immune function will ultimately promote stellar brain health. If your body is functioning properly from the inside, then your brain will also absorb nutrients better while attaining proper blood flow. The amino acids in bone broth will boost immunity and memory. Bone broth is also rich in collagen which is important for your joint health.
Celery
Celery is high in nutrients and low in calories, which makes it the perfect snack to munch on if you want to nourish your body but not gain weight. Celery ensures proper brain function via the numerous ways it aids internal body functions.
The most apparent way that celery achieves healthy brain function is through its anti-inflammatory properties. Celery is packed with antioxidants and polysaccharides that are key nutrients for fighting inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the result of a myriad of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, as well as a number of infections.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers have a reason to rejoice! Dark chocolate is known to support healthy cognitive function through the copious amount of flavonols, which are active antioxidants that combat inflammation and free radicals.
For this reason, dark chocolate promotes healthy blood flow to the brain, reducing the chances of developing dementia or suffering a stroke. Dark chocolate is especially beneficial to senior citizens, whose cognitive function is most at risk. When we say dark chocolate, we're talking about chocolate that’s at least 70% or higher in cocoa content. Anything lighter is probably not the healthiest choice because they contain other additives.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is one of the ultimate brain foods because it contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. Our brains are largely comprised of fatty acids, which makes them essential for performing tasks, regulating mood, and thinking straight.
Luckily, EVOO is chock full of fatty acids while the polyphenols help combat age-related cognitive issues. EVOO also has hormone-balancing, anti-inflammatory effects which help fight mood disorders and depression, which is sometimes a consequence of low-fat diets. If you want to support your brain with EVOO, make sure to find ways to consume it cold, since cooking EVOO takes away most of its benefits.
Egg Yolks
There's nothing quite like the incredible, edible egg. But health-conscious folk usually just eat the whites, which is actually unnecessary. A lot of people see egg yolks as the unhealthy part of the egg and usually leave it out over high cholesterol concerns. But discarding your yolks might be a mistake!
Egg yolks are essential for cognitive health and here’s why. The yolks are rich with choline, which is a macronutrient that’s essential for brain development, nerve function, and other important bodily functions. Because the choline in egg yolks supports brain development, nutritionists say that pregnant women should start eating the yolks!
Chamomile
Chamomile is a wonderful herb that has been used for nearly 5,000 years to aid a number of health problems. Chamomile contains disease-fighting antioxidants such as terpenoids and flavonoids, which are revered for their natural healing properties.
Chamomile is primarily consumed in tea. Chamomile tea is known to be relaxing and soothing, which makes it the perfect sleep aid. Chamomile helps you get a better sleep, which ultimately helps your cognitive function during the day. Chamomile also serves as a natural remedy for anxiety and depression due to its stress-fighting properties because of the way its scent is carried directly to the brain.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are excellent in promoting proper cognitive function, while also combatting depression. Cherry tomatoes and other bright red or orange fruits and veggies like them get their coloring from an organic pigment called a carotenoid.
Carotenoids have been known to boost cognitive function and support memory in the long run. Cherry tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is heavily concentrated within the skin of fruits in the tomato family and the cherry variety contains a lot of lycopene. Lycopene is anti-inflammatory which can prevent inflammation that causes depression. So these little guys can also help boost your mood!
Salmon
You've already read that our brains contain a significant amount of fatty acids, so it’s a no-brainer that salmon would help support them. Salmon is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, which serve a multitude of health benefits.
In relation to brain health, the omega-3s in salmon help your brain function in the most efficient way possible and improve memory. This can help prevent ADHD in children and in the long term, can prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Salmon also contains considerable levels of vitamins A and D, which not only act as antidepressants but also prevents age-related damage in the nervous system.
Walnuts
A simple walnut can do wonders for the mind! Like salmon, walnuts are also chock full of omega-3s, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This makes walnuts a superfood that supports memory, thought processing, and combats depression.
Studies have shown that low levels of omega-3s are factors in behavioral and cognitive disorders, such as depression, so walnuts are a perfectly natural way to prevent those from happening. Those same studies proved that those who suffer from mood disorders due to a lack of omega-3s also inevitably suffer from cognitive decline.
Turmeric
You may have seen turmeric pop up as a current dietary trend — and for good reason! Turmeric is a spice you'll want to incorporate into your diet once you discover the multitude of health benefits that it has to offer.
In terms of your cognitive health, turmeric can boost your brain’s oxygen intake, which not only keeps you alert but also helps your process information clearly. This is because turmeric contains a chemical compound called curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have shown that curcumin is just as effective as Prozac, so the spice can also benefit those suffering from depression.
Spinach
There's a reason spinach is always on a list of foods to eat for healthy diets. The leafy green is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. Spinach not only can do wonders for the body but imagine what it could do for your mind!
Spinach has been known to slow the aging process, which in turn protects the brain from age-related diseases. Some studies have found that spinach even has the ability to reverse existing damage in the cerebral cortex of those who’ve previously suffered a stroke. Spinach’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have also been known to alleviate the stressors that cause a decline in cognition and motor skills.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that not only dresses up a lot of foods and makes them smell great, but it also can do wonders for brain health. Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which ultimately protects your brain from neurodegeneration.
Carnosic acid helps your braid fight chemical free radicals, which have a hand in causing Alzheimer's and strokes. Rosemary as an essential oil can also improve your memory. When used in aromatherapy, rosemary essential oil helps people become more alert and improves the quality of your memory. It has also been known to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Kale
Kale is another leafy green that is frequently featured in healthy diets. Kale is great for salads, but it also has its place in a variety of smoothies, shakes, and juices. Kale is rich in vitamins K, A, and C which combined with its other nutrients has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Pregnant women might also want to amp up their kale intake since it is known to boost infant brain development, especially in the womb. This is because Kale contains a considerable amount of folate, which prevents birth defects and supports proper development of the baby's face and heart.
Coconut Oil
If you aren't aware of the multitude of benefits that coconut oil has to offer, then prepare to be enlightened. For brain health, in particular, coconut oil contains a compound called MCT, which stands for medium-chain triglycerides.
When MCT is digested, the liver creates ketones that act as readily accessible energy for your brain. The brain creates its own insulin for power brain cells, but this is not the case for Alzheimer’s patients. Brains afflicted with Alzheimer’s can’t produce their own insulin, so the ketones created by MCT in coconut oil can help repair brain function.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a lovely, colorful leafy green that is dense with nutrients. Part of what gives swiss chard its vibrant red color is betalain, which is the nutrient in the plant that helps support a healthy cognitive function.
The high betalain levels in swiss chard offer protection against oxidative stress-related disorders, which is caused by heavy doses of free radicals. This can lead to a myriad of neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer’s. Swiss chard also has antioxidants that prevent brain cell mutation and protect from DNA damage.
Remove Ink Stains From Clothes
It's nearly impossible to rub ink out of clothing. At least, it would be if we didn’t have hydrogen peroxide. For light-colored clothing, you can soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the infected area. Then wash your clothes as normal.
If this doesn't work, your fabric may need a heavy-duty recipe. Create a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% ammonia. The ammonia catalyzes the peroxide to work better. Only use clear ammonia, and don’t use it on wool or silk since the ammonia will eat through the proteins on both fabrics.
Time For Teeth Whitening
According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Dentistry, hydrogen peroxide effectively bleaches teeth. To whiten your teeth, create a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. Swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, or as long as you can stand. Spit the solution out if it hurts your mouth, and don't swallow it.
The higher the concentration, the brighter the whitening. However, a 2006 study from the same journal reported that higher concentrations could harm the enamel. If you use a higher concentration (25% or 35%), shorten the amount of time that the peroxide is in your mouth.
Help Your Plants Grow Big And Strong
Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen. Because plants use oxygen to absorb nutrients from the soil, they love this extra oxygen molecule. This promotes healthier, more vigorous plant growth for your garden.
To encourage garden growth, mix one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per one cup of water. After you pour the mixture into a spray bottle, mist your plants. If you want to cover an entire garden, increase your dosage to 35% hydrogen peroxide. You can also use this to pre-treat seeds. Since peroxide kills fungi, it also wards off potential diseases such as root infections.
It Can Save Your Dog's Life
Dog owners understand the risk of accidental poisoning. As soon as your dog eats a lot of grapes or chocolate, you're on the clock. You can safely induce vomiting by feeding your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide creates a mild reaction but not extreme enough to cause harm.
To induce vomiting, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide (any higher concentration is toxic). Feed your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of their body weight. The vomiting works ten to 15 minutes after eating, and it can last for up to 45 minutes. Afterward, follow up with your vet.
Remove Labels or Glue
It can be difficult and frustrating trying to remove a label or a sticker from a product you purchased. More often than not, the label or sticker will break apart into irritating small bits that take way too much work to get off. Plus you end up getting the label or sticker stuck under your nails, and it makes a big mess.
An easier way to remove labels and stickers is by using hydrogen peroxide. Set the product on a flat surface and spray the label or sticker with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit. After about 10 minutes, the label should easily come off with a little light scrubbing.
Re-Beautify Your Makeup Brushes
"Through daily use, makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution, and bacteria, says dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer, who co-founded the Dermatology Associates of New York. Dirty makeup brushes can result in staph infections if they aren't cleaned properly. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide sufficiently disinfects them.
Add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of warm water. Soak your brushes in the mixture for ten minutes. Swish the brushes around every now again. Afterward, remove your makeup brushes, rinse them with cold water, and let them air dry. If there’s any remaining residue, you can wash it off with soap.
Wash Your Fruits And Vegetables
It's essential to wash your fruits and vegetables when you bring them home. You never know who touched them or which pesticides they came into contact with. But instead of paying $8 for a veggie wash, why don’t you use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide?
To create a veggie cleaner, fill your sink with cold water and add 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Don’t use a higher concentration since it’s not food safe. Wash your fruit and vegetables in the mixture, and then rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. According to Poison Control, hydrogen peroxide isn’t toxic, except in large amounts.
Here's How To Safely Remove Wax From Your Ears
A 2015 study from Australian Family Physician supports ear irrigation as the most effective way to remove ear wax. Ear irrigation involves a liquid that softens the wax and dislodges it. Since hydrogen peroxide makes the wax bubble and weaken, it's a safe way to clean your ears.
Start by lying on your side. Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your upward-facing ear. Wait five minutes, then sit up and use a tissue to absorb any excess liquid. Then do the same on your other ear. Remember to consult your doctor before trying these home remedies.
Disinfect Your Walls, Windows, Mirrors, And Countertops
Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. That's why many household cleaners include this ingredient. If you’re running low on kitchen cleaners, use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead. Store it in a spray bottle and use as you would any other household cleaner.
Although hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant, it takes time to work. You might want to leave the solution on your countertops or walls for a minute before wiping. A mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and plain soap makes an efficient cleaning solution for windows and mirrors.
Hydrogen Peroxide Is A Natural Deodorant
When bacteria breaks down sweat, it creates body odor. Because our armpits sweat more than any other area, they're the main culprit of body odor. Some people use 3% hydrogen peroxide to kill these germs, and hence halt the B.O.
Hydrogen peroxide is not an antiperspirant, so it won’t inhibit your sweating. But neither do deodorants. Swipe or spray some hydrogen peroxide wherever you’re sweating for odor relief. And it’s certainly cheaper than paying for a deodorant that could contain harmful substances like aluminum.
Reshine Your Rusty Tools
When is the last time you cleaned your gardening shovel, screws, or hammer? Probably never. If your tools begin to rust, it's time for a scrub. Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the rusted area and rub it with steel wool or a brush. If you need a stronger solution, mix the peroxide with borax.
Before you dive into this DIY, test a small of hydrogen peroxide. H202 may react with some metallic irons, although it shouldn’t affect stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. Double-check what your tools are made of before experimenting.
Bye Bye, Burn Residue
Burn residue can take ages to scrub off. Since burned debris cakes onto the surface of pots and pans, just scrubbing won't do much. You need a substance that dissolves and lifts the residue. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove the grime without having to scrub.
Pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% is fine) to cover all the burned areas. Then stir in a pile of baking soda. Leave it for at least a couple of hours; aim for six hours. The debris should lift right off! Wipe off any sticky remains until your pot or pan looks like new.
Lighten Your Hair At Half The Price
Hydrogen peroxide makes up 6% to 10% of most blonde hair dyes. To save money, you can use the liquid chemical to lighten your hair instead of a lengthy routine. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, an alkaline chemical that will lower the acidity. Spread the paste through your hair and leave it on from 15 to 60 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with cold water.
While the solution won't turn your hair bleach blonde, it will lighten the color noticeably. Be careful handling hydrogen peroxide, because it easily irritates the eyes. And if you use too much, it can damage your hair and skin.
Have Discolored Nails? Try This
Fungi can transform your nails into yellowed, cracked fragments of what they used to be. Hydrogen peroxide can kill this fungus quickly and efficiently. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of hot water with one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. For extra strength, include one teaspoon of baking soda.
Soak your nails in this solution for about ten minutes. If you don't want your skin to soften, you can soak a cotton ball in the mixture and press it to your nails. If you need to, scrub stains off with a clean, unused toothbrush or a nail brush.
Soften Those Cracked Heels
Why spend your money on spa foot treatments when you have so many other things to pay for? If you have cracked, rough callouses on the edges of your feet, hydrogen peroxide can soften that skin by breaking down the tissue around it.
Dilute two cups of hydrogen peroxide into two cups of hot water. Soak feet for 30 minutes. After you dry them off, scrub off all the dead skin. Then lather your feet with lotion, pop on some warm fuzzy socks, and hit the hay. Your feet will feel super soft in the morning.
This Can Alleviate A Painful Canker Sore
Anyone who has had a canker sore knows that it hurts. While hydrogen peroxide can't make a canker sore disappear, it can speed up the healing. The peroxide kills growing bacteria in your mouth, which may ameliorate some pain.
Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water–no more than half and half. Apply the mixture to your canker sore. Either dip a cotton ball in the solution and press it to your sore, or swish the liquid in your mouth. Either way, make sure not to swallow any of the peroxides. Oh, and it might sting a bit.
Protect Your Shower From Mildew
Nobody likes cleaning their shower. That's why it’s best to clean a shower and shield it from future mold at the same time. Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spritz the walls of your shower and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Then, wipe the mildew away.
According to a 2013 study in BMC Research Notes, hydrogen peroxide effectively kills microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. It also demolishes budding yeast systems, so you won’t have to clean your shower for a while longer.
If You Have Carpet Stains, Check This Out
Commercial carpet-cleaning products contain sodium percarbonate, which is a powdered form of hydrogen peroxide. That's why cleaners often have "Oxy" or “Oxi” in the name. Why don’t you skip the extra charge and use hydrogen peroxide instead?
Before you start pouring, dilute the peroxide. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with five parts water. Spray it on the dirty spot and wait for a couple of minutes, and then scrub the stain away. You might want to test it on a small area first.
Kill Mold Without Using Harsh Chemicals
Mold can develop within 24 hours. Leaving it unattended can result in respiratory illnesses; it's a hazard to those with allergies. While it’s important to kill mold quickly, most people don’t want to spray chemicals everywhere. Here’s a way to eradicate mold without those dangerous cleaners.
Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Saturate the mold-infected walls with the solution, and leave it there for ten minutes. Over time, the anti-fungal liquid will destroy the organisms. After ten minutes pass, scrub the area to remove all the stains. Then wipe the surface to dislodge any remaining mold stains.
Finally, An Easy Way To Clean Your Retainer Or Mouthguard
That tiny plastic mold that you have to stuff into your mouth every night is hard to keep clean. But you can clean your retainer for little-to-no money by using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water.
Place your retainer into a jar and submerge it in water. Add one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a sprinkle of baking soda. Leave the retainer in there for about ten minutes. Afterward, take it out and rinse all the residue off. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly before popping it back in your mouth.
Here's How To Clean Your Toothbrushes
Have you ever thought about how many germs gather on your toothbrushes? The reality is that they attract plenty of bacteria, and yet most people never clean their toothbrushes. According to the Children's Oral Health Institute, hydrogen peroxide is a safe method of disinfecting your child’s toothbrushes.
Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a cup, and place your toothbrushes into it bristles-down. Leave the toothbrushes in there until the liquid stops bubbling. Afterward, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly before use. Another method is to swish your toothbrush through a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide before use.
Give Your Dishwasher More Oomph
Dishwashers make everything easier–when they work. If you don't clean your dishwasher, the extra residue will cake the walls and leave your dishes less than lustrous. Plus, the hydrogen peroxide will lend your dishwasher soap more cleaning power.
Before you run your next load, add 1/4 cup (or three ounces) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your dishwasher. Close the door and run it. The hot water will swirl it around, and the peroxide will disinfect the surface. That’s all you have to do!
