Coming up below are 25 ways to use hydrogen peroxide, including for plants and around the home. You'll find the different dilution rates and how to apply it depending on whether you have 3% or 6% strength hydrogen peroxide and the problem you want to treat or prevent...
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What's the difference between H2O (water) and H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide)?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), occurs naturally in rainwater and acts as nature's cleanser. It oxygenates soil and bodies of water, is non-toxic and safe to use around food, people and pets. A chemical-free alternative for cleaning and plant care.
Hydrogen Peroxide is distilled water with an extra atom of oxygen. H2O means 2 hydrogens and 1 oxygen atom. The extra 2 in H2O2 means 2 hydrogens and 2 oxygen atoms, called hydrogen peroxide.
What bacteria, mould and fungi can hydrogen peroxide kill?
The particular brand I use (called Forsana), has been tested to kill 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi including waterborne and foodborne diseases. Proven effective against coronaviruses such as SARS and Covid, E. coli, Listeria, Norovirus and Salmonella.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe?
Yes, Forsana's hydrogen peroxide formula is safe for use around pets and kids. It's asthma and allergy friendly. Completely safe for the environment. No chemicals. No chlorine. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into pure oxygen and water. But if you have sensitive skin gloves are recommended when handling it. Other than that, no special safety requirements are needed when using the standard 3% hydrogen peroxide.
How do you use hydrogen peroxide 3% vs 6%?
The dose depends on what you need to promote or prevent. Find the issue you need help with below to check the dose before use. You'll find the plant uses first, then household uses second.
Please note rates for plants below are based on using Forsana Plant Care Plus which is the standard 3% hydrogen peroxide normally used for plants. If you're using a different strength such as 6% hydrogen peroxide (like Forsana Everyday Cleaner or Power Cleaner), you need to adjust the ratios below. When using 6% hydrogen peroxide you need to either DOUBLE the water OR use HALF the hydrogen peroxide.
For most uses below I've added the rates for both the 3% and 6%, for some I've just given you the 3% or the 6% depending on the best match strength for the use (everything is clearly listed so you know which is which).
How to use hydrogen peroxide for plants...
What type of hydrogen peroxide can be used on plants?
In New Zealand the brand I use is Forsana Plant Care Plus 3% but for my international plant friends, look for 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide like Essential Oxygen 3% available on Amazon. Just watch out for additives as not all hydrogen peroxide is plant-safe (Forsana and Essential Oxygen are two that are plant-safe, although some plants are more sensitive than others, more about that coming up).
What plant problems can can you use hydrogen peroxide for?
The most common uses of hydrogen peroxide for plants include the following list, with dilution rates and application directions to follow further below.
- Eliminates root rot.
- Supports growth of healthier roots.
- Treats fungus gnat infestations
(as well as other pests such as aphids and mites) -
Eliminates fungal infections.
- Sterilises potting mix.
- Cleans and disinfects pots and plant tools.
- Prevents algae.
- Sanitises and increases germination of seeds.
- Speeds up compost decomposition while preventing unpleasant odours.
In general, hydrogen peroxide works by increasing oxygen, creating an environment that harmful anaerobic bacteria, mould, fungi and diseases dislike, but roots love, supporting healthier plants and naturally repelling pests and insects.
Are some plants more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, some plant's leaves are more sensitive to foliar sprays than others, including Peace Lilies, African Violets, Begonias and Orchids. Take the same precautions as any treatment applied to leaves. Either avoid spraying on plants with sensitive leaves, or always do a test spray on a couple of leaves at least 2 days before treating the rest of the plant when using any brand of hydrogen peroxide as a foliar or leaf spray.
Hydrogen peroxide dilution rate to treat ROOT ROT
If caught in time, there is hope. H202 kills the bacteria and fungi in the soil responsible for root rot, and restores oxygen to help remaining roots recover faster.
STEP ONE: Remove the plant from the pot, remove the substrate, check the roots and cut off any infected roots first. Cut into the healthy part of the root. You want to remove all rotting roots as the fungi and bacteria that cause root rot spreads easily. Clean any tools between cuts by wiping the blade with undiluted 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide.
STEP TWO: Using equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, spray the roots thoroughly before repotting. If using 6% hydrogen peroxide, combine a 1 part 6% with 2 parts water (eg: 1 cup 6% to 2 cups water).
IMPORTANT: Avoid leaves as pouring at this strength on leaves can burn them. If the plant is known to have sensitive roots, you can rinse or spray with plain water after the hydrogen peroxide spray, before potting up. Otherwise you can skip the rinsing step.
OPTIONAL STEP:
If is the plant has been badly infected and looks to be dying, you can try a hydrogen peroxide root soak instead of just a root spray. Unpot and remove the substrate same as step one and cut off any dead or dying roots, leaving only healthy roots behind.
Then soak the remaining roots in 2 tbsp (30ml) hydrogen peroxide 3% mixed with 1 litre water for 6 hours. Replant into sterile potting mix and a clean pot. You can use hydrogen peroxide to sterilise the new soil and pot if needed (coming up below).
How to use hydrogen peroxide to kill PESTS including FUNGUS GNATS
Depending on where the pest feeds, either drench the soil or mist-spray the foliage. Using a very fine mist sprayer like the Mister 360 is recommended to increase coverage into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, and increase contact with more pests.
To kill pests that live in the soil:
To use hydrogen peroxide to kill fungus gnat larvae and pests that live and feed in potting mix: Wait until top layer of potting mix is dry and the plant needs watering. Mix a 1 to 4 part ratio of 3% hydrogen peroxide to water, for example: 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide added to 4 cups of water. If using 6% hydrogen peroxide, mix a 1/2 part of 6% to 4 parts water (for example, 1/2 a cup of 6% to 4 cups of water).
Then either spray or saturate soil by bottom or top watering as normal. For Fungus Gnat larvae, they tend to concentrate in the top 5cms of the soil, so you can regularly spray the top layer of substrate with the hydrogen peroxide mixture.
For pests like fungus gnats where they also have a flying lifestage above the soil, you can use additional treatments, such as sticky traps to kill the flying adults (or if you're not in New Zealand, these sticky traps available on Amazon).
For pests that feed on leaves:
You can also use hydrogen peroxide as a foliar / leaf spray. Use 1 part 3% to 8 parts water, for example, 125ml (half a cup) of 3% to 1 litre of water. If you have 6% hydrogen peroxide, use a 1/2 part 6% to 8 parts water, such as a quarter of a cup of 6% to 1 litre of water.
When applying as a spray: Spray only (do not pour on leaves). Let air dry out of direct sunlight. ALWAYS spray-test one or two leaves the first time, especially for sensitive / thinner-leafed plants, at least 2 days before treating the rest of the plant, to check for a reaction.
For ROOT health and general plant health
Use the general maintenance dilution rate of 4 tbsp (60mls) hydrogen peroxide 3% per 1 litre water. Water into soil every second watering to oxygenate roots, boost growth and enhance nutrient absorption.
To treat FUNGAL or BACTERIAL diseases
Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide with water. Or using 6%, add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water. Water into soil or mist infected areas to kill bacteria and fungi. If the plant is sensitive or you are unsure, treat a test area first at least 2 days before treating the rest of the plant to check for a reaction. This is a stronger dilution rate so I'd normally stick with using it on the soil only at this strength unless you test spray foliage first.
For sterilising SEEDS and speeding up GERMINATION
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide: mix 1 tbsp (15ml) 3% hydrogen peroxide with 250mls of water. Soak seeds for 1 to 4 hours (check the plant type to determine how long is best), then plant. Or using 6%: mix 15mls 6% hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon), with 500mls of water.
To sterilise POTTING MIX
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide: saturate the soil with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3% per 1 litre water. Using 6%: mix 1/2 a cup of 6% per 2 litres water. Put wet soil in a watertight container and leave overnight before planting. This kills pathogens such as fungi and bacteria including insect eggs and nematodes (roundworms).
To clean and disinfect POTS and PLANT TOOLS
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide: mix equal parts 3% and water. If using 6%: mix 1 part 6% to 2 parts water. Pour into pots and wipe the sides (wearing gloves). You can also soak tools in the mixture to prevent the spread of disease such as root rot.
For hydroponics and aquaponics to treat ALGAE, SLUDGE and ROOT ROT
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide: mix 1 tbsp (15ml) 3% hydrogen peroxide per 1 litre water. Add directly to the water system to help prevent algae and root rot. Also enhances nutrient absorption. If using 6%: mix 1 tablespoon (15mls) 6% per 2 litres of water.
Harmful bacteria thrive in water with low oxygen content. Used in hydroponics, hydrogen peroxide boosts oxygen and helps combat low oxygen found in warm, room temperature water.
To disinfect GREENHOUSE surfaces
If you've had an outbreak of pathogens like a fungal or bacterial disease, use undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray or wipe down the surfaces. If you have sensitive skin wear gloves when using undiluted.
How to use hydrogen peroxide for food and around the home...
To clean FRUIT and VEGETABLES
Soak produce for 20 minutes: Fill the sink with water, add 100mls of 6% hydrogen peroxide, soak fruit or vegetables, rinse and dry. Forsana hydrogen peroxide is food-grade and safe for food prep.
Remove odours and disinfect your FRIDGE
For a fridge deep clean: Empty the fridge. Wipe off any visible spills or grime. Spray with 6% hydrogen peroxide, wait 20 minutes, wipe clean with a wet cloth.
For a fridge quick-clean: Soak a swedish dish cloth in a mix of half hot water and half 6% hydrogen peroxide (like Forsana Power Cleaner). Wipe shelves, drawers and handles.
COMPOST accelerator
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide: mix 1 cup (150ml) hydrogen peroxide per 1 litre water. Spray onto compost pile or inside kitchen compost bin. Hydrogen peroxide helps speed up decomposition while also preventing unpleasant odours.
To clean a HUMIDIFIER or DEHUMIDIFIER
Add 1/2 a cup (250ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 500ml of water. Run the mixture through your humidifier / dehumidifier or fill and leave to soak for 60 minutes. Rinse out, and leave to air dry before using again or before storage.
To avoid food-borne illnesses like SALMONELLA
After cutting raw meat, spray kitchen surfaces and utensils with 6% hydrogen peroxide undiluted. Wait 10 minutes. Clean surface and utensils as normal.
To sterilise LUNCH BOXES and remove odours
Remove any leftover food. Spray with 6% hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
To remove ODOURS from SHOES
To kill the bacteria that cause bad odours, spray the inside of shoes with 6% hydrogen peroxide and allow to dry.
To clean and disinfect CHILDREN'S TOYS
Spray with 3% hydrogen peroxide from a distance of 10 to 20cms away. Wait up to 20 minutes. Wipe clean. For soft toys test spray first. For toys like lego, soak in 5 litres of water with 1 cup (250ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and let dry.
To clean and disinfect CHANGING TABLES and PRAMS
Dampen a cleaning cloth with water. Spray the changing table or pram with 3% hydrogen peroxide from a distance of 20 to 25cms away. Wipe the surface evenly so a wet film is left and let air dry. Forsana kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and mould.
To remove smells and stains for PET BEDDING
Spray with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let air dry. Forsana is safe for pets.
To WHITEN sneakers
brush off any obvious dirt or grime first. Spray with 6% hydrogen peroxide until wet. Use a soft brush to spread the hydrogen peroxide evenly. Alow to sit for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash with warm water.
To keep SHOWERS clean and avoid mould
Spray shower after each use with 6% hydrogen peroxide to avoid mould and scum build-up.
To remove germs and odours from TOILETS
Use 6% hydrogen peroxide undiluted. Spray on toilet seat and bowl, wipe to distribute evenly. Let air dry to remove stains, germs and odours.
To whiten GROUT
Spray with 6% hydrogen peroxide from a distance of 20 to 25cms away. Scrub with sponge or grout brush. Wait 20 to 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse with hot water. For stubborn stained grout, make a paste with baking soda and 6% hydrogen peroxide. Apply to grout. Scrub with sponge or grout brush until clean.
To disinfect SPONGES and DISH CLOTHS
Soak in a 2 litre bowl of hot water with 1 cup (250ml) of 6% hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Also helps remove odours.
Clean and sterilise smelly DRINK BOTTLES
Add 50ml of 6% hydrogen peroxide, shake well, let sit for 20 minutes. Helps remove smell, mildew and mould. Scrub to loosen any remaining mould. Rinse and wash as usual.
Where can I buy hydrogen peroxide in New Zealand?
From me here at Love That Leaf :) I sell Forsana Plant Care Plus Hydrogen Peroxide > (if you're looking for the old Oxygen Plus by Good Clean Health Co, it's been rebranded Forsana (same company making it), and the formula's been improved).
Where can I buy hydrogen peroxide in the USA?
You want to look for 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide like Essential Oxygen 3% available on Amazon.