Remember getting a cut or a scrape as a kid and wincing, knowing that your parent or a school nurse was going to put hydrogen peroxide on the cut? It’s a visceral– and slightly painful memory for so many of us. The fizzing, bubbling liquid is ubiquitous in laundry rooms and first aid kits everywhere. Whether you have the classic brown bottle or a spray applicator, most of us have hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at home. But how should we be using it? Is it safe for laundry, or does hydrogen peroxide bleach clothes? Let’s take a look at this interesting chemical and see just what it can do!
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile household chemical with lots of uses. One of the most common is in laundry. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach, and is safer than chlorine bleach for most fabrics when used correctly. It’s a fantastic stain remover, especially for organic stains like blood. It’s also used to bleach hair and whiten teeth.
But one thing it shouldn’t be used for? First aid. You should never put hydrogen peroxide on a cut, and that bubbling reaction that makes it so good at removing stains is precisely why.
Why Hydrogen Peroxide Bubbles
Hydrogen peroxide bubbles when it comes into contact with certain enzymes or impurities that break it down into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). One of the most common enzymes responsible for this reaction is catalase, which is found in blood, skin, and other organic tissues. When hydrogen peroxide encounters catalase, it rapidly decomposes, releasing oxygen in the form of bubbles. The released oxygen helps clean the area by lifting away debris and dead cells, which is why hydrogen peroxide is often used as a disinfectant. But it also damages living tissue, making the wound worse and increasing healing time. Yikes!
So, Does Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Clothes?
It can! While it has the potential to bleach fabrics, the effect depends on the type of material and concentration of the solution. For instance, white fabrics or light-colored clothes are less likely to show noticeable damage.
What To Do If You Get Hydrogen Peroxide On Your Clothes
If you accidentally spill hydrogen peroxide on your clothes, don’t panic. Quickly rinse the area with cold water and blot it with a clean towel, then wash it as usual.
How To Safely Handle Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe when handled properly. However, it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes if not used correctly. Make sure to keep it away from open wounds, and rinse off if you get it on your hands. Avoid direct contact with your eyes, and if you’re using it to clean, don’t mix it with vinegar. This produces peracetic acid, which is highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and throat.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Go Bad?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can lose its potency over time, especially after being opened. Typically, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide is good for about six months to a year after opening, though some bottles may last longer if stored in a cool, dark place.
To test if your hydrogen peroxide is still effective, you can pour a small amount into a sink and see if it fizzes. If there’s no reaction, it’s likely time to replace the bottle.
Hydrogen Peroxide Does More Than Bleach Clothes!
In addition to being a useful chemical around the house, hydrogen peroxide has many scientific applications, including science experiments that you can do at home! Hydrogen peroxide used for science, like the hydrogen peroxide we carry at Engineered Labs, has a higher concentration than the 3% hydrogen peroxide sold for home use, but it’s still generally safe to handle. In our Quantum STEM set, hydrogen peroxide is used in several experiments, including:
- Combustion in Pure Oxygen
- Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition
- Reversible Redox Reaction
- Potassium Permanganate and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Elephant Toothpaste
- Permanganate Ink Eraser
- Chemiluminescence
Whether you use it for laundry or want to set up a glowing chemical reaction, there’s more to hydrogen peroxide than you might think. So while you’re probably feeling confident with the answer to the question of does hydrogen peroxide bleach clothes, check out our Quantum STEM kit to learn even more about what it can do!
