We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.
X

This Item from Your Medicine Cabinet Is the Secret to Clean Dishes

A person uses a sponge to wash a decorative plate in a sink with a running faucet.
Kamira/Shutterstock.com

Nothing is more annoying than being unable to get that greasy residue off your dishes. Unfortunately, sometimes the dishwasher just doesn’t cut it. That’s where a staple item in your first aid kit comes in.

Hydrogen peroxide can help banish that pesky stuck-on grease and food when it’s combined with dish detergent.

According to Bailey Carson, head of cleaning at Handy, the hydrogen peroxide works as a disinfectant when used on its own. However, when you mix it with soap, it creates a foaming, bubbly way to break down dirt.

“When you add peroxide to dish soap, it breaks down into oxygen and water,” Carson said. “The soapy water then traps that oxygen, creating bubbles, making your dish soap extra foamy.”

To try this mixture, you’ll need some hydrogen peroxide with a 3-6% dilution level. If you’re using a dishwasher, add about two ounces of it to your detergent before starting the wash cycle.

If you’re handwashing, simply mix a bit with your dish soap as you scrub. Not only will the hydrogen peroxide help melt away stuck-on grease, but it’s also a quality sanitizer.

But that’s not the only unexpected thing this stuff can do. When mixed with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic option for cleaning shower grout and removing yellowing from tubs.

And all these years, we mistakenly thought this stuff was just good for cleaning cuts and scrapes. Who knew it could clean dishes and bathtubs, too?

[Via The Kitchn]

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Editor In Chief of LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on one thing: making your life outside of work even better. Want to know more?