H020 Saves Money While it Cleans

Green living and cleaning has become commercialized and at times expensive. It does not need to be that way. If you prefer to be green in a non-commercialized manner then you can educate yourself about low-cost, environmentally friendly products that work great when it comes to cleaning and beauty products while saving money at the same time.

Hydrogen peroxide is one such forgotten secret. This inexpensive, bubbling wonder water serves multiple needs around the house. A typical bottle of this money-saving elixir costs $2 to $3 for a 16-ounce bottle. The tasks it can handle range from cleaning bathrooms to treating acne. Afterall, all of these chores have one thing in common: germs. For molecular-based reasons, H2O2 is a disinfectant and antiseptic that kills these germs and for not much money.

One reminder, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleach, so be careful about dripping it on carpets and fabrics. This is a good thing if you want to try highlights in your hair; however, I think there are better alternatives than straight peroxide for hair coloring. The idea of lightening your hair with peroxide reminds me of old M*A*S*H episodes where the nurses are coloring their hair in dingy tents with the medical supplies, but we'll save that discussion for another day.

Keep your hydrogen peroxide in spray bottles. Use a 1:1 ratio and put bottles where you need them, such as under the bathroom sinks and the kitchen sink.

First tip is to spritz fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The peroxide does not leave an after taste and it removes the grocery store residue. Without citing studies that looked at what grows and remains on our produce, it is healthy to simply be suspicious about who has handled the tomatoes and apples, and where their hands have been. We typically pickup and inspect several apples before settling on that best ones. Thoroughly cleaning the fruit before storing it in the refrigerator also prolongs the shelf life.

Second tip, clean the bathroom. Clean the sink, toilet, tub. The foaming sound that emanates from those nasty drains is quite satisfying.

Third tip, put straight hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball then use as an astringent on your face, especially if you struggle with acne or outbreaks. The hydrogen peroxide definitely targets any developing infection and shortens healing time.

Fourth tip, put diluted hydrogen peroxide on your plants. You can spray the leaves of sick or weak plants. You can pour diluted water directly into the soil. The mixture releases oxygen that benefits the plants. The hydrogen peroxide does not harm the watershed like other fertilizers.

And finally, when you've finished washing produce, cleaning your house and gardening then it's time for a soothing bath. Pour about a cup of hydrogen peroxide in the bath water. Throw in about five dashes of an essential oil, and you're ready to relax. The mixture will kill anaerobic bacteria plus soothe you in the scent of the oil of your choice.
Hydrogen peroxide is just one more way to save money and live in an earth-friendly manner. Simple living does not always require that we buy more. Sometimes it is better to simply use what we have.