11. Remove stains from marble.
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Knowing how to clean stains from marble countertops is key to maintaining these surfaces. If the stain is organic in nature (food stains are typically pinkish-brown when dry), mix 1 cup of 12-percent hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia in a spray bottle. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space (you may want to turn on the exhaust fan over your stove or open the windows), and wear gloves and eye protection.
Spray this mixture onto the stain, let sit for a minute or two, then wipe it clean with a towel or chamois. Repeat until the stain disappears, then rinse well with water and dry with a clean towel.
RELATED: 10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops
12. Get rid of skunk stink.
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Have a run-in with a stinky skunk? Hydrogen peroxide to the rescue! To deodorize clothing that has been sprayed, mix one part of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with six parts water (don’t make the solution any stronger, since hydrogen peroxide can damage textile fibers). Soak the stained clothing in this solution for an hour or two, rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and then launder it on a cold setting.
If you or your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, combine a quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Using a rag, rub yourself or your pet down (avoiding eyes and sensitive areas). When the odor subsides, rinse with clean water (outside, ideally) to remove as much of the mixture and odor as possible before coming back inside.
13. Freshen up lawn furniture.
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One of the great outdoor uses for hydrogen peroxide is to clean gunk and grime from outdoor furniture without using harsh chemicals or busting out the power washer. Pour 1 gallon of warm water into a large sprayer. Add ¼ cup 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of dish soap, and a scoop of borax (a sodium-based mineral powder). Spray metal chairs and tables with the solution and let it work for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub with a soft nylon brush or sponge, then rinse with a garden hose.
14. Polish your mirrors.
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Cleaning mirrors can be tricky because so many products leave streaks behind. If you don’t want to use a commercially made mirror cleaner, a hydrogen peroxide cleaner is an eco-friendly alternative. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and spray it onto your mirrors. Wipe it away with a paper towel or lint-free microfiber cloth, and enjoy your sparkling clean, streak-free reflection.
