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Does hydrogen peroxide kill germs?

Yes, it's effective against viruses
Erin Heger

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective germ-killer and disinfectant.

Seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images
As a household cleaner, it's also an effective disinfectant that
will kill viruses, bacteria, and other germs, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here's
what you need to know about using hydrogen peroxide as a
disinfectant in your home.

Hydrogen peroxide does kill germs

and viruses
Hydrogen peroxide works as a disinfectant by destroying
essential components of germ cells, and can deactivate a
wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and spores.

According to the CDC, a concentration of 3% hydrogen

peroxide can inactivate rhinovirus — the respiratory virus
that primarily causes the common cold — within eight
minutes. In addition, a 2018 study found that hydrogen
peroxide was more effective in killing some forms of bacteria
than the quaternary ammonium compounds found in many
household cleaning products.

When it comes to reducing the germs in your home and

containing the spread of coronavirus, hydrogen peroxide is a
good option to use on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass,
and plastic, says Alex Berezow, PhD and vice president of
scientific communications at the American Council on
Science and Health.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to kill

viruses
The typical 3% hydrogen peroxide concentration found in
stores can be used as a disinfectant, or you can dilute it to a
0.5% concentration, which still has some effectiveness, using
a mixture of 2.5 parts water and 0.5 parts 3% hydrogen
peroxide.

Before disinfecting any surface with hydrogen peroxide, the

CDC recommends using soap and water to clean the area.
Once you've done so, you can pour or spray hydrogen
peroxide on the surface and wipe with a paper towel or
sponge.

After you've used hydrogen peroxide, make sure to leave it

on the surface for at least one minute before drying to give it
enough time to kill pathogens.
If you're cleaning with 3% hydrogen peroxide, use caution on
some surfaces — such as countertops made of marble or
granite — as its slight acidity can break down the finish of
these surfaces over time. It can also cause discoloration, so
test it out on a small spot of a colored surface before using it
on a larger area.

Be careful when handling hydrogen

peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use alone, but shouldn't be
mixed with other household cleaning agents, like vinegar or
bleach. Both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can be used on
the same surface if you make sure the area dries between
uses, but they should not be combined in the same
container.

Mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar creates peracetic

acid, Berezow says, which can irritate your eyes, skin, and
respiratory system. "It's not wise to mix chemicals, as a
general rule," Berezow says.

Hydrogen peroxide is highly biodegradable, but

concentrations higher than 3% can be dangerous. For
example, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide greater than
30% can cause explosions when combined with metals like
copper and iron.

In addition, the potency of hydrogen peroxide will reduce as

it is exposed to light. For optimal use, the CDC recommends
storing hydrogen peroxide in a dark container to keep its
concentration stable and effective at killing germs.

Related stories about keeping

germ-free:
• What temperature kills germs? How to use heat properly to
get rid of bacteria and viruses

• Does alcohol kill germs? Yes, as long as the solution is

strong enough
 • Does vinegar kill germs? It isn't the best disinfectant for
viruses

• The best disinfecting cleaners

• Does hand sanitizer work? The difference between

sanitizer and soap

• Hand sanitizer does expire — here's whether it's still worth

using

• How do viruses spread and how to protect yourself against

infection

Do you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd

like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is
handling the pandemic? Please email
covidtips@businessinsider.com and tell us your story.

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