What is the difference between peroxide and bleach

When it comes to porous surfaces, hydrogen peroxide is more effective than bleach. So if you want to kill mould permanently, hydrogen peroxide is a better choice. If you are wondering which liquid you should use for cleaning and which one is safer and better for your health, I would recommend hydrogen peroxide.

However, you should still take great care when using it and be aware of its potential reactions with various organic compounds and metals. If I have convinced you to try hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach, here are a few places you can buy it from:.

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September 2, What exactly is hydrogen peroxide? What is bleach? This makes it mildly irritating to the skin. It is also highly reactive and very unstable. When exposed to air, chlorine gas quickly evaporates from the solution and if the solution is heated, it falls apart, dividing into salt and oxygen. Chlorine gas is a severe lung irritant and therefore when you use bleach, you should always ventilate the area thoroughly and should never use it in enclosed environments.

This gas was used as a chemical weapon in World War I so you should take these recommendations very seriously. Is hydrogen peroxide the same as bleach? Although hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties it is not the same as household bleach. Hydrogen peroxide vs. Bleach — The differences The key differences between hydrogen peroxide and household bleach are summarized below: Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Chemical formula H 2 0 2 NaOCl Common uses For hair bleaching and tooth whitening Domestic cleaning Disinfectant used in certain waste-water treatment processes and for sterilization of various surfaces First aid Flour bleaching agent In industry, for bleaching textiles and paper Whitening agent Household cleaning and disinfection For removing stains Industrial and commercial cleaning Reactions Does not produce chlorine gas.

When in contact with combustible materials such as paper, wood and oil, a highly concentrated solution will generate the heat and may result in fire. Contact with certain metals and organic compounds may result in other undesirable effects NOTE: The reactions above normally apply only to hydrogen peroxide of higher strength, not the one you would normally use in your household.

When exposed to air, it releases toxic chlorine gas Reacts violently with hydrogen peroxide to produce O2 gas Mixing bleach with ammonia solutions even urine! Additional unwanted reactions can occur when mixing bleach with some other household chemicals Health risks In high concentrations, it poses extreme health risks and is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

It can cause burns to the skin and can damage tissue in the eyes. When ingested, this may result in vomiting and stomach irritation. Higher-strength solutions can result in burns. On contact with skin, you may experience irritation and concentrated solutions could cause severe skin burns with blisters.

Bleach is a skin irritant and on contact with skin, it could cause burns. Some people are allergic to bleach and this will cause swelling, inflammation and redness at the site of contact. The chlorine gas that is easily released from bleach is a severe lung irritant and can cause serious damage to the airways. When a person is exposed to chlorine gas in high concentrations of about ppm for over 30 minutes, this can result in death. When mixed with other chemicals, bleach produces toxic chemicals of various toxicity levels.

Toxic gases produced are highly dangerous and can be lethal. When accidentally ingested, bleach causes mouth and throat irritation and severe stomach burns.

The bleach itself a concentration of sodium hypochlorite is also not deemed carcinogenic by IARC. Does bleach kill mould? The answer to the question of whether bleach can kill mould is not that straight forward. Does hydrogen peroxide kill mould? Conclusion — Hydrogen Peroxide vs Bleach If you are wondering which liquid you should use for cleaning and which one is safer and better for your health, I would recommend hydrogen peroxide.

For hair bleaching and tooth whitening Domestic cleaning Disinfectant used in certain waste-water treatment processes and for sterilization of various surfaces First aid Flour bleaching agent In industry, for bleaching textiles and paper.

Whitening agent Household cleaning and disinfection For removing stains Industrial and commercial cleaning. Does not produce chlorine gas. Additional unwanted reactions can occur when mixing bleach with some other household chemicals. It's also the active ingredient in many "oxygen" bleaches and is used extensively for lightening hair. Store it in a dark bottle and remember to keep it out of reach of children.

This can also help whiten teeth. This is especially useful if you have a septic, greywater or blackwater treatment system as it won't harm the bacteria in the treatment areas - the hydrogen peroxide would have diluted to a point that renders it harmless by that stage through the interaction with flush water.

By killing bacteria this will also help keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer. Soak for at least an hour, rinse in cold water and air dry. So there you have it - hydrogen peroxide can not only be a more earth friendly replacement for chlorine bleach, but has many more uses around your home!

In researching this article, I found all sorts of weird and wonderful tips relating to ingesting and inhaling hydrogen peroxide. Some claimed cures for cancer and many other ailments.

Please, consult your doctor before ingesting hydrogen peroxide - bear in mind that it can be quite corrosive in higher concentrations and cause damage to your respiratory and digestive tract.