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Hydrogen peroxide is something most people have in their medicine cabinet, first aid kits, or cleaning supplies. This inexpensive, multipurpose solution is one of the most versatile items you can add to your survival kit or emergency stockpile. From first aid to sanitation, hydrogen peroxide offers countless benefits, especially in survival situations where resources are limited. Affordable and widely available, it’s a practical addition to any preparedness plan. Here are 17 survival uses for hydrogen peroxide that showcase why it’s a must-have in any emergency stash.
Disinfectant for Wounds
Hydrogen peroxide can help clean cuts, scrapes, and abrasions by killing bacteria and reducing the risk of infection. You can pour it directly over the injury or dab it on with a cotton swab.
Antiseptic Mouthwash
Diluted hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash. Don’t swallow! The peroxide kills bacteria, freshens breath, and prevents gum disease. If you’re suffering a toothache, a peroxide rinse can help it feel better.
Water Purification
In an emergency, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide can help disinfect small amounts of water, killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This should only be used in an emergency.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces
Pouring some hydrogen peroxide on a kitchen counter, cutting board, or even a toilet seat is an effective disinfectant. Peroxide kills germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Deodorizer
Hydrogen Peroxide can neutralize odors by eliminating bacteria that cause them, which is especially useful in confined spaces or during long-term survival situations. Yes, that’s right, you can even use it as a deodorant. Hard labor, minimal water, and confined spaces are bad enough; you don’t need to add body odor to the mix.
Cleaning Hands
If you don’t have soap and water, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean hands. It kills germs and bacteria on contact.
Treating Fungal Infections
Hydrogen peroxide has antifungal properties and can treat mild fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm.
Removing Mold and Mildew
It can kill mold and mildew in damp environments, like a shelter or tent, and help prevent their spread. Mold can cause breathing problems, so it’s important to keep it knocked down.
Eye Irrigation
In a pinch, diluted hydrogen peroxide can help flush out dirt or debris from the eyes, though it should be very diluted. One part peroxide to 10 parts water.
Treating Insect Bites
Hydrogen peroxide can help disinfect and reduce the risk of infection in insect bites and stings. To stop itching, add a little peroxide to baking soda.
Cleaning Gear
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect survival tools, such as knives, cooking equipment, and hiking boots. If you can’t effectively wash your knife, rubbing a couple of drops on the blade will sanitize it.
Disinfecting Water Bottles
Drop a few drops in your water bottles and containers to sanitize them.
Ear Cleaner
If you have earwax buildup or suspect an ear infection and can’t get to a doctor, using a cotton swab soaked with peroxide and cleaning the ear can kill fungus and bacteria. If you’re comfortable with it, use a few drops in the ears.
Poison Ivy Treatment
Rubbing peroxide on a weepy rash caused by poison ivy or poison oak will help dry it up.
Disinfect Toothbrush
In a survival situation, you may not be able to replace your toothbrush as often as you should. You can dip the toothbrush in peroxide to sanitize it. Toothbrushes can collect bacteria, which you don’t want in your mouth.
Produce Cleaner
If you’re doing some foraging or have an orchard, you can spritz or wipe peroxide on the outside of your fruit to kill off any bacteria.
Germinate Seeds
You can add some peroxide to a seed mat or mix it with water you use to water the seeds. The peroxide helps the seeds sprout faster.
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