Hydrogen Peroxide -- What's it all about?
Hydrogen peroxide is water (H2O) with an extra oxygen molecule. The combination is H2O2, an unstable powerful oxidant. It is a natural substance which can be found in trace amounts in rain and snow. Rain combines with ozone in the upper atmosphere. When the two mix, the ozone (O2) loses one oxygen molecule to the water and hydrogen peroxide is formed. Hydrogen peroxide is very unstable and breaks down readily into water and a single oxygen molecule. Oxygen is stable only when the molecules are pairs (O2). A single oxygen molecule is a strong oxidizing and disinfecting agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a simple yet effective substance. Our own immune system produces and uses hydrogen peroxide to control bacteria and viruses.
Merck's index indicates that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a water disinfectant. In the medical world it is used as a topical disinfectant. The FDA in the US has approved hydrogen peroxide to be used for "Aseptic" packaging in the food industry, as well it can be used in the processing of cheese and related cheese products. It can also be used in mouth rinse products for cleaning and healing mouth injuries.
Hydrogen peroxide is a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine in your hot tub. Switch to hydrogen peroxide and you will be bathing in clean, oxygen enriched, odor free water. Always check with the manufacturer of your pool or tub as to the compatibility of hydrogen peroxide with your system.
35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide and Tubbing
Hydrogen peroxide comes mixed with water in several strengths and types. Drug store variety is 3% strength. For hot tubbing we recommend 35% food grade (approved for food production) hydrogen peroxide. Some dissolved substances, particularly iron and organics will use up the hydrogen peroxide rapidly. The installation of an ozonator (H2O2 works well any ozonato or UV sterilizer) will usually solve this problem. If you are unsure of the mineral content of your water, try the hydrogen peroxide and test the level frequency.
Peroxide Test Strips
Peroxide test strips are a plastic strip with a reactive pad on one end. They are used to test the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a solution. Dip the pad into the solution for 1 second. After 5 seconds compare the color of the pad to the color scale on the bottle. Test strips measure from 0 to 100 parts per million. Hot tubs are kept between 30 to 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide.
Shocking your tub to get started
To start your hot tub on hydrogen peroxide it is necessary to shock the water with a high dosage. For every 1000 liters of water in your tub, add 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide (250 ml to every 250 gallons of water). Let the tub stand for one day with the circulation pump running intermittently. Clean the filters before you start and check them frequently after shocking. The peroxide will oxidize any material in the water and the filters can quickly plug causing damage to the pump. Hydrogen peroxide may not work if the water has a high dissolved mineral or organic content.
Maintaining the hydrogen peroxide levels
The amount of hydrogen peroxide used depends on the quality of the water, the number of people using the tub, the frequency of use, and the amount of sunlight the tub gets. Check the level of hydrogen peroxide frequently with the test strips until you are familiar with how much hydrogen peroxide to add and when to add it. Then check at least once per week. The level should jump up to 100 ppm. Maintain the level between 30 and 100 ppm. Check and clean filters frequently.
Danger:
35% hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidant and extremely corrosive. Handle with care. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dark place. There is first aid information in the next section of this brochure. Never dispense hydrogen peroxide into an unlabeled container. Toxic or fatal if swallowed at full strength.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Merck's Index indicates that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a water disinfectant.
Always use 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide in a dilute solution. Never use it as a concentrate without diluting it first. To make a 3% solution, mix 1 ounce 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of water. Distilled water is best when feasible, especially if the solution can be stored for any length of time.
The following information is for educational purposes and is not meant to treat or prescribe. We are sharing what others have told us has worked for them as they seek to have healthier animals and plants. Man, too, will benefit further down the food chain.
It was in 1985 that the first dairy farmer began injecting hydrogen peroxide in the water system of his entire farm. The water on his farm was polluted and mastitis was a problem with his herd. After continual use since that time, this same farmer has noticed with satisfaction the healthy state of his cows. In April 1988, the butterfat content of his Holstein cows was up to 5.3%. Another farmer who weighs the milk from every cow at every milking, reported that his milk production increased from 6 to 8 pounds per cow per milking. Others have reported their bacteria count has gone down to less than 2,000 per cubic centimeter. Many other farmers are continuing this experimental process.
Drinking Water of Farm Animals:
Use 8 ounces of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide per 1000 gallons of water of 30 ppm. If you do not have an injector, start out by using 1 teaspoon of 35% hydrogen peroxide in the drinking cups at the stanchion. This same ratio is used for all farm animals: cows, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, rabbits and birds, increasing the oxygen level to the blood and cells. When hydrogen peroxide has been used for cattle, an increase in milk production and an increase in butterfat content have been reported. Farmers have also reported less mastitis in their herds. Hog farmers have reported less mastitis in their herds. Hog farmers have reported their hogs using less feed in a shorter growing time (as much as 30 days less). Turkey and chicken growers reported increased weight per bird using less feed. A man in Wisconsin has told us that he has had the best reproduction rate of his buffalo by using hydrogen peroxide in their drinking water.
Peroxide application into the well water, or city water can best be accomplished by a metering device, which keeps the application more constant and thorough although manual application can be a second best. The rule of thumb is 8 to 10 oz. of 35% hydrogen peroxide to 1000 gallons water.
The Many Uses of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
Hot Tubs:
Check with the hot tub manufacturer to determine the compatibility of your system with H2O2. The average size hot tub could be started up with one of two liters or more of 35% H2O2 until it tests 40 parts per million (ppm). Turn the circulation pump on to distribute it evenly during the next 24 hours. Add enough hydrogen peroxide from time to time to maintain it approximately 40 ppm, 3 to 6 ounces daily.
Additional Uses for Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
Vegetable Soak:
Add ¼ cup H2O2 to a full sink of cold water. Soak light skinned (light lettuce) 20 minutes, thicker skinned (like cucumbers) 30 minutes. Drain, dry and refrigerate. Prolongs freshness.
If time is problem, spray vegetable (and fruits) with a solution of 3%. Let stand for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
Leftover Tossed Salad:
Spray with solution of ½ cup water and 1 tablespoon of 3%. Drain, cover and refrigerate.
To Freshen Kitchen:
Keep a spray bottle of 3% in the kitchen. Use it to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It will disinfect and give the kitchen a fresh smell. Works great to clean refrigerator and kids' school lunch boxes.
Marinade:
Place meat, fish or poultry in a casserole (avoid using aluminum pans). Cover with a dilute solution of equal parts of water and H2O2. Place loosely covered in refrigerator for ½ hour. Rinse and cook.
In the Dishwasher:
Add 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 to your regular washing formula.
Sprouting Seeds:
Add 1 ounce of 3% H2O2 to 1 pint of water and soak the seeds overnight. Add the same amount of H2O2 each time you rinse the seeds.
House and Garden Plants:
Put 1 ounce of 3% H2O2 in 1 quart water. Water or mist plants with this solution.
Humidifiers and Steamers:
Mix 1 pint of 3% H2O2 to 1 gallon of water.
Insecticide Spray:
Mix 8 ounces black strap molasses or white sugar and 8 ounces of 3% H2O2 to 1 gallon water.
Laundry:
Add 8 ounces of 3% to your wash in place of bleaches.
Shower:
Keep a spray bottle of 3% H2O2 in the shower. Spray body after washing to replace the acid mantle on your skin that soap removes.
Facial:
Use 3% on cotton ball as a facial freshner after washing.
Rejuvenating Detoxifying Bath:
Add 6 ounces of 35% H2O2 to ½ tub of water. May increase H2O2 up to 2 cups per bath. Soak at least at ½ hour.
Alternate Bath:
Add ½ cup of 35% H2O2, ½ cup sea salt, ½ cup baking soda or Epsom salts to bath water and soak.
Foot Soak:
Add 1 ½ ounces of 35% H2O2, to 1 gallon water and soak.
Athlete's Foot:
Soak feet nightly in 3% H2O2 until condition is improved.
Mouthwash:
Use 3% H2O2. Add a dash of liquid chlorophyll for flavoring if desired.
Toothpaste:
Add baking soda and add enough 3% H2O2 to make a paste. Or just dip your brush in 3% H2O2 and brush.
Douche:
Add 6 tablespoons of 3% H2O2 to a quart of warm water. This is the minimum amount to use.
Colonic or Enema:
For a colonic, add 1 cup (8 ounces) 3% H2O2 to 5 gallons warm water. (Do not exceed this amount). For an enema, add 1 tablespoon of 3% H2O2 to a quart of warm water.
Hydroponics:
For every 30 gallons of nutrient solution, pre-dilute three to six tablespoons of 35% H2O2 to a gallon of distilled water. Then slowly add to the nutrient solution, stirring gently. If you are mixing up a fresh batch of nutrient solution, pour in half of the water first (preferably with a high purity of essence) and add the H2O2. Add the nutrients to the other half, then gently combine the two halves.