Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide make a powerful cleaner that can remove brown stains from sheet pans.

It’s not hard to understand why baking soda and hydrogen peroxide make such a powerful pair for cleaning when you consider that baking soda is abrasive and absorbs moisture and odors, while hydrogen peroxide disinfects and brightens. When combined, these two powerhouse cleaning ingredients make one “miraculous” cleaner!

You’re probably already familiar with the fizzy reaction that occurs when vinegar and baking soda are mixed, and you may even know that you can use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning in certain situations. But fewer people are familiar with the idea of mixing peroxide and baking soda to clean household surfaces, and I think that’s a real shame!

Not only does it make a powerful cleaner for many surfaces around the house, but it’s also perfectly safe to mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda — the reaction produces little more than carbon dioxide gasses. In this post, we’ll cover how to make this “miracle cleaner,” what you can clean with it, and why it’s one of my favorite homemade cleaners!

How To Mix Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

Cleaning with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide - just mix them into a paste.

You’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Small bowl
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl or cup with baking soda in it.

Directions:

Place about 1/4 cup of baking soda in a small bowl, then add just enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. (Exact amounts aren’t necessary here — if it seem too wet, add more baking soda; if it’s too thick, add more peroxide.)

Rub a paste of baking soda and peroxide onto a plastic utensil with hard water stains to remove the stains.

To Use:

Scoop up some of the paste with your fingers or a scouring sponge and apply the mixture to the surface you want to clean. 

How Does It Work?

  • With a pH of around 8, baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) is slightly basic or alkaline, while hydrogen peroxide is acidic, with a pH between 3 and 6, depending on the concentration.
  • When you combine the two, a chemical reaction takes place that helps to break down the molecular bonds of stubborn stains and messes.
  • When you also consider peroxide’s effectiveness at breaking down organic laundry stains (like blood stains and grass stains) and baking soda’s scouring ability, it’s no wonder this cleaning combo is so strong!

What Can I Clean With Peroxide And Baking Soda?

This cleaning duo has proven to be incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to stubborn messes and stains in the kitchen and bathroom. Here are some ideas to get you started:

These before and after photos of stained cookies sheets demonstrate how well baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work to clean.

1. Stained Cookie Sheets

Ever wondered what those stubborn grease stains on cookie sheets (or baking sheets, jelly roll pans, or whatever you call them) so hard to remove? Those stains are generated by the heat of your oven hardening oils from food or nonstick spray and causing them to adhere to the metal.

I’ve tried many, many cleaning solutions in an attempt to figure out how to remove those greasy cookie sheet stains. And hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is the only thing that has been able to erase those stains and make my baking sheets look clean again!

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide remove hard water stains.

2. Water Stained Dishes

Here in the mountains of Utah, our water is high minerals like calcium and magnesium, so it’s a constant battle to keep hard water stains and spots at bay. If I don’t counter the hard water in my dishwasher, my dishes (especially my plastic and silicone cooking utensils) end up covered in spots or chalky residue.

Luckily, it’s nothing my trusty “miracle cleaner” can’t fix. I just scoop the paste onto spotty dishes, containers, or kitchen tools, scrub them with a sponge to dissolve the mineral deposits, and rinse for dishes that look good as new!

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are perfect for attacking stubborn bathroom stains.

3. Bathroom Fixtures (Faucets, Handles, Sinks, etc.)

Even though I clean my bathroom sink regularly, the fallout from my makeup and hair products build up into an impenetrable, grimy film around the sink really quickly. Giving the area a scrub with peroxide and baking soda has proven to be an effective way to wash away that sticky, grimy film.

It also works well on mineral deposits, hard water stains, and soap scum around faucets and sinks. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to get the paste into every nook and cranny, rinse well, and admire your gleaming bathroom fixtures.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are perfect for getting your toilet bowl gleaming.

4. Toilet Bowls

Hard water stains can also be a problem in toilet bowls, particularly under the rim where the jets are. These gray, yellow, brown, or rust-colored rings or streaks are pretty easy to spot in most instances.

Your baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cleaning paste should make short work of those mineral deposits! If the stains are especially stubborn, you may need to empty the water out of the toilet’s tank and bowl so you can scrub the stains more easily, but your toilet bowl will be sparkling in no time!

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will even clean grout!

5. Grout

I consider hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to be the best DIY grout cleaner for serious cases. But it can also be pretty messy to work with, so I recommend using it as a spot cleaner for the worst stained areas and grimiest grout lines in your shower or tub, to make it easier to clean up afterward.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can get those yellow armpit stains out of your shirts.

… And More!

With peroxide acting as a bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help whiten your teeth and remove yellow sweat stains from white shirts and fabrics. I’m sure there are plenty more ways to use this cleaning compound that I’ve yet to discover!

Let me know if you discover any other messes or surfaces where baking soda and hydrogen peroxide comes in handy. :-)

Have you tried cleaning with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

Cleaning with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide - collage: pouring hydrogen peroxide into a sheet pan with baking soda in it; before and after photos of sheet pan - one photo the pan has brown stains, the next photo the stains are gone

Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

Jill Nystul
Baking soda is a natural abrasive while hydrogen peroxide disinfects and sanitizes, making these two a powerhouse cleaning duo!
4.67 from 3 votes
Total Time 1 minute
Yield 0

Equipment

  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions
 

  • Put some baking soda in a small bowl.
  • Add hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
  • Scoop up paste and rub it on the surface to be cleaned.

Notes

This miracle cleaner can be used on greasy stains on pots and pans, hard water stains on fixtures and toilets, tea kettles, kitchen sinks and utensils, and much more!

Read This Next


Jill Nystul Photo

Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

MORE IDEAS FROM

Homekeeping Tips

4.67 from 3 votes

Leave a Comment

91 Comments

  1. This mixture is also great for tough laundry stains. Just use a small amount of Dawn with it. It’s amazing.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. I just read your advice about getting rid of hard water stains on countertops. I have a quartz countertop and have been advised not to use vinegar on it. Soaking with vinegar for extended periods can eat into the quartz. I was also told to use baking soda carefully and not to scrub too hard because that could wear away the polish on the surface of the quartz. I wish I knew of a better way to clean it. I enjoy your tips!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. is there anything for a wood table that nail polish remover was dropped on it

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. I read your posts regularly and have tried several of your solutions with great success. However, I cannot recall if you’ve ever suggested a way of cleaning a pizza stone. At first, I was not too concerned thinking it might just be my resistance to “seasoning”. Now, I think it could use a bit of a clean-up. What would you suggest?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • The best way to clean a pizza stone is to soak it in plain hot water. Scrape off whatever you can with a nylon scraper. Then make a paste out of baking soda and water. Rub the paste on and rinse. Hope this helps. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. I first found your website through Pinterest around 2017. I was looking how to make a DIY cleaning product to clean something (I don’t remember what it was anymore) in my bathroom. I’m so glad I did and since then I go to onegoodthingbyjillee.com first to see if you have the answer before I look on Pinterest or do a Google search. I want to thank you for sharing, it gives me more time to spend with my family.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. Would this work on a ceramic hob (on electric cooker)? Cooker is quite new and wouldn’t want to ruin it.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  7. Help! i just tried this on my stainless steel stove. Yes, it took the grease marks out but now i’m left with white streaks from the baking soda. I tried a damp cloth and then wiping with a dry cloth. nothing.
    got company coming over for dinner and don’t want my stove looking like this.
    any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Do you have a microfiber cloth? I would suggest a wipe-down with your fluffiest, softest rag :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Try one of those green scrubbers for dishes. Scrub hard, adding baking soda and vinegar if needed. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  8. How do I clean a new glass shower door. It is 6×6 and I don’t want to mess it up or haze the clear glass.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water – it will remove hard water stains and leave the shower doors looking beautiful!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  9. Jilee, LOVE you site and SO GLAD that I found it. You’re AWESOME!!! :)

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  10. Hi Jillee, you mentioned you pour vinegar into your dishwasher, do you pour it at the start of the wash cycle? And how much do you use?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I place about 1/4 cup of vinegar in a small dish on the top rack of the washing machine. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  11. Plse someone help with nail
    varnish and lipstick stains on
    my new carpet ?!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  12. I have had to use a lot of hydrogen peroxide w/baking soda lately to de-skunk my dogs! Works amazingly. 1 qt hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup basing soda, tsp of Dawn detergent. Mix together. Spray or wipe it all over dog, careful not to get in eyes, let dry 10-15 minutes and then bathe dog in doggie shampoo. Skunk smell is gone!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  13. Has anyone tried this on a fiberglass bathtub? I wonder if the hydrogen peroxide will dull the shiny fiberglass finish.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • She said, in a different post, 2 hours and no scrubbing! Can leave on overnight for greater benefit on older cookie sheets!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Depends on the mess – a small stain will disappear within an hour, but old cookie sheets will need to soak overnight. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  14. OMG! We’ve tried every commercial product out there to clean our grout in kitchen and bathroom. This worked like a charm. On top of it, the price is waayyy cheaper then commercial products. I am sold on this. Big thumbs up!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  15. I tried this on one of my cookie sheets with NO success. Can you give me some advice?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I have always had success with this method, but I think that success depends on the mixture being nice and wet. Make sure you’re using enough hydrogen peroxide – you might even want to add a bit more every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • I have also used lemon juice and baking soda, as well. Love it!

      • I followed your advise on 5 cookie sheets. It worked well on the dirtiest three. The biggest ones had no improvement. I think they are non-stick Nordic Ware. Leaving the baking soda and peroxide sitting wet overnight did not clean those two
        .

  16. How do I get stubborn greese off my kitchen cabinets

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Use this mixture! Just rub it onto your cabinets and then use a moist cloth to remove the residue. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  17. Hi, Just wanted to find out if I could purchase the hydrogen peroxide from a pharmacy?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • You don’t need to get it from the pharmacy, it’s just on the shelf next to band-aids :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  18. Hi Jillee! How do you get the grease off of the wall after it has set for a while. This is around the stove, where the walls have paint on them….

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Spray some white vinegar onto the wall, then use a moist cloth sprinkled with baking soda to scrub away the gunk :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  19. This same solution can be used to get stains out of your clothes.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  20. Does it work on grout in the shower? If not, have any other suggestions?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • Hi Jillee,
        Will this work on a rust stain on my porcelain bathtub?

      • I would actually try one of those green scrubbies for washing dishes :-) You can scrub the rust right off!

    • A paste of Cream of Tartar and hydrogen peroxide is also a great cleaning tip for grout stains; especially rust! :)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  21. Added a few drops of Dawn and used it for my bathtub. Excellent!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  22. We have hard water, too…. leaving awful buildup around faucet at kitchen sink. With dark granite counter top, that white gunk really stands out.

    Would this damage granite or the brushed nickel finish on the faucet?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  23. Just FYI, there’s no such thing as “per say”. The phrase is Latin, spelled “per se”. A lot of people get confused about it, so I like to help out where I can. :)

    I need to try this miracle cleaner around the house. Does anyone know if it would damage the chrome around the bathroom sink drain? I ask, because I once used a cleaner that wrecked the shiny surface of my shower drain, so now I get nervous about using strong cleaners on chrome. Thanks!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Thanks Shannon! I would avoid using anything abrasive on the chrome – instead use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Shannon, this isn’t a Language blog– if the writer uses a certain word or phrase that a reader doesn’t like, WhY do they Always think they need to ‘correct’ them?! Does it Really matter??! This Helpful article is about a Cleaner!!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • I understandstand your feeling, however, you have just done the same thing. Someone in my family does me the way, always correcting me. She says she doesn’t want me to be embarrassed in another situation. Almost always I will become irritated, she thinks I want to be in the learning cycle all the time. She has spent her life learning and LOVES it. So I’m thinking I should respect myself enough to want to improve along the way too. My thought.

      • Thank You!!!

  24. Do you think this would work on the inside of a rusting tin lunchbox?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  25. Thank you for all your household remedies and more. My bathroom sink seems to get clogged after I brush my teeth especially. I have tried soda followed by vinegar but it still doesn’t drain out well. If I am just washing my face or hands it does fine. I was wondering if the Hydrogen Peroxide would work instead of the vinegar and if so how much would I need of each.
    Thank you for all your ideas and helpful hints.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  26. Can you make up a batch of this cleaner and store it in a jar?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  27. My dental hygienists recommends this paste for my black tea-stained teeth. It really works but you have to use the paste regularly, leave on a few minutes and floss before rinsing to polish between teeth where the ugly stain like to form. Use minimally three times a week or more frequently as tolerated.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  28. How long do you leave the paste on, say a stain on the carpet? Also, do you just wipe it off with a wet rag, or do you let it dry and vacuum it up? OR . . . did I miss something somewhere? :-)

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  29. I tried this method on my roaster pan and it ruined the finish. I have a new roaster pan.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Oh no! I’ve never had a problem with any finishes, and I usually let this mixture sit overnight. Did you use any abrasive scrubbers or sponges?

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  30. This recipe is fantastic, I use it quite often in the kitchen and bathroom. I’ve used it on clothes as well with dish soap, works like a charm. Highly recommend.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  31. This is great, since I have buildup in my bathtub I haven’t been able to get at. I’m going to try this.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  32. I keep baking soda in a shaker next to my kitchen sink. I sprinkle it on the offending grease stain, wash per normal, and it’s clean. No need for hydrogen peroxide at all.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  33. Would this be safe on a cooking stone? I was given a used stone and it looks a little grey. If its the grease I would be okay with that. I’m just concerned it may be mold in the stone.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Yes, this would work wonderfully on a cooking stone!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  34. I have a rust stain from wet cans on my light coloured kitchen counter… I will try your miracle cleaner on it… hope it works!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  35. Great idea. I had a stain in the bathroom that plagued me for a long time but your vinegar and soda trick worked wonders. Thanks so much.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  36. Can you use this method on non-stick cookie sheets and other non-stick items, or will it ruin the finish? Thanks! I tried the vinegar and Dawn shower cleaner yesterday, and it worked like a charm!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • It should be safe on non-stick items! Just be sure to check the stain every 10 minutes or so, and don’t let it sit any longer than necessary. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • Thank you!

  37. I’ve used this combination for several years to clean my floor tile grout. It works wonders.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  38. Fantastic ideas but so how much percentage of food grade peroxide ia advisable? I have aeen 3% or 13% food grade, any advise on which to use or what it means please
    I am enjoying your ideas

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  39. When do you put the vinegar in the dishwasher?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I place a small bowl with about 1/2 cup of vinegar in the center of the top rack before washing. As the dishwasher cycles, the vinegar splashes around the dishes. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  40. I too have really hard water and will give this a try (my cookie sheet looks like yours so I’ll definately give it a go on that) but I’ve had really good luck with a spray bottle of Dawn dishsoap and vinegar too. Equal parts of each and give it a shake each time before use. Makes my faucets, sinks, tubs and toilets sparkly clean!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I wouldn’t use it on quartz, may be abrasive. I use liquid hand soap. Works great!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • It is not. You want to avoid using any abrasives on quartz – the baking soda will be too harsh! Try this homemade granite cleaner, instead: http://jillee.co/2thnjep :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  41. great tips thankyou, I love ready your tips and advice, please keep them coming :)

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  42. WOW, thank you. Sounds like a wonder cleaner and I can’t way to try it!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
4.67 from 3 votes

Leave a Comment