12 surprising uses of hydrogen peroxide that will change the way you clean

You likely keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your home to disinfect minor cuts. The chemical compound is also found in some teeth whitening and other bleaching products. You'll be surprised to learn there are oh-so-many-more uses for this magical product.

Here are 12 of our favorite uses for hydrogen peroxide:

To clean glass surfaces, including mirrors and stove tops, spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the surface. Use a clean lint-free cloth to then easily wipe away dirt.

Your kitchen countertops can be breeding grounds for all kinds of nasty microbes. Take preventative care by spraying hydrogen peroxide onto countertops.

Cutting boards are tricky. If they are not cleaned properly, they can present some particularly bad problems in the germ department. Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect cutting boards and kill dangerous bacteria.

You may be surprised to know that hydrogen peroxide offers a perfectly safe method for cleaning produce. Soak fruits and vegetables in hydrogen peroxide for one to two minutes and then rinse it in clean water.

Refrigerator maintenance is important for a bacteria-free kitchen environment. Once a season, spray the inside of your refrigerator with hydrogen peroxide. Let the liquid soak in for a few minutes, and then use a clean cloth to remove crud and fully disinfect.

For stubborn crud that seems impossible to remove, mix hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, and then using the solution to rub away the dirt and grime. You may need to let the mixture sit on the grease for a few minutes before attacking it with a scrubby sponge and warm water.

For the most stubborn of stains, pour three percent hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to soak in for at least one minute, and then rub the stain out before rinsing with cold water.

Bathroom and kitchen tile can get very nasty very fast. To clean tile grout without eroding it, spray hydrogen peroxide onto the grout and let it soak in for a full 30 minutes. Once it is thoroughly soaked, use a stiff-bristled brush to dislodge clogged dirt.

Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto mold to halt the growth of the fungus.

Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the toilet, letting it sit for 20 minutes, and then simply scrubbing the bowl clean.

For an all-natural fungus deterrent, add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to your regular water spray in the proportion of 1/2 cup to 1 gallon.

Next time you mop your floors, try using a mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon hot water. The mild cleanser is safe for all surfaces and is effective for brightening dingy old floors.