In this article, I’ll explain what hydrogen peroxide is, how long it usually lasts, and how to tell if it’s past its expiration date.
A popular and inexpensive household cleaning and disinfecting product is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can last for about three years in a sealed bottle. But as soon as the container is opened, it starts to degrade quickly and only lasts for a short time.
Hydrogen peroxide that has passed its expiration date is still safe to use, but it loses its effectiveness as a disinfectant.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Two hydrogen (H) and two oxygen (O) atoms combine to form hydrogen peroxide, an organic substance.
Its chemical formula (H2O2) looks very similar to that of water (H2O). Despite having a similar appearance, these two compounds don’t have much in common.
The liquid form of pure hydrogen peroxide is light blue. It is slightly thicker than water and has a strong smell.
The hydrogen peroxide you buy at the pharmacy is a solution, meaning that a small portion—typically 3 to 7 percent—is dissolved in water. It’s colorless.
The qualities of hydrogen peroxide make it a potent cleaner.
First of all, it creates substances called free radicals that attack and neutralize viruses and other pathogens.
Second, it is also mildly acidic and has long been used to whiten paper, fabrics, even hair and teeth.
You must use it carefully because of these same characteristics, though. If it gets in your eyes, on your skin, or in your throat, it might irritate you.
What’s It Typically Used For?
Both inside and outside the home, hydrogen peroxide has a variety of uses.
It can be used to sanitize and clean your house. You can use it in the kitchen to:
- Clean your dishwasher
- Disinfect surfaces
- Wash germ-prone trash cans and sinks
In the bathroom, a little bit of hydrogen peroxide goes a long way in cleaning your:
- Toilet
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Mirrors
- Countertops
Read More: How To Clean Black Spots In The Bathroom? ( 5 DIY Solutions)
Additionally, a lot of people use hydrogen peroxide to clean stains and lighten white clothing.
Outside of your home, hydrogen peroxide is widely used in a number of industries, including:
- healthcare
- food production
- beauty
- manufacturing
It’s also added to products, such as:
- hair dye
- bleach
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
How Long Does Hydrogen Peroxide Usually Last?
The chemical hydrogen peroxide is fairly unstable and breaks down quickly.
Hydrogen peroxide lasts about 3 years in a closed container. Opening the container, however, causes it to degrade right away. It may come as a shock to you to learn that once the container is opened, it only works for 1 to 6 months.
Keeping hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark location will help it last as long as possible. When you do open it, store it in the original brown bottle even though you won’t be using it right away. Its design shields it from light, which would hasten its deterioration.
Make sure nothing else touches the liquid inside the bottle while you are using it. For instance, refrain from dipping your finger or a rag into the bottle. It might decompose more quickly as a result of this.
H2O2 Storage Requirements and Conditions
We must be knowledgeable about the fundamental storage requirements and the appropriate storage conditions for the compound because we use this chemical frequently enough at home. Otherwise, there is a significant chance that it will go south.
- Since hydrogen peroxide is a very unstable compound, it reacts to water, air, and light
- For this reason, hydrogen peroxide bottles must always be of dark glass to protect the content from sunshine and other sources of light
- Store it at room temperature in a cool and dark place
- Despite not being flammable and not having a propensity to self-ignite, hydrogen peroxide can easily explode in certain circumstances. To avoid any accidents, it must be kept in a fireproof place away from any sources of heat
- Keep it away from direct light and always keep it cool
- To protect the compound from any contamination, keep it in the original container properly sealed
Both pure hydrogen peroxide and the compounds that contain it meet these requirements. The compound must be stored exactly as instructed, regardless of how concentrated it is.
What to Know About Effectiveness Beyond the Expiration Date
Over time, hydrogen peroxide’s effectiveness decreases. In fact, it begins to deteriorate even before you open it. It will eventually decompose into oxygen gas and water in a closed container.
Only water remains in the container after the oxygen gas escapes through the top. Water is obviously ineffective as a disinfectant or cleaner for the home.
Is There a Way to Tell If It’s Still Good?
Given how reactive hydrogen peroxide is, there is a straightforward method to determine whether it is still usable. To test whether the liquid bubbles or fizzes, simply pour a small amount into your sink. It’s probably no longer good if you don’t notice anything.
Pouring it down the sink is how you should get rid of any hydrogen peroxide that has reached the end of its shelf life. Water must be added to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide before disposal.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide Safely
There are dangers with even the pharmacy-purchased, low-concentration hydrogen peroxide.
Ensure adequate ventilation when using it to clean inside your house. Wear a mask to prevent inhalation if you can’t open a window or make sure there is enough airflow.
Your skin may become infected by hydrogen peroxide or even become burned. When using it, put on gloves to prevent getting it on your hands. If you get any on your hands, immediately wash them with soap and water before running the tap for a few seconds to rinse them.
Also, be careful not to get it in your eyes, as it can irritate them and, in more serious cases, damage their eyes. For at least 15 minutes, rinse your eyes with water if any end up there.
Hydrogen peroxide cannot be consumed without risk. It’s crucial to keep it secure and out of the reach of children and animals for this reason.
If you accidentally ingest something, call the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or use the online tool to determine whether you need to get medical help. Always dial 911 in case of an emergency.
What Makes Hydrogen Peroxide Expire If Does at All?
To be more precise, this compound can’t actually expire, so it won’t go bad or something. There aren’t any overt indications of spoilage, such as a bad smell or any modifications in texture or color. There won’t be any sediment or other obvious signs of the chemical degrading either.
Naturally, if stored correctly, an unopened bottle of hydrogen will be usable for three years.
However, once the bottle is opened, it is best to use the liquid right away because, after six months of unscrewed storage, the product may in fact lose its qualities!
The chemical is extremely unstable and begins dissociating as soon as it is produced because it contains extra oxygen.
No matter how well we maintain it, it will eventually turn from H2O2 to H2O, and there is nothing we can do to prevent this.
In other words, hydrogen peroxide will lose some of its effectiveness. Because of this, it is advised to replace it before it breaks, otherwise, it will be useless.
What Products Does Hydrogen Peroxide React With?
In any household, hydrogen peroxide is a necessity that cannot be replaced. This chemical compound serves a variety of purposes, being used in chemistry, the food and textile industries, as well as in our homes.
Of course, those who use it for domestic purposes need to be aware that H2O2 isn’t always safe to combine with specific products because it could result in an active reaction.
Check out what chemicals you can’t add to H2O2 safely to be sure you’re not going to mix it with something that will cause an explosion.
- No vinegar, please!
These two will react with one another to produce peracetic acid if we combine them. It is a highly corrosive type of acid that, if breathed in, can seriously harm the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
These two products may, however, be used independently of one another.
- Avoid ammonia
Although you might want to add some ammonia to peroxide to improve its cleaning capabilities, we do not advise you to do so. These two products create hazardous gases when combined in the same tank, especially if it is closed, which can seriously harm your health if inhaled.
- No chlorine or bleach
Since hydrogen peroxide brightens and whitens our clothing, it is frequently used in laundry. It wouldn’t be a good idea to combine it with bleach or any other cleaning solution that contains chlorine, though. A substance like this will release dangerous gases that are bad for our lungs and throat and can be very troublesome.
The Bottom Line
Chemical compound hydrogen peroxide has a variety of domestic applications. It functions as a surface disinfectant, stain remover, and bleaching agent.
Hydrogen peroxide has a shelf life of about 3 years when it is unopened, but once it is opened, it only has a 6-month shelf life.
Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide down the sink, and then watch to see if it bubbles or fizzes to see if it’s still good. If it doesn’t elicit this response, it’s probably no longer beneficial.
FAQs
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Bacteria
Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores. In just one minute, a 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide showed bactericidal and virucidal activity, and in five minutes, mycobactericidal and fungicidal activity.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Evaporate Quickly
Hydrogen peroxide is relatively unstable and decomposes quickly. Hydrogen peroxide lasts about 3 years in a closed container. Opening the container, however, causes it to degrade right away.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide 2 Years Expired?
Hydrogen peroxide keeps for about three years in an unopened bottle. But as soon as you open the container, it starts to degrade quickly and lasts for a lot less time. Although expired hydrogen peroxide isn’t harmful, it’s not an effective disinfectant once it’s past its expiration date.
Can You Use Expired Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth
You won’t get the desired results if you use expired whitening products. They don’t whiten your teeth because when they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down, leaving only water and oxygen.