Can hydrogen peroxide be used for home disinfection?

Hydrogen peroxide solution is commonly referred to as hydrogen peroxide. Whether a hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable for home disinfection generally depends on its concentration. A 3% low-concentration solution can be used in specific situations; however, high-concentration solutions or improper use are unsuitable and may cause skin damage. The details are as follows:

A commercially available 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable for household use and can be used to rinse small, superficial wounds or to disinfect surfaces of objects such as door handles and tabletops. When disinfecting wounds, clean the wound area first, then gently rinse with the solution to remove dirt and bacteria. For object surface disinfection, apply the solution with a cloth, let it act for several minutes, then wipe off with clean water to prevent residue.

High-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions are highly corrosive and can burn the skin and mucous membranes; they must never be used at home. Even the 3% solution should not be used on mucous membranes, deep wounds, or large wound areas, as its oxidizing properties may irritate tissues and delay healing. Misuse may also disrupt the normal microbial flora of wounds and increase the risk of infection.

For home use, always choose products with a 3% concentration, store them sealed and away from light, and keep them out of children's reach. Assess the wound condition before use and avoid mixing with other disinfectants such as alcohol. After disinfection, rinse wounds with saline solution and wipe off any residual solution from disinfected objects.