Hydrogen Peroxide Not Fizzing While Cleaning? Here's What It Means

Hydrogen peroxide is an easy-to-use disinfectant and stain remover, best known for the bubbles it produces while cleaning. Naturally, it can be confusing and concerning when you splash some hydrogen peroxide onto a surface and it doesn't fizz. Unfortunately, a lack of bubbles most likely means your hydrogen peroxide has expired. While an unopened bottle of hydrogen peroxide can last for a few years, the solution degrades more quickly after opening. If it's been a few months or longer since you opened the bottle, it's likely expired and no longer useful for cleaning.

There is another option, although it's less likely. Hydrogen peroxide only fizzes when it comes into contact with certain catalysts, like iron. It's unlikely, but technically possible, that the surface you're trying to clean doesn't have any catalysts on it. To double-check, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto another surface. If it still doesn't fizz, your hydrogen peroxide is definitely expired. If it does fizz, keep your hydrogen peroxide and just use a different cleaner on that particular surface. Depending on the type of area you're trying to clean, you could use vinegar or even Epsom salt to remove some stains.

Once hydrogen peroxide has expired, it's no longer effective at cleaning. You'll need to throw it out and get a new bottle. Most commercially available bottles of hydrogen peroxide are diluted with water and only contain 3% hydrogen peroxide. These bottles are safe to simply pour down the sink with cold water. However, if you have a container with a concentration of 8% or higher, you'll need to take extra precautions. While expired hydrogen peroxide should be broken down into mostly water, it can be difficult to tell exactly how degraded the solution is. When dealing with chemicals, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so contact your local hazardous waste or environmental management facility for disposal options.

When you replace the expired hydrogen peroxide with a fresh bottle, be careful where you put it. Knowing how to store cleaning supplies properly is important for safety and to extend their shelf life. Don't open your bottle of hydrogen peroxide until you're about to use it, since it begins to degrade faster after it's been opened. Both air and light speed up the process, so avoid leaving the bottle out on a counter or near a window, and opt for a darker container over a clear one. Store your hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark cabinet with the lid on tight for the longest shelf life.