Hydrogen peroxide has microbiocidal activity against bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores. It shows bactericidal effectiveness against a variety of health-care–associated pathogens with high cellular catalase activity (e.g., S. aureus, S. marcescens, and Proteus mirabilis). A 30–60 minutes of exposure to 0.6% (6000ppm) hydrogen peroxide will reduce cell counts. In organisms with lower catalase activity (e.g. E. coli, Streptococcus sp. & Pseudomonas sp.), only 15 minutes exposure was required. Antiviral activity of hydrogen peroxide showed inactivation of three serotypes of rhinovirus using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution within 6–8 minutes. Lower concentrations such as 1.5% (15000ppm) took 18-20 minutes and 0.75% (7500ppm) took 50–60 minutes.

Hydrogen peroxide bubbles distinctively when disinfecting cuts & scrapes and bleaches hair to produce the proverbial bottled blonde. Tasteless & odorless, it quickly decomposes into just water & oxygen. This environmental friendliness has made it popular for use in industries as diverse as water treatment, mushroom growing, organic farming & float tanks.

Interesting fact: Hydrogen peroxide, among other things, ensures that bacteria won't spoil honey. Edible honey has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.