Hydrogen peroxide is used to clean which items?

• A. Used to clean objects or surfaces not intended for human contact.
• B. Used to disinfect skin.
• C. Used for skin antisepsis.
• D. Used to sterilize gloves.

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen peroxide is a cleaning agent used mainly on objects and surfaces that do not come into contact with people. It oxidizes contaminants and breaks down into water and oxygen, making it suitable for disinfecting nonliving items like countertops, equipment housings, and other inanimate surfaces. It’s not the go-to product for skin disinfection or skin antisepsis, because it can irritate or damage skin and mucous membranes, whereas skin prepping typically uses alcohol-based antiseptics or chlorhexidine/povidone-iodine. It’s also not used to sterilize gloves; sterile gloves are achieved through dedicated sterilization processes, and gloves that have been used are disposed of rather than cleaned with hydrogen peroxide. So, hydrogen peroxide is best used for cleaning objects or surfaces not intended for human contact.