Find out the differences between rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and learn the pros, cons, risks, and benefits of using them as antiseptics.

Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an open wound can actually delay healing, Dr. Ian Smith says. Here's what to do instead.

Although hydrogen peroxide is found in most households, it’s never pure hydrogen peroxide. It’s often combined with everyday items, like hair bleach, which contains 6% to 10% hydrogen peroxide.

Interestingly, 3% hydrogen peroxide was found to eliminate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in all types of tested fabrics within 30 seconds. Most importantly, this concentration of hydrogen peroxide is safe.

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in ear drops, and it can help to soften and dissolve buildups of earwax. Learn more about removing earwax with hydrogen peroxide here.