User`s guide

Note: Sometimes H2O2 concentration is expressed in "volume". A peroxide product
for hair bleaching may be labeled "40 Volume". To get the % concentration, you
divide by 3.3. 40 Volume = about 12% H2O2.
H2O2 specified as "not less than 20% nor more than 40%" is available in a
gallon size as a cleaning product called "Urine Rescue" by Prochem for about
$15/gallon. You can obtain 12% H2O2 (such as "Super Star 40 Volume Clear
Peroxide Gallon" for $7.77/gallon) from various hair salon sellers.
The higher the strength, the speedier the whitening. However, at 35% you
have a more hazardous solution (e.g. in terms of skin/eye splashes) and will
need to monitor the process more closely to avoid etching of the plastic.
Another factor is that the H2O2 you use will probably not retain its
whitening properties for more than a few days. If you use lower concentrations
you can stretch out your H2O2 supply over more cleaning sessions. A good balance
of speediness, hazards, and cost is around 20% H2O2. 12% is fine, too; but,
slower. Whatever your concentration, you will need enough to keep the item being
whitened wet during the process.
Plain H2O2 is not particularly speedy as a whitener below roughly 100
degrees F. So, to activate the H2O2 a small amount of TAED (Tetra Acetyl
Ethylene Diamine) is added at the start of the process. One popular cleaning
product containing TAED is Oxi Clean. About 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of H2O2
solution is enough.
Container
This process requires UV light on the surfaces you wish to whiten. (This
can come from the sun or a blacklight bulb.) Whatever container you use needs to
keep the plastic in the solution and allow light to reach the surfaces. Since
the process does generate some heat it is best to avoid using exceptionally
flimsy plastic containers.
Some smaller parts may tend to float due to build up of gasses in gaps and
recesses. A reusable adhesive gum, like Blu-Tack, can hold them in position in
the tank so that keytops, etc. stay emersed in the solution and get light.
The container, tank, etc. needs to be out of the reach of small children
and pets. Be sure to let older children and anyone else who may be able to reach
the container know that the stuff inside is not plain water and is hazardous.
Place warning signs/notes on or near the container.
If outside using sunlight, use a transparent lid or similar covering to
keep out birds and insects.
Some Hazards
The main hazard from H2O2 is probably to eyes. Wear full protection goggles
and have plain water available for flushing eyes or skin in case of contact with
H2O2.
Another hazard is the oxygen given off during the process. At higher
concentrations oxygen can ignite from electrical sparks, candles, etc.. The
place where you do the process should be well ventilated.