What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)?
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a powerful, yet gentle disinfectant created naturally by the body’s immune cells to combat infections. As a versatile, eco-friendly solution, HOCl is gaining popularity for its ability to target and eliminate a range of harmful microbes—like bacteria, viruses, and fungi—while being safe for everyday use in homes and businesses alike. Its ability to mimic the body’s natural defenses makes HOCl an appealing, low-toxicity alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, giving it a unique edge in the cleaning industry.
Why Choose HOCl for Surface Cleaning?
- Is HOCl Safe for My Family and Pets?
HOCl is favoured for its low toxicity, which makes it safe for family use—even in spaces where kids and pets are present. Many traditional disinfectants contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, lungs, or eyes. In contrast, HOCl is known for its gentle nature, greatly reducing the risk of adverse reactions. For instance, cleaning kitchen surfaces like countertops and dining tables with HOCl ensures food safety without leaving behind hazardous residues. Families are increasingly choosing HOCl for the peace of mind it offers, knowing it provides high disinfecting power without compromising on safety.
- How Effective is HOCl Compared to Other Disinfectants?
Safety doesn’t come at the expense of effectiveness. HOCl can eliminate up to 99.9999% of harmful pathogens which is 100x more powerful than bleach and chlorine, including:
- Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria
- Viruses: Influenza, Norovirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- Fungi: Mold and mildew
Research highlights that HOCl works faster than bleach, often needing less than a minute of contact time to fully disinfect surfaces. This makes HOCl highly suitable for high-traffic areas like restaurants, hospitals, and kitchens, where efficient and effective cleaning is essential for safety.
Practical Applications of HOCl for Surface Cleaning
- Which Surfaces Can I Clean with HOCl?
HOCl can be safely used on a wide range of surfaces, making it a go-to choice for households and businesses alike. Here are a few surfaces where HOCl shines:
- Kitchen Surfaces: Countertops, cutting boards, and appliances
- Bathroom Fixtures: Sinks, toilets, and tiles
- Flooring: Hard surfaces and sealed floors
- Office Spaces: Desks, shared equipment, and electronics
- Gym Equipment: Weights, machines, and exercise mats
- What’s the Best Way to Apply HOCl?
For effective HOCl use, follow these steps:
- Application: Spray HOCl solution evenly over the area, ensuring complete coverage.
- Wipe Down: Because HOCl kills pathogens on contact, there is often no need to wait, however if you feel more comfortable letting it sit thats no problem, but then wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solution.
- Repeat if in a dirty environment: If the surface has organic matter or dirt, I would repeat this process again to ensure that once matter has been removed a further application would help to reduce the pathogenic load even further.
Common Concerns About HOCl Surface Cleaning
- Will HOCl Leave an Odour?
One of HOCl's biggest advantages is its mild scent. Unlike bleach and other strong-smelling cleaners, HOCl is almost odour-free, making it ideal for places where chemical odours are an issue, like homes, cafes, and hospitals. Any slight chlorine scent dissipates quickly, ensuring spaces smell fresh without harsh chemical undertones.
- How Should I Store HOCL® Products?
To maintain HOCl’s effectiveness, proper storage is essential. HOCL should be kept in a cool, dark area to prevent degradation from heat and sunlight exposure. Most commercial HOCl products come in opaque containers to minimize light exposure, further protecting the solution’s potency.
HOCl’s benefits are becoming evident across various sectors:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals incorporate HOCl into cleaning protocols to minimize infection risks, particularly in high-touch areas where rapid disinfection is critical.
- Food preparation areas/Restaurants: Many restaurant owners now rely on HOCl for food-contact surfaces, valuing its safety and the reassurance it provides to customers that hygiene is a top priority.
- Home Cleaning: For families, HOCl replaces multiple cleaning products, simplifying the cleaning process. Its non-toxic profile makes it especially popular with parents and pet owners, creating safer spaces without sacrificing cleanliness.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is transforming surface cleaning through its safe, effective, and environmentally-friendly properties. Addressing common concerns, HOCl is an ideal solution for maintaining a healthy and clean environment, whether you’re at home, running a business, or managing a healthcare setting. With HOCl, you can prioritize safety without compromising on the quality of your cleaning.