What Is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)?

What is hypochlorous acid (HOCl)?

What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid is nature’s oldest disinfectant, and it’s the substance your white blood cells produce to fight off infections. It’s also the active antimicrobial ingredient in electrolyzed water, which is an industrial technology used for green cleaning and disinfecting. The chemical formula for hypochlorous acid is HOCl, or sometimes HClO is used.

How Is Hypochlorous Acid Produced?

Hypochlorous acid is made when an electrical current changes the molecular structure of salt, water & vinegar into 2 new ingredients: a cleaner and hypochlorous acid, the disinfectant as effective as bleach. Hypochlorous acid is actually the ingredient that gives bleach its anti-microbial power. The pH of the salt, water & vinegar solution has to be at the precisely correct level to create HOCl, the same substance that is your immune system’s germ fighter.

Applications of Hypochlorous Acid

Cleaning & Disinfection

Hypochlorous acid is so trusted and effective that hospitals use it as a disinfectant in both the US and Japan. Given how effective it is at killing microbes without leaving behind harmful residues, hypochlorous acid is even USDA-approved for use in organic crop production

In cleaning applications, hypochlorous acid can be sprayed or applied directly onto surfaces such as countertops, floors, and bathroom surfaces to eliminate germs and odors. Its versatility and potent germ-killing properties make hypochlorous acid an ideal choice for maintaining clean and hygienic environments in homes, hospitals, restaurants, and other public spaces.

Medical & Healthcare Uses

Hypochlorous acid is so gentle that it has several uses in the healthcare and medical space. It’s FDA-approved for use in wound healingwound care, and eye care products and is also common in veterinary care products. It’s even used to eradicate biofilm. There has been extensive research on the gentleness and efficacy of HOCl cleaner.

Hypochlorous acid skincare benefits

With its balance of antimicrobial properties and safe ingredients, HOCl has gained attention as an effective skincare ingredient to fight against bacteria and other microorganisms that can contribute to skin issues such as acne and inflammation.

HOCl’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Plus, because it’s gentle and non-irritating, it’s suitable for many sensitive skin types.

Advantages of Hypochlorous Acid Over Traditional Disinfectants

 Hypochlorous acid is a very different type of disinfectant than hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is like alcohol in that it’s flammable and can be harmful if swallowed, causing stomach issues. Bleach is a potent disinfectant that can be dangerous and irritating to the skin and respiratory system. Hypochlorous acid is a different story. It’s much more gentle to skin than both hydrogen peroxide and bleach.

FAQs

Can I make hypochlorous acid at home?

Force of Nature lets you make hypochlorous acid at home. It miniaturizes the industrial-grade electrolyzed water technology to fit on your countertop and create your HOCl cleaner on demand. Our small appliance converts tap water, plus a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar, into a powerful multipurpose cleaner, deodorizer, EPA-registered sanitizer and disinfectant.

Does hypochlorous acid kill mold?

Yes, hypochlorous acid is an effective mold killer. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid environments, and it can cause all sorts of problems from potential health risks to even causing structural damage to buildings if left unchecked.

HOCl works by penetrating the cell walls of mold spores, disrupting their structure and rendering them inactive. This ability to penetrate and kill mold makes hypochlorous acid an excellent choice for mold remediation and prevention. It can be applied directly to affected surfaces or used as a spray to target mold growth areas.

Learn More

We’re proud to have created a family-friendly, planet-friendly multi-purpose cleaner just as effective as the top conventional cleanersbut with zero toxic chemicals. It earns the 100% top allergen-free rating by the Mayo Clinic’s SkinSafe product safety rating system. Our EPA-registered medical-grade disinfectant kills 99.9% of germs, mold, and mildew and is on the EPA’s approved lists for COVID-19 & Emerging Viral Pathogens (Lists N & Q). It’s a rinse-free disinfectant that kills respiratory viruses and the viruses that cause cases of the flu. Force of Nature is also Carbon Neutral and Green Seal certified – it comes with reusable bottles so you can eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Just as great? It costs up to 80% less per oz than the top brands. Here’s a little video about the science.

Learn more about how Force of Nature kills viruses and bacteria and about how the electrolyzed water technology works. And if you want to learn even more, we’ve also got the scoop on how to compare electrolyzed water vs bleach, how Force of Nature is safe to use on just about any surface in your house, and how Force of Nature actually works.

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