What is hypochlorous acid, what it is for and how to use it to clean at home

Odorless, toxic-free and more effective than bleach, hypochlorous acid is the new essential for those who want to clean thoroughly without harming their health or that of the environment.

More and more people are looking for ways to clean deeply without exposing themselves to harsh products. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) occurs as a disinfectant solution that seemed reserved for hospitals or medical centers, but today it is already sneaking into homes, offices and even school backpacks.

It is a weak acid (between 4 and 6 pH), generated by applying electricity to a mix of water with salt. Although it sounds chemical, it is very natural. Our own immune system produces it spontaneously to fight microbes. This explains why it is so effective and at the same time so safe.

Important: not to be confused with the sodium hypochlorite, which, diluted in water, is the main ingredient of bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is very acidic, irritating and toxic.

Why is it gaining popularity?

Its success is not just a matter of fashion. Experts in domestic cleaning and professional disinfection highlight its ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi without leaving toxic residues or causing unpleasant odors.

Furthermore, it is:

Non-toxic and biodegradable.
Safe for skin and lungs.
Perfume free artificial.
Environmentally friendly, because it degrades in saline water.

Compared to products such as bleach, which can irritate and even be dangerous if mixed incorrectly, hypochlorous acid is a efficient alternative, delicate and very easy to use.

Where and how to use it at home

iStock Photo.Andrii Borodai

Its versatility is one of its greatest virtues. You can apply it on frequently used surfaces, textiles, children’s toys, and even in the car or electronic devices (always with caution so that the liquid does not enter the connection ports).

For fabrics or upholstery:

Look for solutions with concentration around at 200 ppm.
Apply with a sprayer, without soaking.
Let it air dry, without the need to rinse.
Always make a test on a hem if the fabric is delicate or dyed.

For hard surfaces:

Spray directly until the area is moistened.
wait at least 60 seconds to ensure its disinfectant effect.
Can wipe or let the surface dry.
On food preparation surfaces, a final rinse.

Avoid using it on untreated wood, porous stone or silk. Although it is soft, it could deteriorate those materials with repeated use.

Please note that hypochlorous acid It is basically a disinfectant, so do not use it to remove grease or stubborn dirt.

Can it be done at home?

Yes, and that is also driving its expansion. There are electrolyzed water generators that plug into a USB for less than 20 euros for home use, which allow small amounts of hypochlorous acid to be created from salt water. There are also tablets on the market that dissolve in water. Both processes are simple, but something important must be taken into account: their instability. hypochlorous acid degrades quickly if exposed to light, heat or air. Therefore, it is crucial:

Save it in opaque bottles.
keep it in a cool place.
Use it within one or two weeks if you prepare it yourself.

This instability is the reason why the product is not sold in drugstores and supermarkets. However, products are currently marketed with a guaranteed effectiveness for two years if stored at room temperature and away from sunlight.

Is it really still powerful?

It is, in fact, it has been shown to be more effective than bleach in many situations, acting faster and with less concentration. Recently, the magazine Scientific American has dedicated an article to it explaining all its possibilities in preventing infections.

The WHO itself includes it in its list of essential substances, and agencies such as the US FDA have approved it for food, hospital and veterinary use.

And you, where do you start?

If you’ve never used it, try a small pre-made bottle (some brands market it as “electrolyzed water” or “ecological hypochlorous acid cleaner”).

Start by disinfecting controls, mobile phones, doorknobs, toilet seats and work surfaces in the kitchen. Then, go for the sofa cushions or the dog’s toys.

In a few days, you will notice less odors, more shine and the peace of mind of using a product that does not compromise your health or that of the environment.

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