Cleaning has always been a vital aspect of maintaining hygiene and health in our homes, workplaces, and public spaces. With increasing awareness of the importance of cleanliness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of disinfectants and cleaning agents has skyrocketed. However, with so many different products available in the market, it can be challenging to make a sound decision when it comes to selecting the safest and most effective cleaning solution. In this article, we will compare HOCl and traditional cleaning products in terms of their effectiveness, safety, and benefits.
What is HOCl?
HOCl, or hypochlorous acid, is a naturally occurring disinfectant found in the human body. It is produced by our white blood cells as part of the immune response to fight infections. With its powerful antimicrobial properties, HOCl is a potent agent against viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
HOCl vs. Traditional Cleaning Products
While traditional cleaning products have been widely used for years, many of them contain harmful chemicals that can pose a significant health risk to humans, animals, and the environment. Some of these commonly used chemicals include ammonia, chlorine bleach, and phosphates. When these chemicals are used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, they can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer.
On the other hand, HOCl is a non-toxic, non-irritating, and eco-friendly disinfectant that is gentle on surfaces and safe for use around pets and children. It is made by combining salt, water, and electricity in a device called an electrolysis generator, which converts these ingredients into hypochlorous acid. This means that HOCl can be made on-site, eliminating the need for transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals.
Effectiveness of HOCl
While traditional cleaning products can kill germs and bacteria, they may not be effective against all types of pathogens. In contrast, HOCl has been proven to be effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that HOCl was effective against a variety of bacteria, including MRSA, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Another study conducted by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University found that HOCl was effective in killing coronaviruses in just 30 seconds.
Safety of HOCl
HOCl is one of the safest disinfectants available, especially compared to traditional cleaning products. Unlike harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, HOCl is non-toxic, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. It is even safe to use on food contact surfaces as it breaks down into water and salt after use.
In contrast, traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified several commonly used cleaning chemicals as carcinogenic or potentially cancer-causing.
Benefits of HOCl
Apart from being safe and effective, HOCl has several other benefits that make it a better cleaning solution than traditional products. Some of these benefits include:
1. Eco-friendly: HOCl is a natural disinfectant that breaks down into salt and water after use. This means it does not harm the environment or contribute to pollution.
2. Cost-effective: HOCl can be made on-site using a small electrolysis generator. This eliminates the need for expensive transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals.
3. Versatile: HOCl can be used to disinfect a variety of surfaces, including countertops, floors, and even food contact surfaces.
4. Fast-acting: HOCl works quickly, killing bacteria and viruses in as little as 30 seconds.
Conclusion
HOCl is a safe, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning solution that offers several benefits over traditional cleaning products. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic, making it safe for use around pets and children. Additionally, it is cost-effective, versatile, and fast-acting, making it an ideal choice for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in homes, businesses, and public spaces. So, the next time you are looking for a cleaning solution, consider using HOCl and experience the difference for yourself.
