Jul 6, 2021

Hypochlorous Acid - A Natural Way to Clean

by Abbie, Graphics Goddess

I'm always on the hunt for safer and smarter ways to clean my house, preferably without harsh chemicals. I'm a big fan of my steam cleaner, but you can't really bust out that big fat machine every time you want to sanitize the kitchen counter, ya know? That's where a new friend comes in - Hypochlorous Acid. Never heard of it? Neither had I. After doing some research, I found out that everyone is already walking around with it in their bodies. It's the substance that our white blood cells make to fight off infection!

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) can be made by mixing precise proportions of three simple ingredients: salt, water, and vinegar. When an electrical current is applied to this solution, the molecules break apart and reform to create HOCI. HOCl is just as effective as bleach at killing dangerous bacteria and viruses. Yet, this powerful weapon against germs is 100% safe for humans, doesn't irritate the skin, is fume-free, doesn't leave a residue, is non-toxic, and is all-natural. You might be wondering, “why haven't I seen this miracle solution on the shelf at the store?” The answer is pure chemistry - the solution isn't “stable,” meaning the molecules don't stay in this form forever. They will eventually break down and turn into saltwater over time - not a good thing for chemical manufacturers looking for mass production and products with long shelf lives. 

However, several companies have recently started making electrolyzers that are small and efficient enough for household use. I bought mine from a company called Force of Nature. You merely empty one of their perfectly proportioned capsules of salt and vinegar into their electrolyzer with the specified amount of water. Turn it on, let it bubble for a few minutes, and you get HOCI! The solution is stable for about two weeks before you need to make a fresh batch. However, since activator capsules are only $1.25 to make 12oz, it's still more cost-effective than buying spray bottles of cleaner at the store. I also love how much plastic I'm saving from not buying individually packaged cleaners for specific uses. I sanitize my baby changing table and diaper pail, spray the inside of my kitchen trash can, smelly shoes, baby toys, and bouncers. I use it for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, toilet seats, tile, and floor spills with HOCI. I even keep a miniature bottle of it in my purse as hand sanitizer, since prolonged use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer can lead to skin allergies like dermatitis. Hypochlorous acid - a cleaner way to clean!