Lets Face it: The battle to keep our houses clean and microorganism free goes on forever, especially assuming you have small kids crawling about or furry friends who leave paw prints out of control.
As much as we all want to protect our family from harmful insects, strong chemical disinfectant sprays may be rather off-putting. They may cause irritation to our eyes and skin and release potent smells, and, let's face it, who wants their children to play on surfaces that smell like chlorine?
However, there is excellent news! When it comes to household disinfection, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the new sheriff in town. Though it may sound like a frightening scientific experiment, HOCl is a pretty common chemical. It's even produced by our incredible white blood cells to fend off illnesses!
So, What Exactly is Hypochlorous Acid?
Believe it or not, our immune system produces HOCl, a natural disinfectant spray! White blood cells utilize it to combat germs and other intruders in our bodies. Pretty awesome, right? The good news is that some brilliant scientists have discovered a method to harness this germ-fighting potential for use in cleaning solutions.
It's vital to notice that HOCl differs from its harsher relative, bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Bleach may be efficient, but it comes with a number of drawbacks: strong fumes, skin irritation, and the continual fear of combining it with the incorrect cleanser. In contrast, hypochlorous acid is a gentle giant among disinfectants.
Why You Should Be Using Hypochlorous Acid Around the House
Here's why HOCl deserves a spot on your cleaning shelf:
- Forget the gloves and eye protection: Safety comes first! Hypochlorous acid is mild on the skin and eyes, making it ideal for families with curious children or lively dogs. In the USA, companies even use HOCI’s diluted form to clean vegetables. There will be no more lingering smells or unintentional spills. Just remember, even with safe products, it's always a good idea to keep them out of reach of little ones and curious critters.
- Germ-Busting Powerhouse: HOCl is not as benign as it seems. This product has amazing antibacterial properties! It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungus, including typical home culprits like Salmonella and E. Coli and to pandemic causing Covid-19. So you can relax knowing that it's protecting your family from those pesky microbes like it should.
- Non-Irritant: No more scratchy throats or itchy eyes. HOCl, unlike several disinfectant sprays, does not irritate the throat or nose. This means no more red, irritated eyes or scratchy throats after washing.
- Sustainable: Hypochlorous acid spontaneously decomposes into water and salt, leaving no toxic behind. It is thus a fantastic option for people who care about the environment and wish to have as little of an impact as possible.
- Easy to Use: The best part? HOCl comes in ready-to-use solutions, so there's no messy mixing involved. Just grab your spray bottle, follow the directions (they're usually super simple!), and give your space a good disinfectant fogging. Let it air dry, and voila! A clean and disinfected space that's safe for everyone to enjoy.
Important Considerations
While HOCl is a fantastic choice for most cleaning needs, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Cost Comparison: Hypochlorous acid might be slightly more expensive than traditional disinfectants initially. However, since it's often diluted for use, one bottle can last quite a while when used in disinfection fogging.
Shelf Life and Storage: Check the label for your HOCl solution's shelf life and storage instructions, just like you would with any cleaning product. Generally speaking, it's better to keep it somewhere cold and dark.
Surface Suitability: HOCl is safe to use on most surfaces, however for precise directions, it's a good idea to consult the product label.
Could You Produce Your Own HOCl?
Salt, water, and electricity can be used to create a diluted HOCl solution at home using a procedure known as electrolysis. However it can become a little complicated. It's critical to adhere to extremely detailed guidelines in order to guarantee appropriate dilution and to minimize any hazards related to handling electricity. The ideal alternative for most individuals is to purchase a pre-made solution because of its ease and safety.
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The Final Word: Disinfection Made Simple
Keeping your house germ-free and clean doesn't have to be a difficult task that involves strong chemicals and disagreeable odors. HOCl provides a simple, safe, and efficient solution that will ease your fears.
Imagine living in a house where your children can playfully roll around and your pets can explore without you worrying about their health. Imagine accomplishing it with a product that is safe enough for all users. That is HOCl's strength!
One effective way to use HOCI to disinfect your home thoroughly is through disinfection fogging. Fresh Tech Maid, a Chicago maid service, provides such a service to ensure disinfection for all surfaces.
So, next time you're reaching for the disinfectant wipes, consider giving HOCl a try. Your family (and your nose!) will thank you for it.