What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)? Why you should be using it to fight off bacteria and viruses.

What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)? Why you should be using it to fight off bacteria and viruses.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a remarkable compound, known for its powerful disinfecting properties and its natural compatibility with humans, animals and the environment. It’s the same molecule your immune system produces to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, making it both effective and inherently safe.

At EarthSafe, we embrace the natural power of HOCl in our products to create safe and effective cleaning and disinfecting solutions for a wide range of applications. Read on to discover exactly what makes HOCl so special, and how it has emerged has become the backbone of sustainable sanitation efforts.

The Science Behind HOCl

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid formed when chlorine reacts with water. Chemically represented as HOCl, this molecule is a powerful oxidizing agent capable of neutralizing bacteria, viruses and fungi. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to penetrate microbial cell walls and destroy pathogens from within, making it a highly efficient disinfectant.

What sets HOCl apart from other chlorine-based disinfectants is its safety. While strong enough to kill harmful microorganisms, HOCl is gentle on humans and animals. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, biodegradable and breaks down into harmless water and oxygen after use.

Why HOCl is Gaining Popularity

  • Exceptional Disinfecting Power
    HOCl eliminates 99.9% of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, making it a trusted choice in healthcare, food safety, and public sanitation.
  • Safe for People and Pets
    Unlike harsh chemicals like bleach, HOCl doesn’t release toxic fumes or leave harmful residues, making it ideal for sensitive environments like schools, homes, and animal care facilities.
  • Environmentally Friendly
    As a biodegradable compound, HOCl aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
  • Versatility
    From water purification and wound care to surface disinfection and odor control, HOCl is used to tackle a wide range of cleaning challenges across diverse industries, including athletics & sports facilities, building service contractors, education, first responders, food services, healthcare and more.

HOCl in EarthSafe Products

At EarthSafe, we utilize the natural power of HOCl in our PurTabs and PurOne tablets, designed to simplify cleaning and disinfection across various applications. These tablets are powered by sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), an organic chlorine donor that dissolves in water to release hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This process creates solutions with measurable free available chlorine (FAC) levels, ensuring consistent and reliable results every time, tailored to meet your specific sanitation needs.

A Natural Choice for the Future

Hypochlorous acid embodies the perfect balance of strength and safety, making it a cornerstone of EarthSafe’s commitment to sustainable, effective cleaning solutions. By using HOCl, we can deliver products that protect health, promote safety and minimize environmental impact – all while simplifying the cleaning process for our customers.

Whether you’re disinfecting a hospital, doctor's office or dental office, protecting students from the spread of disease at school, maintaining a clean and hygienic home, or ensuring safe conditions for pets, HOCl-powered solutions from EarthSafe are the natural choice for a healthier, safer future. Explore our range of cleaning products to experience the transformative power of HOCl.
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