Understanding Hypochlorous Acid: A Safer and More Effective Alternative to Bleach for Commercial Cleaning in Milwaukee

In recent years, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has emerged as a formidable contender in the world of commercial cleaning and sanitizing. This compound is not only effective in killing pathogens but is also notably safe for contact with sensitive areas, including the eyes. Given its superior efficacy compared to traditional bleach, one may wonder: why isn’t hypochlorous acid everywhere?

Medical cleaning environment utilizing hypochlorous acid.

What is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that occurs naturally in the human body as part of the immune system's defense mechanism. It is produced by white blood cells to fight off infections. This remarkable capability translates well to commercial sanitizing applications, where it can effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi without the harshness of traditional chemical disinfectants.

Despite being an acid, hypochlorous acid can be used in a variety of environments, including industrial and medical settings. It plays a crucial role in sanitizing surfaces and equipment while ensuring a minimal risk to human safety, making it a valuable asset in janitorial and cleaning practices across various sectors.

The Efficacy of Hypochlorous Acid vs. Bleach

When comparing hypochlorous acid to bleach, the differences are stark. Hypochlorous acid has been shown to be significantly more effective at lower concentrations, which is particularly important in commercial cleaning.

Research indicates that hypochlorous acid can eradicate pathogens within seconds of contact. For instance, common viruses and bacteria such as influenza, E. coli, and even COVID-19 are effectively neutralized by hypochlorous acid, whereas bleach often requires longer contact times and higher concentrations to achieve comparable results.

Additionally, the production of harmful byproducts is another factor where hypochlorous acid outshines bleach. While bleach can release chlorine gas—a hazardous substance—hypochlorous acid decomposes into harmless salt and water, highlighting its environmentally friendly profile.

Safety Profile of Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid's safety is one of its most appealing attributes, especially in environments where human exposure is a concern. Notably, it can be sprayed in the eyes without causing irritation, a feat that bleach cannot claim. This property makes it ideal for use in settings such as hospitals, schools, and child care centers, where accidental exposure is a plausible risk.

The safety of hypochlorous acid stem from its natural origins. As it is a substance produced by the body itself, there are no adverse chemical reactions when it is applied on human skin or surfaces. Furthermore, its absence of harsh fumes contributes to an overall safer cleaning experience.

Hypochlorous Acid in Various Industries

Hypochlorous acid is not only beneficial for general cleaning; it has found applications across multiple industries, including medical, industrial, and even food service.

In medical settings, hypochlorous acid is utilized for disinfecting surgical instruments and surfaces, ensuring a sterile environment for patient care. Its rapid action against pathogens equates to enhanced safety for both healthcare providers and patients.

In industrial applications, hypochlorous acid is leveraged for its effectiveness in large-scale sanitization processes while maintaining a lower risk profile than conventional disinfectants. This is particularly critical in environments where workers may be exposed to chemicals frequently.

Additionally, in the food service industry, hypochlorous acid is employed for cleaning and sanitizing food preparation areas, ensuring hygiene without the concern of chemical residues that could affect food safety.

The Roadblocks to Wider Adoption

Despite its many advantages, hypochlorous acid has yet to achieve widespread usage comparable to bleach in commercial settings. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy.

Firstly, many cleaners and sanitizers on the market are already well-established, and companies may hesitate to transition to a new product, even one as advantageous as hypochlorous acid. Resistance to change and the "if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it" mentality can impede the adoption of newer and more effective solutions.

Secondly, although studies support the efficacy and safety of hypochlorous acid, many consumers and businesses remain unaware of this alternative. The need for education and outreach is essential to inform cleaning professionals of the benefits of incorporating hypochlorous acid into their sanitizing practices.

Lastly, supply chain issues can also deter the adoption of hypochlorous acid. Not all manufacturers may have the capability or cost-effectiveness to produce it at scale, making it less accessible to janitorial services and commercial cleaning companies. Hypochlorous acid solution has one major weakness: it’s highly unstable. It remains stable only in a solution with a pH between about 4 and 6. The solution is still made using salt, water and electricity through the process of electrolysis. Within minutes of exposure to light or air hypochlorous acid starts to deteriorate back into salt water, making it useless as a disinfectant. Thus companies also need to adopt manufacturing methods to produce the cleaning alternative at scale.

The Future of Hypochlorous Acid in Cleaning

As awareness grows and supply chains improve, hypochlorous acid has the potential to become a staple in the cleaning industry. Its unique benefits position it well in a market that increasingly demands safer and more effective solutions.

With rising concerns over chemical exposure and environmental impact, hypochlorous acid aligns with the trend toward greener cleaning practices. The shift towards sustainable cleaning solutions is gaining momentum, and hypochlorous acid should be at the forefront of this movement.

Adoption by the janitorial industry could revolutionize the way commercial spaces are maintained, improving health standards while reducing the risks associated with traditional cleaners like bleach.

Conclusion

Hypochlorous acid emerges as a compelling alternative to bleach for commercial cleaning. Its exceptional efficacy against pathogens combined with its impressive safety profile makes it a superior choice for various applications—from medical to industrial and beyond.

As the cleaning industry evolves, the case for hypochlorous acid only grows stronger. Greater awareness, education, and investment in production will be crucial to propel this remarkable disinfectant into everyday use, enabling safer and more effective cleaning practices that not only protect human health but also benefit the environment.

The time has come for hypochlorous acid to take its rightful place as a leading player in the realm of sanitizing solutions, paving the way for a cleaner and safer future.

Products such as Disinfexol are now on the janitorial cleaning market.