Q: What is Hypochlorous Acid?

A: Hypochlorous Acid is naturally found in our immune system created by our white blood cells, or neutrophils, and is used to kill invading microbial pathogens. It is also the dominant byproduct of FAC (Free Available Chlorine) solutions. Hypochlorous Acid is the most powerful oxidant in the chlorine family with the chemical structure HOCl and a slightly acidic neutral pH of 5-7.

Q: Is it HOCI? Or HOCL?

A: The correct chemical structure for Hypochlorous Acid is HOCl (the “l” being a lowercase “L”) as “Cl” is the abbreviation for chlorine. The breakdown of this chemical structure is: “H” (Hydrogen), “O” (Oxygen), and “Cl” (Chlorine). However, to avoid confusion, we list HOCl as “HOCL” (capital “L”) on our website as the lower case “L” can be mistaken for a capital “I.”

Q: Is our product effective against COVID-19?

A: We are officially on the EPA's List N! All products on this list meet EPA's criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Enter our EPA Registration number: 91138-1 to see official registration.  

When used in accordance with the directions Sani-Powder has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 on hard non-porous surfaces. For more information, please visit epa.gov. 

 

Q: How does it kill pathogens?

A: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) has a neutral charge, which allows it to easily penetrate bacteria walls and quickly attack proteins in bacterial cells. It has been proven to be 100 times more effective than bleach yet does not yield to antimicrobial resistance.

Q: How long will the solution last once it is applied to its surface?

A: Unlike other synthetic chemicals, Hypochlorous Acid does not have an ongoing antimicrobial effect. Once it is applied to a surface, it reacts with any bacteria or organic matter, and then slowly reverts back into water. This means that surfaces will have to be continuously applied; but on the positive side, there is no toxic residue nor post-rinse required when used in recommended concentrations.

Q: How is Hypochlorous Acid made?

A: Electrolysis is the most common process and can be accomplished by passing a sodium chloride solution (NaCl) through an electrolysis cell containing an anode and a cathode creating electrolyzed water (EW). When this concentrate is mixed with an appropriate water dilution, it produces a chemical reaction, with a variety of chlorinated and non-chlorinated isocyanurates and free available
chlorine (FAC) in the form of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL).

HOCL powder is made from Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate, or NaDCC (anhydrous: CAS no. 2893-78-9; dihydrate: CAS no. 51580-86-0) is a solid chlorine bleaching agent generally used as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The granules are generally made when NaDCC and a dilute solution of copper (II) sulfate are mixed, producing an intense lilac precipitate of the complex salt sodium copper dichloroisocyanurate. The reactions between dichloroisocyanurate salts (Na, K, Li, Ba,Ca) and transition metal salts (Ni, Cu, Cd). The overall reaction is: CuSO4 + 4 Na(C3N3O3Cl2) → Na2[Cu(C3N3O3Cl2)4] + Na2SO4. Although the bleaching agent in most chlorine based bleach is sodium hypochlorite, the sodium salt of dichloroisocyanuric acid, sodium
dichloroisocyanurate, is the active ingredient in many commercial disinfectant bactericides, algicides, and cleaning agents. When our powder is mixed with an appropriate water dilution, it produces a chemical reaction, among a variety of chlorinated and non-chlorinated isocyanurates and free available
chlorine (FAC) in the form of hypochlorous acid (HOCL).

Q: Is Hypochlorous Acid different from bleach?

A: Yes. The chemical formulas are different. The formula for Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) is NaClO, and the formula for Hypochlorous Acid is HOCL. When bleach is diluted, or made acidic, HOCL becomes present, but at a very low percentage. Bleach has a pH of 13 and above and its concentration is high enough to remove color from fabric. HOCL has neither of these characteristics. Bleach also has a negative charge while HOCL has a neutral charge which is critical to its biocidal effects. HOCL’s neutral charge allows it to easily penetrate bacteria walls and quickly attacks proteins in bacterial cells. On the other hand, bleach has a negative charge, which challenges its biocidal effects. Bacteria and Hypochlorite repel each other like magnets because they are both negatively charged. With this, HOCL has been proven to be 100 times more effective than bleach, and does not yield to antimicrobial resistance.

 

Q: How is Hypochlorous Acid deactivated?

A: Once Hypochlorous Acid interacts with any organic matter such as pathogens, or even oxygen, it takes electrons from them and either binds to that molecule and forms a new molecule, reverting back to hypochlorite, or a saline solution.

 

Q: How effective is Hypochlorous Acid at killing viruses?

A: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) has been researched and proven to be highly effective against many viruses such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, MRSA, NoroVirus, H1N1, Staph/VRE, Pseudomonas, G+ and G- bacteria, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Clostridium Difficile Spores, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, HIV, HBV, HCV, CMV, VRE and all Avian Flus.

 

Q: What concentration or ppm should I use?

A: We can only make recommendations when it comes to ppm usage, and referring to research is best. Concentrations and ppm will depend on the application.

General sanitizing for contact surfaces is effective at 200 ppm; however, you may safely use a solution of 300-450 ppm for infected areas.

Hospital-grade disinfectant is mandated by the CDC at 1,200 ppm and is only intended to be used as such.

Q: Is Hypochlorous Acid safe?

A: Yes, it is! Unlike most chemical sanitizers, Hypochlorous Acid is non-toxic and non-hazardous in its diluted form. It is also not an irritant to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. We encourage you to stay safe by applying often, without
worrying about health side-effects or skin irritation.

Q: Does it cause discoloration or damage to fabrics?

A: Hypochlorous Acid usually does not cause discoloration as it is not as aggressive as bleach or peroxide. However, in higher concentrations, it may cause some discoloration if applied to lower quality dyes.

 

Q: Does it cause corrosion?

A: Hypochlorous Acid is 50% less corrosive than bleach. Like water, Hypochlorous Acid will cause some corrosion if left for extended periods of time on materials such as brass, copper, iron, or lower quality steel. Stainless steel can corrode as well if submersed in high concentrations for extended periods of time. Keep in mind that our product is chlorine-based and chlorine is known to cause some corrosion when left on surfaces for extended periods of time. To avoid water marks and corrosion to these materials, after applying solution, wipe gently with a clean cloth for a smooth, residue-free surface.

 

Q: Which industries are using Hypochlorous Acid?

A: Hypochlorous Acid is being used in restaurants, food and beverage processing, livestock, agriculture, medical, schools, cruise ships, water treatment, and manufacturing… it can be used just about everywhere! Just remember that each application has its own specific usage, concentrations and dwell times.