Hypochlorous solution

Chemical suitable for the sanitation of the environment

There are numerous chemicals suitable for sanitizing and sterilizing so as to kill and destroy the coronavirus (Covid-19). They likely all have some use in specific contexts

Ecotao Enterprises supplies a selection of chemicals to be used in different contexts.

Hypochlorous acid (HoCL)

Purchase at Ecotao Store

This is not to be confused with hydrochloric acid (HoCl)! Hypochlorous acid is actually in the pH range 6-10 as a commercial product called Anolyte Neutral.

This is the one of the safest products to use and arguably the safest product to use in the combat of Covid-19.

See the second half of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFB_Kt8fW9c

We supply two product versions, Eco-Lyte and SAHPRA certified Trifectiv +.

Eco-lyte is a 300-500ppm concentrate, diluted 1:1 (1 liter concentrate and 1 liter clean tap water). The formulation does contain a low level of table salt (NaCL), so the salt
remaining  (<0.2%) could increase corrosion rates of some metals. The product is safe for furniture, equipment, and food. This product is NCRS registered: Act5GNR529/245793/072/0430. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications ( NRCS).

Trifectiv + (SAHPRA number 00000733MD) is a 5% HOCL misting concentrate. 100 milliliters is diluted in 20 liters of water for use.

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): Technical Applications and Uses

Chemical Properties

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the formula HOCl. It forms when chlorine dissolves in water and exists in equilibrium with hypochlorite ions (OCl⁻). The pH significantly affects this equilibrium, with HOCl being the dominant species at pH levels below 7.5.

Primary Applications

Disinfection and Sanitization

Hypochlorous acid is highly effective as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent:

  • Water Treatment: Used in municipal water systems, swimming pools, and cooling towers. HOCl is 80-100 times more effective than hypochlorite (bleach) at the same concentration due to its neutral charge, which allows it to penetrate bacterial cell walls more easily.
  • Surface Disinfection: Applied in food processing facilities, healthcare settings, and commercial kitchens. It’s effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores at concentrations typically between 50-200 ppm.
  • Food Safety: Used as a wash for fruits, vegetables, and meat products. FDA-approved as a food contact sanitizer, it reduces pathogen load without leaving harmful residues.

Healthcare Applications

  • Wound Care: Used in concentrations of 50-200 ppm for cleaning acute and chronic wounds. HOCl promotes healing while reducing infection risk, and is non-cytotoxic to human cells at appropriate concentrations.
  • Ophthalmic Solutions: Incorporated into eyelid cleansers and treatments for conditions like blepharitis and dry eye disease.
  • Infection Control: Used for surface disinfection in hospitals, operating rooms, and medical equipment sterilization.

Agricultural Uses

Applied as a pesticide alternative and for treating irrigation water. It controls plant pathogens while being safe for crops and soil microbiomes at proper concentrations.

Generation Methods

  • Electrolysis: The most common production method involves electrolyzing dilute salt solutions. This produces HOCl on-demand, which is advantageous since the compound is unstable and degrades over time.
  • Chemical Mixing: Can be generated by carefully controlling the pH when mixing chlorine sources with water, though this is less precise than electrolysis.

Technical Advantages

  • Safety Profile: Far less corrosive and toxic than traditional chlorine bleach
  • Efficacy: Rapid kill times (typically under 1 minute for most pathogens)
  • Minimal Residue: Breaks down into salt and water
  • Material Compatibility: Less damaging to surfaces, fabrics, and equipment than traditional disinfectants
  • Environmental Impact: Biodegradable with minimal environmental persistence

Stability Considerations

HOCl is relatively unstable and degrades through exposure to:

  • UV light
  • Heat
  • Organic matter
  • Time (shelf life typically 6-12 months when stored properly)
  • pH changes

Solutions should be stored in opaque containers, kept cool, and maintained at optimal pH (5.0-6.5) for maximum stability.

Concentration Guidelines

Typical use concentrations vary by application:

  • General surface disinfection: 50-200 ppm
  • Food contact surfaces: 50-100 ppm
  • Wound care: 50-200 ppm
  • Water treatment: 1-5 ppm residual

Purchase at Ecotao Store