Highlights
- Harsh cleaners release fumes that irritate seniors’ lungs and skin.
- Seniors’ respiratory systems make them more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
- HOCl is a safe disinfectant that kills germs without toxic by-products.
- Non-toxic cleaning products improve indoor air quality and comfort.
- HOCl is Health Canada–approved and safe on food-contact surfaces.
- Better infection control with fewer reactions and easier staff compliance.
When ‘Clean’ Comes at a Cost in Senior Care
Clean doesn’t always mean safe—especially in senior-care facilities where residents breathe slower, have thinner skin, and often face chronic respiratory issues. Yet, many nursing homes still depend on bleach and quaternary cleaners that release strong fumes or leave residue behind.
The solution is simple: a safe cleaner made with hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This science-backed disinfectant delivers medical-grade performance without the harshness—protecting both residents and staff in every routine clean.
Discover safer facility options in our School & Workplace Collection—trusted by healthcare and long-term care professionals across Canada.
The Health Risks of Harsh Chemicals
Traditional disinfectants—like bleach, ammonia, and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)—are powerful but problematic. They can trigger asthma, COPD flare-ups, and dermatitis, and in poorly ventilated areas, fumes linger long after cleaning.
A 2021 BMJ Occupational & Environmental Medicine meta-analysis found a clear link between cleaning product exposure and chronic respiratory illness in long-term users. Another review in Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology confirmed that prolonged use of cleaning sprays and disinfectants contributes to occupational COPD.
For seniors—whose lungs and immune systems are already fragile—these effects can be immediate: coughing, watery eyes, dizziness, or fatigue after routine disinfecting.
Why HOCl Is Different
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the same molecule our white blood cells produce to fight infection. When generated and stabilized correctly, it becomes a powerful, pH-neutral disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and spores—without releasing harmful fumes.
Benefits of HOCl in Senior Care:
- Non-toxic and fragrance-free (no VOCs)
- Gentle on hands, metals, fabrics, and finishes
- No rinse required on food-contact surfaces
- Safe to use while residents are present
- Proven effectiveness against C. difficile and MRSA under Health Canada DIN registration
Try our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant—a stabilized HOCl formula that’s gentle on materials yet tough on pathogens.
Improving Air Quality & Compliance
Replacing high-VOC products with non-toxic cleaning products Canada-wide doesn’t just protect residents—it protects staff, too. Many long-term care homes that switch to HOCl report:
- Less need for PPE during daily cleaning
- Fewer complaints about odour or irritation
- Faster room turnaround times
Public Health Ontario recommends minimizing use of volatile or corrosive agents where occupants have respiratory sensitivities. HOCl fits that guidance perfectly—ensuring compliance without sacrificing performance.
A Simple HOCl Routine for Long-Term Care
- Clean First: Remove soil with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Disinfect: Apply HOCl evenly; keep the surface visibly wet for contact time.
- Air Dry: No rinse or ventilation delay needed.
- Focus on Touchpoints: Bedrails, remotes, trays, doorknobs, and mobility aids.
- Repeat Regularly: High-touch areas daily; rooms and dining zones several times per week.
FAQs
Q1. Is HOCl safe around seniors?
A. Yes—when used as directed. It’s non-toxic, pH-neutral, and free of irritants that harm skin or lungs.
Q2. Does HOCl disinfect as effectively as bleach?
A. Yes. HOCl achieves 99.9 % kill rates against bacteria and viruses while leaving no harmful residue.
Q3. Can HOCl replace other disinfectants?
A. In most cases, yes. It functions as both a cleaner and a disinfectant, simplifying protocols.
Q4. Is HOCl Health Canada–approved?
A. Yes. Products with a Health Canada DIN are approved for healthcare and long-term care settings.
Redefining Clean in Long-Term Care
The best nursing homes protect both residents and staff—not just from pathogens, but from the by-products of cleaning itself. By adopting HOCl, facilities gain reliable infection control, fewer respiratory complaints, and fresher indoor air.
Shop our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant or explore the full School & Workplace Collection.
Questions? Contact us for expert guidance on implementing HOCl safely in your care environment.
Sources:
- Archangelidi O., et al. Cleaning Products and Respiratory Health Outcomes in Occupational Cleaners: A Meta-Analysis. Occupational & Environmental Medicine (2021). BMJ
- De Matteis S., et al. Occupational Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2022). LWW
- Public Health Ontario. Environmental Cleaning | Infection Prevention & Control. Ontario
- Health Canada. List of Surface Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens. Canada