• Ripples in very blue body of water - CleanSmart Canada

    The Science Behind CleanSmart Products

    How hypochlorous acid works to eliminate germs


    SHOP NOW Learn about Hypochlorous Acid
Germ Killer

How HOCl Helps the Body Fight Germs

The diagram to the left shows the way HOCl is produced in the human body and how it kills pathogens.

Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring molecule used by the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses in the body.

  1. Pathogens invade the body by entering the skin through a wound site.
  2. Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) comes to the invaders and surrounds one.
  3. After surrounding, the neutrophil produces HOCl to kill it.

CleanSmart products work by following the same process.

HOCl, Scent, and Bleach Questions:

HOCl has a faint scent that many people do not notice. Some people describe it as similar to a swimming pool. Others may recognize a light chlorine smell.

HOCl is not bleach. Laundry bleach is sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), which is a different chemical compound.

More Comparisons and Facts to Know:

Natural:

“Bleach” (sodium hypochlorite) is a manufactured chemical. HOCl occurs naturally in the immune systems of mammals.

Safety:

Bleach disinfectants require warning labels due to potential hazards. HOCl-based disinfectants are designed for use in environments where lower chemical exposure is preferred.

Fumes:

Bleach fumes can irritate the respiratory system and eyes. HOCl does not produce the same harsh fumes under normal use.

CleanSmart Achievements in HOCl

CleanSmart developed a process to produce stabilized hypochlorous acid with extended shelf life.

Ingredients are water and a small amount of salt, which are then processed through an electrolysis system. Hypochlorous acid has been known for many years, but it was not shelf stable. CleanSmart’s team worked to develop a method that allows HOCl to remain stable so it can be stored and used over time.

HOCl is naturally unstable and will revert back to saline after use and over time, leaving no chemical residue. CleanSmart’s process is designed to maintain HOCl stability so it remains effective throughout its shelf life.

Our product is pH neutral, another scientific achievement from CleanSmart. CleanSmart’s HOCl is used in applications that require both surface disinfection and skin-safe use when applied as directed, so the same solution can support both types of use.

This stability is maintained through controlled production conditions and packaging designed to protect the solution over time. This reflects the scientific development, testing, and regulatory work behind the product.

Ingredients

Disinfecting Surface Sprays
  • Active Ingredients
    • Hypochlorous Acid
    • 0.017%
  • Other Ingredients
    • Deionized Water
    • 99.919%
    • Sodium Chloride (Salt)
    • 0.06%
    • Hypochlorite Ion
    • 0.004%
  • EPA Reg 89896-2
    • Registered Disinfectant
    • Broad Spectrum Disinfectant
  • EPA Safety Signal Words
    • Exempt - No Warnings
    • No Physician Alerts
  • Health Canada

SDS Files