Skip the Alcohol, Keep the Clean: Daily Uses of HOCl Spray You’ll Love
Be honest, how much do you moisturize your skin after excessive use of alcohol-based sanitizers? Their excessive use can lead to skin dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions. This is where HOCL steps in. It is a gentle but powerful alternative you never knew you needed.
Typically used in a lab and hospital setting, Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is now available for everyday use. Not to forget, it is safer and more effective than alcohol-based sanitizers. But how can you use hypochlorous acid spray in everyday life? Let’s see!
What is HOCl (Hypochlorous Acid)?
In layman’s terms, HOCL is nature’s own disinfectant. It is an acid that white blood cells in your body produce naturally to kill germs and fight infections. That means your immune system already trusts HOCL as a disinfectant.
Fortunately, science has formulated a way to craft this outside the body through a process called electrolysis. Running an electric current through salt water produces a gentle liquid that’s powerful against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, yet non-toxic to humans.
Why HOCL is Better Than Alcohol
Before diving into everyday uses of HOCL, let’s check out what factors set it apart.
- Kills Germs Faster: As compared to alcohol, HOCl works within seconds to destroy pathogens by breaking down their cell walls and proteins.
- Gentle on Skin: HOCl doesn’t dry out or irritate skin like alcohol does. It is safe to use even around the eyes, mouth, and open wounds.
- No Fumes: Alcohol gives off harsh fumes and burns when it touches cuts or wounds. Whereas, HOCl feels like water.
- Safer Alternative: Hypochlorous acid spray can be used multiple times a day without harm. On the other hand, alcohol can cause skin damage and microinjuries.
- Non-Flammable: HOCL acid is safer to store and use anywhere, as it is completely non-flammable.
- Multi-Functional: Where alcohol sanitizer is limited to hands, HOCl can also disinfect surfaces, metals, plastic, food, and treat wounds.
- No Residue: You might notice a lingering alcohol smell after use. However, HOCl breaks down into simple salt and water after use, leaving no residue.
Daily Uses of HOCl Spray
Now that you know the good and the bad, the real question is: how to actually use HOCl spray in everyday life? Here’s how.
- Hand and Skin
You can use HOCl spray as a hand mist or skin sanitizing mist, even when your hands are not visibly dirty. Unlike alcohol-based sanitizers, it can be used multiple times a day.
How to use: All you have to do is spray it on your hands or skin surface and rub or let it air dry.
- Wounds and Cuts
You know how it stings when you pour alcohol on wounds or cuts? Well, that’s not the case with HOCL. In fact, it accelerates healing by cleaning out pathogens without damaging healthy tissue.
Medical settings often use HOCl solutions to clean cuts, scrapes, or post-procedure sites.
How to use: For use at home, just spray directly on minor cuts or bites and let it air dry.
- Face Toner
As HOCL is already a part of your immune defense, you can also use it as a lightweight toner after cleansing. Its antimicrobial properties work to calm redness, acne, irritation, razor burn, or post-workout sweat without disrupting the skin barrier.
How to use: To use it accurately, ensure the right concentration of HOCL before misting it over your face.
- High-Touch Surfaces
Regular cleaning of high-touch zones is quite a task. Of course, you cannot spray alcohol on them. On the other hand, HOCl spray is great for countertops, doorknobs, table surfaces, light switches, and even your mobile phone and other electronics.
How to use: Spray, wait 30–60 seconds, then wipe or simply let it air dry.
- Baby and Pet Care
HOCl works wonders for cleaning sensitive areas. This includes pacifiers, strollers, pet paws, ears, and more. Needless to say, it is also about toys, high chairs, or diaper changing tables. Besides, you can also use it to treat diaper rashes, redness, and other baby skin concerns. Unlike strong chemical disinfectants, it is safer around children and non-toxic even if licked.
How to use: Spray on the area and let it be.
- Fitness Equipment
Did you know that your fitness equipment contains more bacteria than a toilet seat? That’s why sanitizing mats, dumbbells, helmet pads, machines, or rope after a workout becomes more essential. HOCL spray can do so effectively without leaving the overpowering smell of alcohol. Not to forget, letting HOCL air dry is quicker than wiping off alcohol disinfectant.
How to use: Mist it generously on the equipment and let it air dry.
- Foot and Shoe Spray
Foot sweat locks moisture in the shoes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Using hypochlorous acid here can kill bacteria and odor. Fortunately, HOCL will not degrade the inner lining materials as it is mild.
How to use: Spray inside the shoes or socks and allow it to evaporate.
- Everyday Cleaning
Use it as an everyday home cleaner. For instance, spray it on the chopping board before and after use, the garbage bin to control odor, laundry clothes to neutralize bacteria, the refrigerator to disinfect without contaminating, or as an add-on while sweeping daily.
How to use: Spray generously on the targeted area and wipe it off with a cloth.
- Travel Essential
While traveling, carry HOCL spray for on-the-spot disinfection. It comes in handy while using public restrooms, trying local cuisines, disinfecting your hands when you explore the market, or touching railings or handles.
How to use: Give it a couple of pumps on the toilet seat before using or anywhere you need to be careful.
- Food and Kitchen Use
HOCL spray is so multipurpose that you can also use it to remove pesticides and bacteria from fruits or vegetables. What water might not be able to do, HOCL does in a few seconds, and that too without altering taste! It is also friendly to be used as a lunchbox spray or a cutlery disinfectant.
How to use: Soak the fruits or vegetables in HOCl for 2-5 minutes or spray it to cover all surfaces before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Takeaway
HOCL spray does more than you think. It can disinfect almost everything within a few seconds. However, there are a few things to take care of.
- Check for concentration and pH before buying, as each use requires a different level.
- If you are not wiping or rubbing the spray, wait for at least 30 seconds to let it dry.
- Store it in a cool or dark place to minimize degradation.
- Don’t apply it directly to dirty or greasy surfaces. Pre-clean it first.
Now that you are aware of HOCL spray uses and its potential, it can be your go-to multitasker: gentle, effective, and practical.