NatureChlor™ FAQ
What is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) ?
Hypochlorous acid is a free chlorine molecule with the molecular formula HOCl. It is the dominate free chlorine species in chlorine
solutions that have a slightly to moderately acidic pH. View the "Hypochlorous Acid" page for more information.
Is HOCl really natural?
Hypochlorous acid, or HOCl, is produced naturally by the white blood cells of all mammals (including you), and is used by those cells to kill invading microbial pathogens.
Does NatureChlor™ have an EPA Establishment Number?
Yes, our EPA Establishment number is 96527-CA-1.
How does HOCl interact with bacteria?
Bacteria often have negatively charged cell walls, which means that negatively charged molecules (e.g. OCl⁻ found in chlorine bleach solutions) get repelled like magnets, reducing the effectiveness of those cleaning molecules. HOCl on the other hand has a neutral charge, so it is completely unfazed by that negative charge and can much more easily do one of two things that kill the cell, depending on the type of bacterium: it can oxidize the cell wall (attack from the outside), or it can enter the cell and destroy the vital components inside (attack from the inside).
How do you make HOCl?
Hypochlorous acid is made through the process of electrolysis. By passing an electrical current through water with a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, HOCl is generated.
How does NatureChlor™ work?
Watch the Operation Video below!
How do I test my solution?
Each NatureChlor™ comes standard with Chlorine Test Strips and pH Test Strips. The Chlorine Test Strips measure Free Available Chlorine (FAC) in Parts Per Million (PPM). The type of chlorine compound is directly affected by the pH level of the solution. In order for HOCl to be the dominate compound, a pH value of 5-7 is recommended.
Watch the Testing Video below!
What pH should I aim for if I'm making degreaser (KOH) instead?
With HOCl, the pH needs to be in the 5-7 range, but KOH isn't as picky about it, so there's no need to add vinegar. In fact, the longer the NatureChlor™ runs making KOH, the higher the pH goes, and vinegar would just lower it back down. We've seen batches as low as a pH of 9, and as high as 13—just make sure to put on gloves so that your skin doesn't get degreased too!
Do you have a USB version that I can use on the go?
Yes we do! Our NatureChlorMini is USB powered and can fit in most wide-mouth spray bottles, making it easy to use anywhere!