Electrolyzed Water 101

Curious about how electrolyzed water works? This powerful cleaner and disinfectant is made by applying electricity to a solution of salt and water, creating a non-toxic antimicrobial substance called hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Electrolyzed water is used in hospitals, schools, and homes as a toxic-free alternative to bleach and other harsh chemicals.

What is electrolyzed water?

Electrolyzed water is created when electricity changes the chemical composition of salt & water into 2 new ingredients, one for cleaning and one for disinfecting.

How does electrolyzed water work?

You start with exactly the right proportions of salt, water and vinegar.  A salt molecule is made up of sodium and chloride, and a water molecule is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. When an electrical current is applied to the solution, the molecules are broken apart and combined into 2 new molecules, hypochlorous acid (the disinfectant) and sodium hydroxide (the cleaner). The vinegar lowers the pH of the solution so that the right concentration of each ingredient is created.

What makes electrolyzed water so effective?

Hypochlorous acid is an antimicrobial ingredient as effective as bleach. It’s actually the same substance your white blood cells produce to keep you healthy – ie your immune system’s fighter.  Its gentleness & efficacy have been extensively researched in wound, healthcare, and veterinary care products.

Sodium hydroxide is a highly effective detergent used in products ranging from toothpaste and skin moisturizers to conventional cleaners. Force of Nature contains a concentration of just 0.0000003% (not toxic!). In all-purpose cleaners, typical concentration levels are from 1-5% (3 million to 17 million times the concentration as in Force of Nature).

Electrolyzed water vs traditional disinfectants

Electrolyzed water is a highly effective pathogen killer thanks to hypochlorous acid. The Force of Nature formula is an EPA-registered medical-grade disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew. It kills respiratory viruses and the viruses that cause flus and is also on EPA’s list N, the disinfectants approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Traditional disinfectants typically contain bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds, which have been linked to serious health risks.

Is electrolyzed water safe for babies and pets?

Hypochlorous acid kills pathogens while at the same being extremely gentle, which is what makes it so unique and versatile. Unlike disinfectants with bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds, electrolyzed water is so gentle it doesn’t require rinsing or gloves. There are no toxic fumes or residues to rinse.

How Force of Nature uses electrolyzed water

Electrolyzed water is typically made in industrial-size equipment for large institutions and companies. Our appliance, Force of Nature, sizes the technology down to fit on your countertop. Our system eliminates toxic chemicals and single-use plastic bottles. It’s Green Seal Certified for meeting the highest standards in preserving the climate and certified Carbon Neutral by ClimatePartner.

How long does electrolyzed water remain effective?

Just like bubbles in a carbonated drink, hypochlorous acid starts to dissipate over time. After 2 weeks, the disinfecting power starts to diminish. That’s why you won’t find electrolyzed water sitting on a grocery store shelf; instead you make it fresh in an appliance when you need it.

Learn More

More questions? Learn more about electrolyzed water  or see how it compares to typical natural cleaning products. And if you want to dig in even more, we’ve also got the scoop on how to compare electrolyzed water vs bleach, how Force of Nature is safe to use on virtually any surface, and about how Force of Nature actually works.

Want a super simple chemistry lesson? Then we’ve got a video for you!