Hypochlorous acid is a type of bleach, but it’s very different from the bleach you might use to whiten your sheets or clean your home. This chemical is produced by your immune system and can also be found in some cleaning products. The chemical has a variety of uses, most of which are related to its antimicrobial properties. Here are some of the advantages of hypochlorous acid.
Healing Faster
If you have recently undergone surgery and have an incision site that is slow to heal, you’ll be happy to learn that hypochlorous acid can help with this. This compound has the ability to stimulate healing by increasing the amount of collagen in the body. Collagen is a protein that is crucial for the healing process. This is especially helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as those who are diabetic. Hypochlorous acid has also been shown to help speed up the healing process when applied topically.
Purifying Water
Water purification is one of the most well-known and observable uses of hypochlorous acid. When this compound is added to contaminated water, it quickly and effectively kills pathogenic organisms that could cause diseases. This process is known as disinfection. When disinfecting water, it’s important to note that a concentration of 50 milligrams per liter is optimal. Anything more than this may actually decrease your water’s ability to kill bacteria. This is because hypochlorous acid becomes ions when dissolved in water. Bacteria and viruses are more susceptible to this compound when it’s in ionic form.
Cleaning Surfaces
One of the most common uses of hypochlorous acid is to clean surfaces. As mentioned above, this compound is very effective at killing pathogens, so it can be used to disinfect a wide range of materials. When cleaning, you have to decide whether to use bleach as a solution (usually chlorine) or as a gas (hypochlorous acid). The solution is better for cleaning porous surfaces like floors and walls, while the gas is better for cleaning non-porous items like equipment and furniture. When cleaning with bleach, be sure not to pour it directly on your skin. Always wear rubber gloves and make sure to dilute the bleach with water, as concentrated bleach can cause skin irritation.
Overall, hypochlorous acid is a powerful compound that you shouldn’t overlook. Whether you’re trying to keep a building clean or alleviate a medical condition that you have, there’s a lot that this chemical can do for you.
