HOCl Controls Odors & Germs in the Bathroom – Part 2

In Part 1 of a University of Washington laboratory study (see Part 1), researchers determined through a variety of tests that HOCl could, within 5 minutes of application, alter the smell-causing compounds in stinky toilet facilities to the point that the odors were barely detectable.  In Part 2 of the same study, researchers theorized HOCl would also make these same washrooms safer by killing highly contagious germs in the air.

In order to test their theory in Part 2 of the study, the researchers simulated the human norovirus – which is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea. This virus is commonly found in toilet facilities.  Various concentration levels, and contact times, of HOCI were tested, as well as the germ-killing efficacy at each data point. Researchers also tested whether misting the HOCl was as effective as submerging the surface in HOCl. The researchers found that HOCl killed germs in as little time as 30 seconds, but that it was most effective at 5 minutes. Additionally, they found that even small concentrations provided excellent results. Although misting was effective, it took higher concentrations to get the desired results. However, researchers also concluded that misting HOCl within a foul-smelling toilet facility showed great potential to address two issues at once: elimination of foul odors, and the killing of disease-causing germs.

As with other HOCl applications, there are no safety concerns with using HOCl in a bathroom setting. Research has validated HOCl as a non-toxic, non-irritating, and eco-friendly disinfectant and sanitizer. Ideas for this blog were gathered from here.