What a home hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generator does, how it differs from a registered bottled product, and what to look for—cell, batch size, testing, storage, and support.
A hypochlorous acid generator lets you make HOCl solution on demand instead of buying it by the bottle. If you're considering one, it helps to know what you're getting and what questions to ask.
Generator vs. bottled product
According to the EPA's guide to pesticide devices:
- Hypochlorous acid/electrolyzed water generators are generally considered devices and don't require EPA registration unless they're sold with or contain a substance.
- An EPA Establishment Number identifies the facility where a product was produced. It is not a product registration, approval, or endorsement.
- Registered bottled pesticide products carry an EPA Registration Number.
- Device claims must not be false or misleading, and some states have their own requirements.
In practice: with a generator, the manufacturer's instructions are what you follow to make, use, and store your solution.
How these generators work
The Eco One product page describes it as an electrolyzer system that makes hypochlorous acid (electrolyzed water) from water and non-iodized salt. Follow the Eco One manual for the exact ingredients, quantities, and operating sequence. Preparing a batch according to the device instructions is different from adding other cleaning products to a finished solution; do not improvise mixtures.
Questions worth asking
What is the electrolysis cell made of? The cell is the core of the machine. The Eco One's product page lists a platinum-coated titanium cell with an estimated lifespan of 3,000 cycles.
How much does it make, and how strong? Look for clear, published settings rather than vague promises. The Eco One product page lists 1-liter batches with stated production times by concentration, up to 500 ppm, and the manual notes that ppm values are approximations because water quality varies.
Can you check the solution yourself? Test strips give an approximate reading of concentration and pH. They don't show that a surface has been sanitized or disinfected. The Eco One manual explains using chlorine test paper (10–200 ppm), and the product page lists HOCl and pH test paper with the system.
What does it need to run? According to its product page, the Eco One uses ordinary non-iodized salt, or food-grade potassium carbonate for its separate degreasing mode.
How should the solution be stored? Follow the manufacturer's guidance; the Eco One Safety Data Sheet says to store in a cool area away from UV or direct sunlight with the container tightly closed.
What are the safety instructions? Read the precautions before you buy. The Eco One manual, for instance, says the appliance should not be used by children, the base and power supply shouldn't be immersed in water, and the power connector must be dry.
Is there a warranty and support? The Eco One comes with a 1-year limited warranty for home use. Questions can go to service@hocl.com.
Matching the size to the job
For a household, the Eco One makes 1-liter batches, and its warranty covers home use. For larger volumes, the Hypo 7.5 makes a 7.5-liter batch at up to 500 ppm, and the EWCO 300 generates HOCl in continuous flow at up to 300 ppm, according to their product pages; businesses can learn more at ewco.com.
The bottom line
Before buying, look for clear instructions, published specifications, a way to check concentration and pH, storage guidance, and warranty support. Read the manual first and use the solution as the manufacturer describes.
This article is general information, not professional advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Sources
- EPA: Pesticide Devices: A Guide for Consumers
- Eco One product page
- Eco One User Manual (PDF)
- Hypo 7.5 product page
- EWCO 300 product page
- Eco One Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
Published by HOCL LLC. EWCO is a product brand of HOCL LLC. Questions: service@hocl.com. ← All blog posts