HOCL ATOMIZING (from University of Arizona)
HOCl atomizing refers to the process of dispersing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a fine mist to disinfect entire rooms and surfaces. This method goes beyond traditional manual cleaning by delivering a uniform, no-touch disinfectant application that reaches hidden spaces and hard-to-clean areas.
What the University of Arizona Study Shows
Key findings include:
Designed for Critical Care
- Manual cleaning alone reduced surface bacteria by an average of 2.4 log₁₀.
- When combined with HOCl atomizing, reductions increased dramatically—averaging up to 4.9 log₁₀ and in some cases as high as 6 log₁₀.
This shows atomizing boosts the effectiveness of standard cleaning protocols.
Eliminated Cross-Contamination
- Traditional cleaning alone still left bacterial transfer across surfaces in about 50 % of cases.
- With atomizing, researchers observed zero cross-contamination.
This suggests atomizing can break the cycle of pathogen spread in clinical areas.
Labor Efficiency and Practical Impact
- Adding HOCl atomizing improved cleaning efficiency by about 64 %, meaning less time and effort for environmental services teams while achieving stronger sanitation results.
Why HOCl Atomizing Matters
HOCl is an effective disinfectant that is broad-spectrum, low-toxicity, and EPA approved for atomized use. These properties make it ideal for occupied healthcare settings where safety and infection control are critical. Atomizing ensures:
- Even distribution of HOCl mist across all surfaces and airspace
- Reduced reliance on manual cleaning alone
- Better control of hospital-associated pathogens
Real-World Healthcare Implications
This University of Arizona research highlights that combining manual cleaning with HOCl atomizing delivers superior outcomes compared to manual cleaning alone. By dramatically increasing pathogen kill rates and eliminating cross-contamination, this approach supports stronger infection prevention—especially in high-risk environments like ICUs and patient rooms.
