How does the Clean Work?

The Echo Clean works by using electrolysis to produce two powerful cleaning and disinfecting agents: hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (when salt is added).

Here’s the basic process:

1. The machine applies an electric current through the water solution. The electrolysis process splits the molecules into different components:
   • At the anode (positive electrode), chlorine gas (Cl₂) is produced.
   • The chlorine gas then dissolves into the water and reacts to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and some hydrochloric acid (HCl).
   • If salt is added, at the cathode (negative electrode), hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and hydrogen gas (H₂) are produced. The hydroxide ions combine with some of the dissolved chlorine to form sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).
2. The final result is a solution containing:
   • Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) — a highly effective disinfectant that is safe, non-toxic, and naturally produced by our own white blood cells.
   • Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) — the active ingredient in traditional bleach, but at a much lower and safer concentration.

Important Notes:

• The pH of the water affects the balance between HOCl and NaOCl. Slightly acidic water (around pH 5–6.5) favors more hypochlorous acid, which is much more effective as a sanitizer.
• If the water becomes too alkaline, more sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is produced instead of HOCl.

In short:
The Echo Clean carefully controls the electrolysis process so that you end up with a powerful, non-toxic disinfectant solution that’s safe to use on surfaces, around pets, and even for food prep areas.