Are Electrochemically-Activated Solutions the Easiest Way to Clean?

Obviously, as a manufacturer of systems that generate electrochemically-activated (ECA) solutions, we believe that they are a superior way to clean. However, we pose this question to you, the reader. In this blog, we will cover all the ways that ECA solutions make commercial cleaning easier. At the end of the blog, ask yourself, are ECA solutions the easiest way to clean? 

The Basics of Electrochemically-activated Solutions

Two things challenge most facility managers: resources and time. To better manage both, many facility managers have three key areas of focus: frequency, surfaces and methods. Read on to learn how an easy transition to electrochemically-activated (ECA) cleaning and disinfecting solutions will allow you to do more with less while addressing cleaning frequency, surfaces and methods.

ECA Solutions and Compatibility with Cleaning Frequency, Surfaces and Methods

Consider the following advantages related to using ECA solutions for cleaning and disinfecting:

• • Uphold cleaning frequencies. A recent survey revealed that more than three in five Americans (61%) would feel more confident in a facility if it has implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting protocols in response to the pandemic. OSG systems allow facility managers to step up the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting by producing a greater volume of solutions on demand. This is an asset at a time when many facilities are cleaning more regularly to reduce the spread of pathogens and showcase to the public their dedication to hygiene. OSG systems also allow added flexibility. For example, if an outbreak of illness occurs or a winter storm causes visitors to drag in snow, dirt and debris from outside, facilities can simply increase the system’s output. As infectious disease risk levels decrease, cleaning teams can produce lower volumes while still having peace of mind they can scale cleaning and disinfecting at a moment’s notice.
• • Manage multiple types of surfaces. Staff need just two ECA solutions to address a wide variety of surfaces, improving efficiency and simplicity. ECA solutions effectively remove soils, kill bacteria and inactivate viruses on high-touch surfaces, from metal door handles to marble countertops, glass windows or industrial production lines. Professionals use the multi-purpose cleaner first to remove surface soils and then apply the disinfectant for added assurance. Over time, ECA solutions help restore the look of surfaces and finishes by targeting built-up layers of soil, making facilities look cleaner than ever.
• • Comply with recommended cleaning methods. Cleaning professionals can deploy ECA solutions across a number of different cleaning applications. The OSG system dispenses cleaning and disinfecting solutions into refillable bottles, which employees can use with cleaning cloths when employing the “spray-and-wipe” method. Staff can also fill ride-on, walk-behind or robotic autoscrubber tanks to clean floors, buckets for mopping or electrostatic sprayers that enable quick and efficient cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas. CIP’s application can be considered as well. This adaptability makes ECA solutions a great fit for a wide variety of facilities.

Generated on-site, ECA solutions allow facilities to clean as frequently as needed, clean and disinfect numerous types of surfaces and adhere to the most effective methods for infection prevention. An on-site generation (OSG) system uses a simple chemical process called electrolysis to produce a multi-purpose cleaner and a sanitizer/disinfectant – two effective ECA solutions. The only required ingredients are water, salt and electricity.

ECA solutions are non-irritating to eyes and skin, unlike many conventional chemicals. Facilities professionals understand their responsibility to protect occupant well-being, and using OSG can help achieve this goal. The solutions require no mixing, which eliminates the risk of inadvertent improper dilutions or hazardous chemical mixtures. ECA products also contain no added fragrance and help target odors. Together, these factors promote worker and building occupant satisfaction, health and safety.

Because of the simplicity, effectiveness and reduced risks of using ECA solutions, many facilities, are making the switch.

Generated on Site

Location, location, location – that phrase does not generally refer to cleaning solutions, but, considering how much time, money, and fuel are spent transporting those solutions, maybe it should. A PathoSans on-site generation system produces cleaning solutions right where and when they are needed most, in the maintenance closet. The system combines softened water, salt, and electricity to create two solutions that replace and outperform a host of chemical cleaners. (Read our blog about the basics of ECA solutions.)

PathoSans combines softened water, salt, and electricity to generate cleaning solutions on-site.

Ready to Use

Turn the tap, and fill the bottle. That’s a pretty simple way to start cleaning. PathoSans ECA solutions require no mixing or dilution (although they remain effective at very dilute concentrations). The system generates two solutions that are ready to use out of the tap, PathoClean, a cleaner and degreaser, and PathoCide, a sanitizer and disinfectant. These solutions can be used on any water-tolerant surface.

ECA solutions are ready to use

PathoSans makes on-site generators that produce a multi-purpose cleaner (PathoClean®) and a disinfectant (PathoCide®) for your cleaning staff. There are many reasons you will enjoy these solutions. Both can be safely used without gloves or other PPE. They are non-irritating to eyes and skin, contain no added fragrance and don’t leave chemical residues behind on surfaces.

• • PathoClean is a non-toxic sodium hydroxide cleaner/degreaser that removes surface soils, stains and residue build-up ahead of disinfection.
• • PathoCide is a hypochlorous acid disinfectant/sanitizer. Proven by third party, independent test labs, it is effective against many viruses and germs, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, as well as notoriously difficult to kill viruses such as norovirus.

Non-Toxic

There’s nothing easy about an injury on the job. Unfortunately, in the cleaning industry, injuries happen all too often. Some of those injuries result from mixing and handling potentially toxic chemicals. OSHA provides guidelines in their infosheet, Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals. In it, they warn of hazardous chemicals “causing problems ranging from skin rashes and burns to coughing and asthma.” ECA solutions help avoid such problems. They contain no fragrances and have been validated as non-irritating to the skin and eyes. PathoClean and PathoCide also neutralize in the drain, ensuring no burden from chemicals in wastewater.

Highly Effective

Individually, PathoSans ECA solutions clean effectively. When PathoClean and PathoCide are used together in a two-step cleaning process, they hit peak effectiveness. Independent tests show a greater-than-six-log reduction of Norovirus, MRSA, Salmonella, and E. coli when PathoClean is followed by PathoCide. Choose ECA solutions to simply and reliably kill over 99.999% of bacteria.

Positive Cleaning Results without Negative Environmental Consequences

Over the last year, facility managers, building service contractors (BSCs) and others have been cleaning and disinfecting more areas, more frequently and in more ways. Many of these changes will become permanent to one degree or another due to greater awareness of cleanliness and public health concerns. However, the heightened state of cleaning and disinfecting comes with consequences, and some may be negative for the planet.

Consider all the natural resources and raw materials that go into manufacturing and shipping chemical cleaners and disinfectants. Think about the complicated manufacturing, packaging and transportation processes and the large amounts of waste they produce. On top of that, there is also the issue of disposal. As you might imagine, those chemicals, containers, personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning devices often end up in landfills. But the good news is that there are better, more sustainable approaches to cleaning and disinfecting.

Avoiding Environmental Harm

You might be surprised to learn that the waste created and resources consumed in making cleaning chemicals can be avoided.

Today, there are cleaners and disinfectants that have been proven to be as effective, if not more so, than common cleaning products that may bear negative consequences. The best part is you can produce them on site using only water, salt and electricity – rather than potentially harsh, caustic or toxic ingredients. Plus, your staff can refill containers, reduce the use of PPE and dispose of the solutions via drains without fear of contaminating nearby water supplies.
It may be helpful to think about these factors related to the sustainability and safety of your cleaning and disinfecting efforts:

• • Waste. One way to reduce waste is by installing an on-site generation (OSG) system that produces an effective multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant inside any facility using just salt, water and an electric charge. We refer to these electrochemically-activated solutions as ECAS. You can reuse the same containers and applicators, and reduce your reliance on PPE that is often required when working with cleaners like bleach and other toxic chemicals. This can help you reduce hundreds of pounds of plastic waste each year. Most of all, you can pour excess or unused cleaner and disinfectant down the drain with the only effect being a cleaner drain!
• • Consumption. Cleaning and disinfecting products often contain ingredients that are not so friendly to the environment. Take a closer look at what goes into many cleaners and disinfectants. You may find that some of the names are confusing and hard to pronounce, like Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. Many of these ingredients – such as acids, ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, ammonium chloride compounds, hydrogen peroxide, surfactants, detergents, oils and scents – require extensive processing to produce. Add to this the energy and packaging requirements to transport them from one facility to another until they reach you, and the impact on the environment can be severe.

As we prepare and adjust for the new normal in cleaning, it is essential to use solutions that satisfy your cleaning, disinfecting and sustainability needs without the negative consequences.

Better for Everyone

Effective, simple, sustainable and non-irritating cleaning and disinfecting solutions are the future of facility cleaning programs. They open the door to more frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and are well-suited for many cleaning methods. Because of their compatibility with cleaning frequency, surfaces and methods, on-site generation of ECA solutions helps facility managers create a cleaning program that better supports employees, building occupants and visitors.

Ready to see how the PathoSans® on-site generation system can improve your facility’s approach to cleaning and disinfecting? Learn more and contact us at www.pathosans.com.