Bleach vs. HOCl: Which Is Safer and Cheaper to Use in the UK?
When it comes to disinfecting homes, workplaces, and public spaces, bleach has long been the go-to chemical. But there's a safer, more cost-effective alternative gaining momentum in the UK: hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
HOCl is not only safer and gentler, but—when made from NaDCC tablets—it can also be dramatically cheaper than bleach. Here's what you need to know about the cost and danger differences between the two.
What Are We Comparing?
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Bleach (sodium hypochlorite): A common, corrosive disinfectant with high toxicity and strong fumes.
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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl): A powerful antimicrobial acid naturally produced by our immune systems—safe, non-toxic, and now commercially available or easily made from NaDCC (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) tablets.
Cost Comparison: HOCl vs. Bleach in £
| Factor | Bleach | HOCl (NaDCC Tablets) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per litre | ~£1.59 per litre (ready-to-use bleach) | <£0.01 per litre at 200ppm |
| Packaging & waste | Often sold in large plastic bottles | Tablets = minimal packaging |
| Storage & shelf life | Shorter shelf life; can degrade | NaDCC tablets are stable & compact |
| Corrosion/damage cost | High (surfaces, fabrics, tools) | Minimal (non-corrosive at 200ppm) |
| Total cost to use | Higher over time | Ultra-low ongoing cost |
✅ Winner: HOCl – For under a penny per litre, you can make a high-grade 200ppm disinfectant solution that rivals bleach in effectiveness but costs up to 150x less.
Danger & Safety Comparison
| Safety Factor | Bleach | HOCl (200ppm from NaDCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Toxicity | Toxic if ingested or inhaled | Non-toxic at recommended dilution |
| Skin contact | Can burn or irritate skin | Safe for skin (even wound-safe) |
| Fumes | Produces harmful chlorine vapours | No harmful fumes |
| Child & pet safety | Unsafe without precautions | Safe to use around kids and pets |
| Surface impact | Can damage fabrics, floors, metals | Non-corrosive at low ppm |
| Environmental impact | Damaging to waterways and soil | Biodegradable and eco-safe |
✅ Winner: HOCl – It's not only safe for people and pets, but also for surfaces and the environment.
So Why Isn’t Everyone Using HOCl?
Traditionally, HOCl was costly to manufacture and unstable in solution. But now, with the rise of NaDCC tablets and home generators, you can mix safe, effective HOCl on demand—for a fraction of the cost of bleach.
Final Verdict
| Feature | Bleach 🧴 | HOCl (NaDCC) 💧 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per litre | £1.59 | <£0.01 |
| Toxicity | High | Low / Non-toxic |
| Corrosiveness | High | Low / Surface-safe |
| Environmental | Polluting | Eco-friendly |
| Storage | Bulky, degrades fast | Compact, stable |
Bleach may be the old standard, but HOCl is the smarter, safer future—especially in the UK where cost-conscious, health-aware households are seeking alternatives.
✅ Ready to Switch?
HOCl solutions made from NaDCC tablets are:
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Incredibly cheap to make
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Safe around children, pets, and food
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Effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi
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Eco-friendly and non-corrosive
Why pay more to put your health and home at risk? Switch to HOCl and save both money and peace of mind.
Support the Trust and get your NaDCC tablets here.