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Today we are sharing a popular question we get on Chemistry Cachet: Does Force of Nature Cleaner really work?
Over the last year, I have received dozens of emails from readers wanting to know my opinion on Force of Nature.
As you know, I am very selective to what we share on Chemistry Cachet. I have to test things out and research them for awhile before I share it with you.
In the midst of the pandemic, people want to know more than ever what can disinfect surfaces plus how to do it properly.
So, here is an unbiased, researched based post on Force of Nature….this is not sponsored by anyone either 🙂
Does Force of Nature Cleaner Really Work?
Before I purchased this product, I did research on the science behind how it works. There are many times readers ask me about a product. After researching it, I will sometimes come back to them and say no…there is no science behind this. I don’t want anyone wasting money on things that are NOT scientifically accurate! Especially when it comes to cleaning.
But after reading more about Force of Nature, I was intrigued by the science.
How does Force of Nature work?
Let’s discuss some very simple science behind this brand’s product. The secret to this product working is electrolyzed water. They aren’t the only company who utilizes it, but they are one of the only companies who has packaged it for home use.
The reason you have not heard much about this before in the cleaning world is the solution isn’t very stable. It cannot be packaged “as is” for consumer use because it only lasts a few weeks. You have to purchase the kit which helps you create the solution in your home, then add to your cleaning bottle. Every two weeks, you need to make a new solution to use to ensure the product you are spraying is chemically effective.
What is electrolyzed water?
As we mentioned, Force of Nature works through a mechanism of electrolyzed water. According to EAU technologies, this water is a result of applying an electrical current to salt water. When you open up your package from Force of Nature, you will find little capsules of sodium chloride 20.9% (this is salt). You pour water into the electrical device they send, then pour the capsule of salt into the water.
When you turn the device on, it begins to electrolyze or split the elements. This results in a solution that is a disinfectant and a strong detergent. This is referred to as hypochlorous acid.
2 NaCl(s) + 2 H20(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H2(g) + Cl2(g)
It will work as both for about two weeks before the solution turns back into water.
The hypochlorous acid is the key to this type of product, and this is what gives it disinfecting properties.
Does Hypochlorous Acid Disinfect?
First, it is important to read our blog post on cleaning vs disinfecting to understand the difference between these two terms.
After reading this post, you will understand that you cannot SEE disinfecting in the home. We have to trust the EPA and CDC for recognizing products as disinfectants. The EPA made an announcement during the beginning of the pandemic recognizing hypochlorous acid as a key ingredient that disinfects.
In fact, on Force of Nature’s FAQ page, they explain why their product is classified as a disinfect with the EPA.
There is no argument with the effectiveness of electrolyzed water working as a disinfectant. As long as you follow the proper procedure (cleaning first, then disinfecting), you will have a great solution to disinfect surfaces.
Possible Drawbacks To Using Force of Nature for Disinfecting?
There are only a few possible drawbacks. The first is the upfront cost of the solution. I have had many readers reach out to me about spending the money for this and not sure if it works. The starter kit is about $80. This seems expensive for a disinfecting solution. Remember, this is a one time purchase though. Also, they have a 10% off coupon to clip on Amazon. Once you get set up with the device, all you need to repurchase are the salt capsules. So, the beginning cost is a little higher than what you normally buy, but then it is fairly affordable after the initial investment.
Another drawback is the stability. They give you a small spray bottle to pour your finished solution in, so it shouldn’t last more than a few weeks. This solution is only potent for two weeks at the most. This is a small drawback, and it is important to keep this in mind.
Does Force of Nature CLEAN?
I write about this often, but disinfecting and cleaning are separate situations. Cleaning is something you can physically see, so it is obvious when something doesn’t clean as desired.
I used this solution on everything around the house, and I think it worked great for basic cleaning! Bathtubs, stove tops, toilets, counter tops, and all of those commonly used surfaces are easily cleaned with Force of Nature. I did have to follow up with another cleaning when it came to burnt on food on my glass stove top. I also had to do a little more scrubbing on soap scum in the bathtub compared to a few other homemade cleaners we have with a gritty substance for scrubbing.
I do love how you can clean and disinfect with this one product! It is safe for cleaning and disinfecting food surfaces and kid items, so this makes it even better.
What About Using Force of Nature on Clothing?
I have had many readers wonder if you can use it on clothes since they claim it is just as effective as bleach! It is as good at disinfecting like bleach according to the EPA, but I did not see the same results trying it on clothes.
So far, I have tested it on some white shirts with stains. I sprayed it on the stains, allowed to sit, then washed as normal. It worked a little, but was not as powerful as an oxygenated bleach or chlorine bleach as far as stain removal.
I also tested it on colored clothing stains like dirt and food. It did work, but I didn’t see as good of results as I do with my soap/hydrogen peroxide stain removal.
I will continue to test it out for clothing and other cleaning options for everyone.
In Conclusion, Force of Nature DOES Make a Good Disinfectant
Research and science show hypochlorous acid makes a great disinfectant. There is no way to deny this fact! So, if you are looking for a simple, non-toxic disinfecting formula, I recommend this. You can use it on food surfaces, counters, kids toys, and really anything around your home.
I think it is also fine for basic cleaning around kitchens, bathrooms, kids rooms, and living rooms.
I continue to keep this product on hand for disinfecting especially during this pandemic when products are hard to find!
It is difficult to find a product that will disinfect and do heavy duty cleaning at the same time…this is why I make my own cleaners by mixing up multiple household products. They just clean the best! But, Force of Nature is a good option for anyone looking for a safe disinfectant in their home 🙂
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Aussie Jo says
Thank you for this
Alexis says
I hope it was helpful for you!!
Jennifer says
Can you do a post for Branch Basics?
Alexis says
Yes I can! I have never used that brand before, but I have had a few readers ask about it. I will be testing it next month, and should have a post prepared a few months after that 🙂
Ashley says
Would force of nature disinfect clothing (supposing it was not heavily soiled)?
I’ve been using rubbing alcohol to disinfect most household surfaces, but now wonder if I should be using a more child friendly product… Or would both be equally as safe for a baby to chew on once dried?
Thank you!
Alexis says
The CDC says basic laundry soap is sufficient for sanitizing clothing. Clothing does not have them same surface tension that things like counters do, so the water and soap do well for cleaning your clothes. That being said, the easiest, most natural thing to sanitize clothing is sunlight. Hang a piece of clothing in sunlight for a few hours and that works great! Both products are equally safe once they are dried 🙂 I use both of these products, and have been using rubbing alcohol for many years to disinfect!
Sharla Keen-Mills says
I’m wondering why I can’t supply my own salt for the Force of Nature? I know that would void the warranty, yada yada, but wouldn’t it still work? Thanks!
Alexis says
I think it would be too hard to get the exact dosage. The chemistry is so specific, it is easy to not be precise. You will either end up with a product that doesn’t work or create something toxic. They have this on their FAQ page about a DIY capsule: “No you shouldn’t for safety & germ-kill efficacy reasons. The chemistry is sensitive enough that even being off by a small percent you could easily make bleach, create a solution that doesn’t meet EPA required germ-kill rates, and/or create a solution without the right shelf life for the disinfecting ingredient. These risks are why the EPA requires the Capsules as part of our approval to sell Force of Nature as a disinfectant. ” This would be my opinion too as a chemist. Hope this helps!
Sharla Keen-Mills says
Yes! Thank you!
Judy says
Hi, ALexis, I bought your ebook a few years back.
Have you updated it and can I get the updates? Thank you, Judy
Alexis says
Hi Judy! The only thing we have changed since it was first published in 2016 is the cover 🙂 If you would like a new copy with the new cover, you can email me about it at alexis@chemistrycachet.com That is all that is new though, it has the same information. Let me know!
Stephanie says
Hi Alexis,
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge about cleaners! I’m wondering how this disinfectant compares to the DIY Lysol spray made of hydrogen peroxide in terms of use. Do you need to spray as much/dampen surfaces as much for each product in order to disinfect? One of my concerns with disinfecting kids toys and other surfaces is having to get things so wet. Also does force of nature need to sit wet for 10 mins before wiping dry like with hydrogen peroxide disinfecting? Their website seemed to provide differing information where sometimes they recommended leaving surfaces wet for 10 mins and other times they said surfaces could be wiped right away.
Alexis says
Hi! Sorry for the delayed reply. Technically, you need to allow about 10 minutes for all products to disinfect even the store-bought ones. This is the time frame to guarantee disinfection has taken place. That being said, waiting five minutes for things is usually okay too.For the Force of Nature, I still wait the proper time. For my kids toys, I spray down with peroxide and let it sit about 10 minutes. I have done the same with Force of Nature. This is really the best way to make sure the “kill-time” has occurred for virus or bacteria. Hope this helps!
Sarah says
Hi Alexis,
Thank you for the article. I know mixing chlorine bleach with other products (like ammonia) creates toxic compounds. Since force of nature is in the chlorine family is there any danger of creating toxic compounds with it? And if so what would you avoid? Thank you very much!
Alexis says
Great question! This is a hypochlorous acid, which is very gentle. It is even used in eye care. So, there is no danger of using this products once you create the batch. I would still avoid mixing it with anything else though!
Hey momma says
I love it for clothes, our washing machine sucks and for years our clothes always came out not smelling clean to me and just had a bad smell that took time to go away, it frustrated me so much. We even took our washer apart and cleaned it and it STILL came back a month later.
Anyway, I have been adding 1 cup into the bleach compartment on our washer or sometimes just toss it in on top the clothes, idk if this is bad for our washer or not but every few days I do this, usually when I wash our towels because those gross me out the most. Bad smell is gone and our laundry smells amazing… It just actually comes out with NO smell like it smells like nothing when it comes out and it has been so nice to finally have CLEAN clothes and towels. Maybe this is bad for the washer, and hopefully it is okay that I add in laundry soap too… But that’s what I have been doing…
Alexis says
Thanks for the tip! It should be okay for the washing machine, this solution is safe for all surfaces. I clean out my dishwasher with Force of Nature and it helps with odors too. It kills bacterias that cause the odors, so it very effective at odor removal