Chlorine Dioxide Uses Applications
CHLORINE DIOXIDE USES
"Chlorine dioxide is a common chemical compound that is composed of two atoms of oxygen and one atom of chlorine. At room temperature, chlorine dioxide is a gas with a yellowish-green or red color to it that will dissolve when coming into contact with water.
The most important quality of this gas is that it can be used to disinfect drinking water and other substances, which makes it very important for a wide range of industrial and municipal applications. This gas is typically produced from either sodium chlorite or sodium chlorate.
When this substance is added to water, it can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and a variety of different parasites that can get into the water. While chlorine dioxide is highly effective at disinfecting water, it’s also important that the amount of chlorine dioxide in the water isn’t too high. With drinking water, the EPA has stated that the max amount of chlorine dioxide in drinking water must be 0.8 PPM or less. When you need to measure the concentration of chlorine dioxide in your water, you can do so with a variety of scientifically accurate mechanisms. Options for industrial, commercial, professional and household uses include low range test strips, hand held device like Exact idip, or chlorine dioxide color disc test kit, or an amperometric chlorine dioxide sensor.
Low range test strips are convenient and quick to use and come from a variety of sources. Accurate results are obtained in under one minute, making the new chlorine dioxide test strip ideal.
Handheld devices like Pool eXact® EZ Photometer which is a personal favorite and used many times in facilities and homes.
The HACH Chlorine Dioxide Color Disc Test Kit, Model CLD-2 "Monitor ClO2 levels on-site with the Chlorine Dioxide Test Kit. The Chlorine Dioxide Test Kit uses the reliable DPD method to monitor ClO2 concentration, while eliminating chlorine interference through the addition of glycine. With 100 tests per kit and available range of 0-2 mg/L and resolution of 0.1 mg/L, operators can accurately monitor around the 0.8 mg/L regulated limit."
This sensor comes with two electrodes, a fill solution and a membrane, which allows it to accurately measure the amount of chlorine dioxide in water before providing you with a precise reading. The amperometric sensor can also be paired with a flow cell or flow regulator to make sure that the measurement isn’t disturbed by any outside factors. Before you shop for a chlorine dioxide sensor, it’s important to identify if this sensor is right for you. An amperometric sensor can be used for any application that requires the disinfection of water.
Along with food and beverage production, the measurement of chlorine dioxide concentration can also occur with the sterilization of medical equipment, paper manufacturing, and the disinfection of cooling towers. While chlorine dioxide is primarily used for the disinfection of water, the gas is also used in the processing of wood pulp and the disinfection of laboratory rooms and equipment. Before you start using chlorine dioxide, it’s recommended that you understand the various applications that this substance can be used for, the most common of which will be discussed in the following.
Crystal Clear Lab Alpha Clear LLC products are Not registered with the E.P.A., these kits are for informational and educational use only. We make no claims to control, mitigate, sanitize, disinfect or remove any pests.
Chlorine Dioxide can replace a variety of cleaning products currently found in most households. Chlorine based products can create other toxic byproducts , and many anti bacterial products can create germs that are more resistant to drugs. Detergents can contain chemicals and toxins that people may be sensitive to.
Chlorine Dioxide is a sensible alternative to cleaning with many of these products.
More information on the characteristics and applications for Chlorine Dioxide are readily available on the Internet. Companies such as DuPont, Lenntech, and Oxychem specialize in Chlorine Dioxide products and applications for drinking water, use as a sterilizer and disinfectant, food and agriculture, removal of bio hazards, and more.
Crystal Clear Lab 4 oz Cl O2-Kit will contain approx. 2400 drops. 1 milliliter has about 20 drops.
Using the activators for our Cl O2-Kits, 2 drops of each Part A and Part B, activated for 1-3 minutes will usually produce between 30 and 60 ppm of Chlorine Dioxide in 16 oz (500ml) of distilled water.
There will always be variables to take into consideration, so this is to be used as a general guide. If exact measures are needed, you can test your solution with Chlorine Dioxide test strips. These are available through Amazon and Grainger supply.
Most applications will require activation. This is done by first adding drops of sodium chlorite solution (Part-A) in the bottom of a small glass or plastic container. Add to this equal amounts of the activator solution (Part-B). Make sure the 2 parts mix. As activation occurs, the resulting solution will turn from pale yellow, to a darker amber. Be sure not to inhale fumes and use in a well ventilated area, always wear proper protective equipment such a gloves, eye and face protection. Activation time is 3 minutes. The container should be made from glass, HDPE plastic, or PET plastic. Most of the surface applications use a 15 ppm mild solution. An 8 or 16 oz plastic spray bottle will work great for most applications.
APPLICATIONS AND USES
Always use caution when mix and safety is priority;
Safety Tips:
- Use in well-ventilated areas due to the strong odor.
- Avoid using in small, enclosed spaces.
- Wear gloves to protect skin from prolonged contact.
- Store leftover solution in a dark cabinet for up to 20 days. It can also be diluted for daily cleaning.
Hard Surface Treatment for Countertops, Sinks, Showers, Tile, Tubs, Toilets, and More
For a deep clean of hard surfaces, mix 20 drops of sodium chlorite with 20 drops of activator (Part B) and let it activate for 3 minutes. Add 16 oz (500 ml) of distilled water. Spray or wipe the solution on surfaces, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe or rinse off. This powerful solution (150 ppm CLO2) works great on mold, mildew, shower mats, and garbage bins. Be cautious of the strong odor and avoid use in confined spaces. Leftover solution can be diluted for daily cleaning or stored in a dark cabinet for up to 20 days.
For everyday cleaning, (MILD SOLUTION (approx 15 ppm CLO2)) you can easily mix a gentle chlorine dioxide (CLO2) solution. Just combine 10 drops of Part A with 10 drops of Part B, wait 3 minutes for activation, and add 16 oz of water. Spray it directly onto surfaces like countertops, sinks, walls, cutting boards, or trash bins, and simply wipe away—no rinsing needed! This solution not only fights odors but also helps keep your home eco-friendly. Use any leftovers to soak sponges or utensils for a fresh, clean feel, or store it in a dark place for up to 20 days.
Food Preparation Cleaning
For Vegetables, Kitchen Utensils, Coffee Pots, and More
Vegetable Rinse (5 ppm CLO2)
To wash away pesticides and chemicals from vegetables, activate 3 drops of Part A with 3 drops of Part B per gallon of water. Wait 3 minutes, then add to the water. Soak your vegetables for 1 minute, rinse thoroughly, and enjoy.
Cutting Boards, Kitchen Utensils, and Food Prep Equipment (15 ppm CLO2)
Keep your cutting boards, countertops, utensils, and food prep equipment clean with a mild solution. Mix 6 drops of Part A with 6 drops of Part B, activate for 3 minutes, and add to 8 oz of water. Spray or wipe—no rinsing needed, no harmful residues.
Coffee Pots, Home Breweries, Ice Maker Lines (15 ppm CLO2)
Clean coffee pots, iced tea makers, and ice machine water lines by filling the water tank with the mild solution, running a cycle, and rinsing with fresh water. For ice maker lines, run the solution through, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
Glassware, Dishes, and Stainless-Steel Silverware
To remove biofilm and grease, soak dishes, glasses, and silverware in a sink. Activate 30 drops of Part A and Part B, wait 10 minutes, and add to the water. Soak for 10 minutes or more to leave everything clean and sparkling.
Deodorizing Solutions
- Restrooms, Refuse Containers, and Diaper Pails (10 ppm CLO2)
Spray the 10 ppm solution on surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes to eliminate odors. - Shoes (15 ppm CLO2)
For smelly shoes, spray the mild solution inside and allow them to dry. For a shoe bath, immerse in a 5 ppm solution and let them air dry. - Air Freshener (2 ppm CLO2)
Add 1-2 drops of Part A and Part B to 16 oz of water in a spray bottle. Use as a mist to eliminate odors, with no scent or chlorine smell at this concentration.
Laundry Odor (10 ppm CLO2)
To eliminate odors and stains from laundry, activate 10 drops of Part A and 10 drops of Part B, let it sit for 3 minutes, then add it to your washing machine's rinse cycle. This helps remove stubborn odors and tough stains without damaging fabrics.
Grout and Tile Deep Cleaning (15 ppm CLO2)
For a deep clean of grout and tile, apply a mild solution (15 ppm CLO2) directly to the grout lines or tile surface. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush, then rinse off for a clean and mold-free finish.
Pet Areas and Litter Boxes (10 ppm CLO2)
Spray a 10 ppm solution onto pet bedding, litter boxes, and around feeding areas to eliminate odors and maintain a clean, odor-free space for your pets. No rinsing required, and it's safe around animals once dried.
Car Interiors and Upholstery (5 ppm CLO2)
Spray a very mild solution (5 ppm CLO2) onto car seats, carpets, and other fabric surfaces to remove odors and stains. Let it air dry without rinsing for a fresh-smelling car interior.
Trash Compactors and Garbage Disposal Units (15 ppm CLO2)
Pour or spray a mild solution into trash compactors and garbage disposals to break down odor-causing bacteria and residue. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water to keep your units clean and fresh.
Disinfecting Your Water with Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide (CLO2) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in water disinfection, offering numerous advantages over traditional chlorine. One of its key benefits is its high solubility—it dissolves readily in all water temperatures, including cold water, making it about 10 times more soluble than chlorine. This increased solubility ensures that it works efficiently in various water conditions. Another significant advantage is that chlorine dioxide’s disinfecting power isn’t affected by changes in pH levels. Unlike chlorine, which loses effectiveness when pH fluctuates, chlorine dioxide continues to disinfect water for several days, providing long-lasting protection.
In addition to its ability to kill bacteria, chlorine dioxide is becoming increasingly favored for its effectiveness against viruses and resistant pathogens. Notably, it is highly effective against Cryptosporidium and Giardia, two pathogens that have shown resistance to chlorine-based treatments. This makes chlorine dioxide a more reliable solution for ensuring the safety of your drinking water from a broad range of contaminants. Furthermore, chlorine dioxide excels at removing metals like manganese and iron from water, offering an additional layer of purification that chlorine cannot match.
Whether you’re using chlorine dioxide for water disinfection, taste improvement, or odor control, it’s crucial to handle this chemical with care. In its pure gas form, chlorine dioxide is hazardous, so proper safety measures are essential. Always follow recommended guidelines to ensure safe usage.
Water Storage Systems for Marine and RV Applications
Potable Water Storage:
To ensure safe drinking water in storage tanks, apply chlorine dioxide at a concentration of 1 mg/L (1 ppm) or less. This can be achieved by dosing 1 gallon of prepared chlorine dioxide solution per 100,000 gallons of treated water. The solution effectively maintains water quality by preventing microbial growth and minimizing biofilm formation.
Non-Potable Water Storage:
For non-potable water systems, such as horticultural tanks, rain barrels, or agricultural storage units, thoroughly clean the tank using a strong chlorine dioxide solution. Rinse well before refilling. To treat the water, add 2 drops of Part A per gallon of water without activating the solution. This process helps control microbial contamination without compromising the water's usability for non-potable applications.
Emergency Water Treatment:
In scenarios where water from a questionable source requires immediate disinfection, chlorine dioxide can be used effectively. Activate 4 drops each of Part A and Part B, allow a 10-minute activation period, and add the mixture to 1 gallon of water. Let the water sit for at least one hour before consumption. For a slower but more thorough method, add 2 drops of Part A per gallon of water without activation and allow it to stand for at least 12 hours. This method ensures optimal microbial inactivation.
Pet Water Treatment:
To maintain the cleanliness of your pet’s water and promote fresh breath, add 1 drop of Part A per gallon of water without activation. This non-toxic, low-concentration treatment keeps water fresh and reduces bacterial growth.
Odor eliminator and Treatments for Pet Areas and Household Surfaces:
- Litter Boxes: Prepare a solution with a concentration of 625-650 ppm of chlorine dioxide for effective odor control.
- Carpets: A 500 ppm solution can be sprayed or applied to carpeted surfaces for deep cleaning and deodorization.
- Concrete Floors: A more concentrated solution, around 1250 ppm, is recommended for cleaning and sanitizing concrete surfaces, particularly in areas exposed to organic waste.
- Animal Baths: For sanitizing pets, use a milder solution between 80-100 ppm to ensure effective cleaning without harming the animal.
Atmospheric Applications
Vehicle Interior air quality:
For deodorizing the air and surfaces within a vehicle, chlorine dioxide gas can be deployed. Begin by placing a small plastic dish or bowl with 40-60 drops of Part A in the center of the vehicle's cabin. With the car's air conditioning system or fan running on re-circulation mode (with the outside vent closed), measure and add an equal number of Part B drops to the bowl. Exit the vehicle immediately and allow the gas to circulate for 20-30 minutes. Afterward, open the doors to ventilate the car thoroughly before re-entry. To complete the process, switch the AC system to fresh air mode to flush out residual gas.
For more information on the efficacy and safety of chlorine dioxide in water treatment, you can refer to these sources:
- S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite in Drinking Water: EPA Documentation on Chlorine Dioxide
- World Health Organization (WHO): Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality: WHO Guidelines
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/4686-10-reasons-why-you-should-be-using-chlorine-dioxide Author(s): Birko
Sensorex. (2022, May 3). Common applications of chlorine dioxide. Sensorex.
Sensorex. (2022, May 3). Common applications of chlorine dioxide. Sensorex. Retrieved January 12, 2020, from https://sensorex.com/2019/11/12/common-applications-chlorine-dioxide/
"Pardee,Stephen D.(2016,September 14). Chlorine dioxide for householduses. Keavys Corner LLC. Retrieved 2023, from https://kvlab.com/chlorine-Dioxide-for-Household-Uses.html"