Hypochlorous acid is a reliable solution for fighting enveloped viruses like COVID-19. Social media trends have also encouraged its use in dermatology, treating skin conditions like acne.i

For dental practices, hypochlorous acid is good for infection control but its effectiveness is dependent on diligent management and compliance. So how suitable is it?

How to store hypochlorous acid correctly

To further reduce the risk of damage to the dental practices, hypochlorous acid must be stored in a safe and stable manner. This is because the solution is highly reactive, in turn impacting its concentration and therefore its functionality. The following steps are required:

  • Block any light sources by storing the acid in a dark container – this is because UV radiation and sunlight break down the active compounds after 4 days.
  • Regulate the storage temperature to below 25 degrees Celsius to prevent deterioration
  • Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent oxidation
  • Ensure packaging is vented to prevent pressure build up during natural degradation
  • Use smaller batches to maintain effectivenessiii

Failure to meet the regulations and storage guidelines for hypochlorous acid can have a detrimental impact on the dental practice as its antimicrobial qualities are diminished. For instance, in DUWLs, if the water quality is not checked and maintained to the CQC standard, biofilm can coat the plastic material and disperse microorganisms through the water network. This will eventually pose a risk to patients and dental team.iv

Another drawback is that any errors in measurements causes delays in time and product waste (especially when considering that the antimicrobial activity of the solution is dependent on the optimal pH).v Some formulations may require a thorough rinse out of the waterlines before the end of each working day – this can be a further inconvenience and runs the risk of being overlooked.

A reliable solution

For cleaning DUWLs and other components of the dental practice, a non-toxic and non-corrosive disinfectant and maintenance solution that is easy to store is superior to hypochlorous acid solutions. It must also be effective in various forms and relatively inexpensive.

The Dentisan product range is filled with reliable infection control solutions, including for managing DUWLs. These ensure compliance with HTM 01-05 and support a seamless integration into the daily workflow. For those unsure on the correct regulations or dental practices looking for a refresher, the Dentilearn in-practice CPD sessions are an excellent way of staying up to date on infection control compliance.

The need for correct infection control protocols means using HTM 01-05 compliant products that are properly maintained. Whilst hypochlorous acid can be beneficial, it demands considerable attention, with many margins for error and non-compliance. For the safety of patients, the dental team and the reputation of the dental practice, cleaning solutions are recommended.



Sources


i.Sweeney, E. (2026). Why Are People Obsessed With Hypochlorous Acid? [online] TIME. Available at: https://time.com/7358447/what-is-hypochlorous-acid/.


ii. Wang, L., M Bassiri, Najafi, R., Najafi, K., Yang, J., B Khosrovi, Hwong, W., Barati, E., Belisle, B., C Celeri and Robson, M. (2007). Hypochlorous Acid as a Potential Wound Care Agent: Part I. Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid: A Component of the Inorganic Armamentarium of Innate Immunity. Journal of Burns and Wounds, [online] 6, p.e5. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1853323/.


iii. Shajahan, I., Kandaswamy, D., Srikanth, P., Narayana, Ll. and Selvarajan, R. (2016). Dental unit waterlines disinfection using hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant. Journal of Conservative Dentistry, 19(4), p.347. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.186441.


iv. Shajahan, I., Kandaswamy, D., Srikanth, P., Narayana, Ll. and Selvarajan, R. (2016). Dental unit waterlines disinfection using hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant. Journal of Conservative Dentistry, 19(4), p.347. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.186441.


v.  Haralović, V., Mokos, M., Špoljar, S., Dolački, L., Šitum, M. and Lugović-Mihić, L. (2025). Hypochlorous Acid: Clinical Insights and Experience in Dermatology, Surgery, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Rhinology, and Other Specialties. Biomedicines, [online] 13(12), p.2921. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13122921.


FAQs
Hypochlorous acid is used to support infection control through surface disinfection, wound care and dental unit waterline (DUWL) maintenance. Its effectiveness depends on correct preparation, storage and use.
Yes, hypochlorous acid is effective against a broad range of microorganisms when used correctly. Maintaining the correct concentration and pH is essential for consistent performance.
Incorrect use or unsuitable formulations may contribute to corrosion of metal instruments and degradation of some plastics and rubber. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to minimise these risks.
Exposure to light, heat and air can reduce the solution's effectiveness over time. Proper storage helps maintain its antimicrobial properties.
Dental unit waterlines are the small tubes that supply water to dental equipment during treatment. Without regular maintenance, biofilm can develop and affect water quality.
Practices should follow documented infection control procedures, maintain water quality and use compliant products. Regular staff training and equipment maintenance also support compliance.
Yes, there are dedicated dental disinfectants designed to provide effective infection control with simpler storage and maintenance requirements. Many are specifically formulated to support HTM 01-05 compliance.
Maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions and the practice's infection control protocols. Regular cleaning and water quality monitoring help prevent biofilm build-up.
Regular training helps dental teams stay up to date with current guidance and best practice. It also reduces the risk of errors and supports regulatory compliance.