Best Cistern & Rainwater Catchment Tank Cleaner - Natural HOCL Formula

HOCL stands for hypochlorous acid, a naturally occurring oxidizing compound used in water treatment chemistry. The cleaning industry produces it through controlled processes using salt, water, and electricity, and the human body also produces it naturally.

How HOCL cleans water tanks:

• Breaks down organic residue: HOCL works as an oxidizing agent on organic matter, films, and buildup in stored water.
• Gentle and residue-free: Unlike bleach, HOCL doesn't leave harsh chemical residues, so the tank is ready for use again.
• No strong odors: HOCL doesn't produce strong smells or harsh fumes.
• Easy application: Add it to the tank, where it disperses and goes to work on buildup.
• Quick action: It begins working on contact.
• No rinsing needed: HOCL breaks down into salt and water after use.

How HOCL compares to bleach:

• Better for the environment: HOCL doesn't produce harsh chemical fumes.
• Protects tank materials: It doesn't cause the corrosion or degradation that bleach can.
• Helps with algae buildup: HOCL's oxidizing action helps break down organic buildup that can include algae.
• Cost-effective: A small amount treats a large volume of water.
• Cleaner water: HOCL breaks down without leaving chemical residues.

SolutionsHOCL products are not EPA-registered and are not sold for disinfection, sanitization, or sterilization purposes. They are formulated as cleaning products for organic residue removal, odor neutralization, and surface cleaning.

The Cistern & Catchment Bomb Cleaner from SolutionsHOCL™ contains the following primary ingredients:

• Sodium-based HOCL
• Sodium Sulfate
• Sodium Bicarbonate

According to the product description, these components are described as eco-friendly

In general, Sodium bicarbonate is known to be biodegradable and environmentally benign. Sodium sulfate is an inorganic salt that is highly soluble in water and is not considered harmful to the environment in typical concentrations. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) releases hypochlorous acid (HOCL) upon dissolution, which is a biodegradable compound.

Therefore, the ingredients in the Cistern & Catchment Bomb Cleaner are considered biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Bleach can oxidize and degrade EPDM rubber, leading to brittleness and leaks.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Use SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Dilute the product as per instructions and apply it to the interior surfaces of the tank. Allow it to sit for the recommended time to effectively neutralize contaminants.
• Rinse: Thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove any residual cleaner.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Bleach can cause hardening and cracking of PVC over time.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Utilize SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Prepare a diluted solution and gently scrub the liner with a soft brush or cloth to remove buildup and deposits.
• Rinse: Ensure all cleaning residues are rinsed away with fresh water.

Polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE) Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) can degrade with bleach exposure, while high-density polyethylene (HDPE) may resist but is not immune to damage.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Opt for SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Apply the diluted solution to the liner, allowing it to address organic contaminants effectively.
• Rinse: Flush the tank with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner.

Polypropylene (PP) Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Bleach can lead to discoloration and embrittlement of polypropylene.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Employ SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Use the product as directed to clean the liner, ensuring it reaches all areas to break down organic buildup.
• Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with potable water to ensure no cleaner remains.

Butyl Rubber Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Similar to EPDM, bleach can deteriorate butyl rubber, compromising its flexibility and integrity.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Choose SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Apply the diluted cleaner to the liner surface, allowing adequate contact time to break down contaminants.
• Rinse: Completely rinse the tank with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.

Fiberglass (Gel-Coated) Liners

• Why Avoid Bleach? Bleach can erode the gel coating, leading to absorption of chemicals and structural degradation.
• Recommended Cleaning Method:
• Product: Apply SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb.
• Application: Use the product to clean the liner, focusing on areas with visible staining or buildup.
• Rinse: After cleaning, rinse the tank thoroughly to ensure all residues are removed.

Over 44 million Americans depend on private wells, rainwater tanks, and water storage systems for their daily water needs. These systems, when properly cleaned, provide reliable, clean water when city water isn't available.

Over time, water tanks can gather sediment, algae, and organic buildup that may affect water clarity and freshness. Regular cleaning helps maintain a cleaner tank environment and supports better overall water quality for household use.

Our eco-friendly formula makes tank cleaning easy. Using natural oxidation and eco-friendly ingredients dissolves water tank build-up, maintains a balanced pH, and keeps your water tank clean without harsh chemicals.

Yes! Our SolutionsHOCL Water Tank Cleaner is formulated from eco-friendly ingredients, designed to be effective for your home and the environment. It supports sustainable water storage without compromising water quality.

The SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb uses Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) technology to help maintain cleaner water storage tanks. Here's how it functions:

What It Does: Add 1 scoop of powder per 1,000 gallons into your water tank. The formula releases HOCL, a naturally-occurring oxidizing compound that your body also produces.

How It Functions: HOCL works through natural oxidation to help break down organic matter, algae, and buildup in water storage systems. This oxidation process helps reduce odors and slime that can accumulate over time.

Easy Process: After 30-40 minutes of contact time, oxidized organic matter floats to the surface where you can easily skim it off. This leaves your tank cleaner and helps reduce unpleasant smells.

Eco-Conscious Choice: The formula is made with biodegradable ingredients including sodium-based compounds, and sodium bicarbonate. After use, HOCL breaks down into simple salt and water, leaving no harsh chemical residues.

Scientific Background: HOCL has been extensively studied in peer-reviewed research (available on our Scientific Studies page). These studies examine HOCL's oxidation properties and its applications in various water maintenance contexts.

Understanding HOCL Technology

Technical Overview:

The SolutionsHOCL™ Cistern & Catchment Bomb releases Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) from a sodium-based formula (NaDCC). Here's the science:

1. Formula Activation:

• Dosage: 1 scoop per 1,000 gallons
• Upon dissolving in water, the NaDCC compound undergoes hydrolysis to release HOCL:
• This creates a neutral-pH solution that optimizes HOCL's oxidative properties compared to bleach (NaOCl), which becomes less effective at higher pH levels.

2. Oxidation Process:

• Natural Oxidation: HOCL functions as an oxidizing agent that helps break down organic matter in water storage systems. The compound's neutral charge allows it to interact with organic materials more effectively.
• Chemical Reaction: The oxidation process can be represented as:
  HOCL + Organic Matter → Oxidized Compounds + H₂O
• Odor & Algae Management: HOCL helps oxidize compounds that contribute to unpleasant odors and can help reduce algae buildup through its oxidative properties.

3. Research Foundation:

Our approach is informed by peer-reviewed scientific literature available at SolutionsHOCL.com/pages/scientific-studies:

• Gordon et al. (2015): Examines HOCL's environmental profile, noting its breakdown into salt and water with minimal environmental impact.
• Fukuzaki (2006): Details HOCL's oxidation mechanisms and interaction with organic materials.
• Barrette (2003): Studies HOCL's oxidative properties and reactivity at neutral pH.
• Albemarle Corporation (2021): Analyzes HOCL's ability to oxidize chlorophyll and organic compounds in water systems.
• McDonnell & Russell (1999): Explores HOCL's mechanism of protein oxidation in various applications.
• Wang et al. (2007): Confirms HOCL's safety profile in environmental applications.
• Rutala & Weber (2004): Examines HOCL applications in various cleaning contexts.
• Edward & Lidwell (1943): Early research on HOCL's oxidative properties.

4. Practical Application:

• After 30-40 minutes, oxidized organic materials aggregate and float to the surface
• This allows for easy manual removal by skimming
• The process helps maintain clearer, fresher-smelling water storage
• Stabilizers (sodium bicarbonate) help maintain optimal pH for HOCL stability

5. Eco-Friendly Profile:

• Post-use, HOCL naturally breaks down into chloride ions and water
• No harsh chemical residues remain in the tank
• Biodegradable formula supports sustainable water storage maintenance

6. Comparison to Traditional Methods:

• HOCL operates effectively at neutral pH, unlike bleach which requires alkaline conditions
• The neutral charge of HOCL allows better interaction with organic materials
• Breaks down into benign compounds (salt + water) rather than leaving chemical residues
• Gentler on tank liners and materials compared to harsh bleach solutions

What Makes This Different from Bleach?

Material Safety:

• Unlike bleach, HOCL-based formulas are designed to be gentler on common tank liner materials including EPDM, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, butyl rubber, and fiberglass
• Bleach can cause degradation, brittleness, and discoloration of these materials over time
• Our formula helps protect your investment in your water storage system

User Experience:

• No harsh chemical odors or fumes during application
• Easier to work with for routine maintenance tasks
• Formula is designed for convenient home use

Environmental Considerations:

• Biodegradable ingredients that break down naturally
• No toxic byproducts or persistent chemical residues
• More sustainable approach to water tank maintenance
• Supports eco-conscious water management practices

Yes! We ship to all 50 states. Free shipping on orders over $50. Most orders arrive within 3-5 business days.

Absolutely. Our formula works in all climates from hot Texas summers
to cold Montana winters. Effective in temperatures from 40°F to 100°F.

Yes! Perfect for off-grid living. Works in catchment systems, cisterns, and water storage tanks commonly used on ranches, cabins, and homesteads throughout the USA.