**VLA document 3 June 2008.   Inspection welcome

 SAGEWASH SANITIZER - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1) Do I have to insert a new tablet each time I use the unit?

 

No. As long as the Sagewash Sanitizer is properly drained after each use, the tablet will last for a total use time of approximately 3.5 hours. For example, if a HTH tablet is used 15 minutes per day to clean ten kennel runs, that tablet will last about fourteen days.   There are 6 tablets in a tub.

 

2) How much tablet must remain in the unit to get the full sanitizing quality?

 

Even if the Sagewash Sanitizer has used 95% of the HTH tablet, the sanitizing power is still more than adequate to meet our goal of producing a solution that falls within the USDA recommendations for a non-rinse sanitizer/disinfectant (between 50 – 200 ppm total chlorine).

 

3) Does a Sagewash generate chlorine immediately or does it take time for the water to start breaking down the tablet?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer generates chlorine immediately, usually taking less than two minutes to reach its peak chlorine production of 60 ppm ( +  5) when using a brand new HTH tablet. When using a tablet that has been used at least once before, there is no delay in reaching its peak level. 

 

4) Is it safe to have skin contact with surfaces that have just been sprayed with Sagewash?

 

Absolutely! Look at this way . . . is it safe to jump into a swimming pool? Swimming pools usually have about 5 – 10 ppm total chlorine. The Sagewash Sanitizer is approximately 5 – 10 times higher in concentration than swimming pools but is still very safe to contact. That’s one of the many magical things about Sagewash.

 

5) How long does the solution need to remain on a surface to sanitize?

 

The main active ingredient in the Sagewash Sanitizer is hypochlorous acid, the most overall effective germ killing agent known to man. In reality, the high levels of hypochlorous acid produced by the Sagewash Sanitizer kill within seconds (up to 120 times faster than liquid bleach). Nevertheless, it is our recommendation to leave the Sagewash solution on a surface for at least two minutes. But, remember, you do not have to rinse!

 

6) What is the longevity of chlorine on a sprayed surface?

 

Chlorine is a highly volatile element, which is one of the reasons that it makes such a great disinfectant. Because of its volatility, chlorine “wants” to bond with other elements in order to stabilize. So, in essence, chlorine is produced, does its job, and then disappears into another element, making it completely biodegradable. Evaporation, UV light, organic matter, and other substances present all play a role in the longevity of chlorine on surfaces. It is safe to say that when the Sagewash solution is evaporated, the chlorine and related substances are gone as well.  

 

7) Can I use this to rinse down degreasers or other cleaners?

 

It is completely safe to rinse down pH neutral degreasers and soaps that are labeled as safe for use with chlorine products. Ammonia products or products that are not compatible for use with chlorine products must be avoided.

 

8) Is the safe for use and around my plants?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer and the solution it produces is completely safe for use on grass, plants, trees, etc.

 

9) Will this bleach uniforms and clothes if they get sprayed?

 

The solution coming out of the front or adjustable nozzle end of the Sanitizer will not bleach clothes. However, the solution that is drained out of the Sanitizer after each use is highly concentrated and will bleach clothes. Care should be taken not to spill the drain water on clothes.

 

10) Will this remove stains and whiten surfaces?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer will remove many stains and whiten most surfaces, especially after spraying a particular surface a few times. It is not going to “bleach” stains and surfaces in the fashion of liquid bleach. It is a milder solution than most liquid bleach mixtures, but it is an exponentially more effective sanitizer than liquid bleach. It is difficult for many people to understand how a substance that is milder than bleach can be up to 120 times more effective than liquid bleach. The answer lies in chemistry!!! Further information can be found in the Sagewash Technical Papers.

 

11) Does the Sagewash generate dangerous fumes/is ventilation required?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer generates some fumes, albeit many fewer than most sanitizers and disinfectants. The Sanitizer should be used with adequate ventilation, just like any cleaning product. What all users will notice, however, is that the fumes Sagewash produces are exponentially more pleasant than most other disinfectants, especially liquid bleach.

 

12) I have noticed a white buildup inside the unit. What is it and what should I do about it?

 

That white substance is calcium, a by-product produced from the Sagewash Sanitizer’s internal process. This substance is completely harmless. Soaking the Sanitizer in white vinegar and then rinsing will remove the buildup.

 

13) If I don’t use my tablets for an extended time, are they still effective?

 

Absolutely! The HTH tablets have an extended shelf life, losing only 3% efficacy in two years.

 

14) How long does a Sagewash Sanitizer last?

 

The Sanitizer is constructed from high impact ABS, Polypropylene polymers, and rugged brass fittings. Of course, all products can be destroyed by careless handling and operation. With reasonable use and care, we have had Sanitizers last for many years.

 

15) How long will a tablet last?

 

Using normal water hose pressure, a HTH tablet will last for approximately 3.5 hours.

 

16) Will the unit still work with weak water pressure?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer is designed to work best between 40 – 70 psi (2.75 – 4.8 bar), with the optimal range falling between 50 – 60 psi (3.44 – 4.13 bar).

 

17) Can I use the unit in line with multiple hoses?

 

The Sagewash Sanitizer can be used at the hose end or in line, and, as long as proper hose pressure and flow rate are maintained, the Sanitizer can be configured in other creative ways. Always remember, however, that the hydro injection system is pressure dependent, meaning that water pressure plays a large role in the operation of the Sanitizer.

 

18) How often must I spray an area to prevent or clean mold and algae?

 

This really depends on how bad the mold and algae problem is and how much moisture is present. In most cases, spraying an area once per week as an inhibitor should be more than sufficient. To eliminate an existing algae/mold problem, consecutive applications over a period of days should get the user to a point where a weekly application is sufficient.

 

19) I have noticed some white spots on the floor after use . . . what is this and how do I prevent it?

 

Those spots are calcium deposits. White vinegar will immediately remove it. Almost always, those spots come from the improper draining of the Sagewash Sanitizer. The solution that is drained out of the Sanitizer after each use should be drained into a sewer drain or bucket (bucket solution can be mixed with water to make a disinfectant solution!). There is much more calcium present in the drain solution than in the Sagewash solution that is sprayed out of the Sanitizer. Just be careful when draining your Sanitizer, and you won’t have a spotting problem.

 

20) Do I need to remove the jacket from the tablet before using the Sagewash Sanitizer?

 

No! Do not remove the jacket from the HTH tablet before using it. The jacket does several things and is an integral part of the operation of the Sanitizer. It also allows you to handle the tablet safely without gloves.

 

21) Does water temperature affect the Sagewash Sanitizer in any way?

 

Practically speaking, no. Average hose water has a temperature of 50 to 80 degrees F. At this temperature range, performance of the Sagewash solution will not be greatly altered. As a general rule, however, as water temperature drops, contact time should be increased (For each 10°C (18°F) drop in temperature below 24°C (75°F), a doubling of exposure time is recommended. Therefore, in extremely cold water, we suggest doubling the contact time to four minutes. Of course, with our no rinse system, this is not really a factor because the product is left until it evaporates.

 

22) Does the hardness of water affect the Sagewash Sanitizer in any way?

 

No. Water hardness plays no role in the efficacy of Sagewash.

 

23) What is the ORP measurement for Sagewash solution?

 

Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) is related to the concentration of oxidizers or reducers in a solution, and their activity or strength. It provides an indication of the solution’s ability to oxidize or reduce another material. In disinfection applications, the ORP value of the solution is more meaningful than milligrams per liter (mg/L) measurements of free residual chlorine or total chlorine. This is because the equilibrium between two forms of chlorine in the water shifts with changing pH. The molecular form of free chlorine in water is HOCl, or hypochlorous acid, a strong, fast-acting oxidizer. As the pH increases, the HOCl converts to its ionic form, OCl- (the hypochlorite ion), which is a weaker, slower acting oxidizer. The Sagewash solution has an ORP measurement of approximately 750 millivolts (mV). An ORP of 650 mV has been proven by the World Health Organization to provide instantaneous E. coli destruction. Oxidation Reduction Potential measurements of between 650 mV and 700 mV are considered to be highly effective at killing dangerous pathogens almost instantaneously. This is yet another reason that Sagewash is so effective!
We have had a 20 litre container of Sagewash Fluid in our office for six months. The ORP is currently at 780 and the pH is 7.45 (30th April 2008). Harmless to man and his animals - DEADLY to pathogens!