ChloroKlean products use chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) as their primary active ingredient. Unlike traditional chlorine, chlorine dioxide works through oxidation rather than chlorination. This means it disrupts the cell membranes of microorganisms without forming harmful by-products.

The key mechanism involves electron transfer: chlorine dioxide accepts electrons from the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, causing structural damage that leads to cell death. This oxidation process is effective at very low concentrations—typically less than 0.5 parts per million (ppm).

ChloroKlean products are liquid formulations that activate in-situ (on-site) when diluted in water. This approach eliminates the need for on-site generators or mixing equipment. The chlorine dioxide is generated within the water system itself, providing sustained antimicrobial activity as it circulates through pipes, tanks, and distribution networks.

Because chlorine dioxide works across a wide pH range (4-10), it remains effective in conditions where traditional chlorine loses potency—such as alkaline water or systems with high organic loading.

ChloroKlean products are used for microbial control in water systems and on surfaces across multiple industries. Common applications include:

• Potable water treatment (PT5): Treating drinking water supplies to control harmful bacteria including Legionella and coliforms
• Swimming pools and spas (PT2): Maintaining water hygiene in public and private bathing facilities
• Food contact surfaces (PT4): Sanitising equipment and surfaces in food processing, catering, and food service environments
• Cooling towers and HVAC systems (PT11): Preventing microbial growth and biofilm formation in industrial cooling circuits
• Healthcare facilities: Supporting Legionella control programmes in hospitals, care homes, and dental surgeries
• Hospitality: Water system management in hotels, cruise ships, and leisure centres

The products are registered under the UK and EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) for their specific uses. Each product type (PT) corresponds to a defined application area with its own regulatory requirements.

ChloroKlean products have undergone the safety assessments required for BPR authorisation. These assessments evaluate risks to human health, animal health, and the environment when the products are used according to label directions.

When used as directed:

• Treated drinking water meets potable water standards
• Swimming pool and spa water is safe for bathers
• Food contact surfaces can be used safely after treatment following specified contact times

As with any biocidal product, users should read and follow the product label, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and any applicable workplace health and safety requirements. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required during handling and dosing of concentrate products.

Chlorine dioxide has some advantages from a safety perspective compared to chlorine: it does not form trihalomethanes (THMs) or haloacetic acids (HAAs)—disinfection by-products that are regulated in drinking water due to potential health effects.

Chlorine dioxide and chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) are both oxidising biocides used in water treatment, but they differ in several important ways:

Neither technology is universally better—the appropriate choice depends on the specific application, water chemistry, and regulatory requirements. Chlorine dioxide is often preferred in systems with biofilm challenges, variable pH, or where disinfection by-product formation is a concern.

ChloroKlean products are typically considered when:

• Legionella control is required: Water systems in healthcare, hospitality, and commercial buildings where Legionella risk assessments identify the need for biocidal treatment
• Biofilm is present or suspected: Older pipework, dead legs, or systems with historical contamination where biofilm has established
• Traditional chlorine is underperforming: Systems with high pH, organic loading, or where chlorine demand is consistently high
• By-product formation is a concern: Applications where THM or HAA limits are approaching regulatory thresholds
• BPR compliance is required: When regulations mandate the use of authorised biocidal products for specific applications

The decision to use chlorine dioxide should be based on a risk assessment of the water system, considering factors such as water source, system design, usage patterns, and vulnerable user groups.

For guidance on whether ChloroKlean products are appropriate for your specific application, consult the product technical data sheets or contact our technical support team.