Clear Line Hypochlorous Acid System Cleaner
Clear Line 5x is a commercial-strength hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution formulated for sanitation of hydroponic systems, reservoirs, irrigation lines, and hard surfaces in controlled environment agriculture. Hypochlorous acid is a powerful broad-spectrum antimicrobial that eliminates bacteria, biofilm, algae, and fungal pathogens on contact. At properly diluted application rates, it leaves no harmful residue and breaks down safely without generating toxic byproducts, making it practical for use within active growing environments between cycles.
Applications in CEA Production
Clear Line is used for end-of-cycle system flushes to eliminate biofilm buildup in reservoirs, manifolds, drip lines, and emitters. It is also used as a surface disinfectant on trays, floors, walls, and equipment in between crop cycles. The 5x concentrated formula dilutes for different sanitation applications -- use lower dilutions for routine irrigation system maintenance and higher concentrations for deep sanitation between crops. Available in 1 gallon, 5 gallon, and 55 gallon formats for operations of any scale.
Hypochlorous Acid vs. Other Sanitizers
HOCl is the same compound the human immune system produces to fight pathogens -- it is effective at a fraction of the concentration required by bleach-based sanitizers and degrades into water and trace chloride rather than leaving corrosive residues. Unlike chlorine bleach, HOCl does not corrode stainless steel, copper, or irrigation components at use concentrations, making it suitable for sensitive equipment cleaning. For commercial operations requiring documented sanitation protocols, Clear Line provides consistent and verifiable antimicrobial activity.
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Clear Line FAQ
What is hypochlorous acid and how does it work as a sanitizer?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound produced when chlorine dissolves in water at a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It works by penetrating microbial cell walls and disrupting internal processes, achieving a broad-spectrum kill across bacteria, mold spores, algae, biofilm, and many viruses. At the low concentrations used in diluted form, it is safe for contact with food-contact surfaces and degrades into water and trace chloride. Clear Line 5x delivers this chemistry in a concentrated format designed for professional sanitation workflows in commercial growing operations.
Can Clear Line be used while plants are in the system?
Clear Line is primarily a between-cycle and system sanitation product, not a foliar spray or active-growing treatment. Do not introduce concentrated HOCl solution into active root zones or use undiluted on plant tissue. For operations requiring in-cycle pathogen management in irrigation water, consult product label instructions for approved use rates and contact our support team at 888-815-9763 to confirm the right application for your system type.
How does Clear Line compare to bleach for system cleaning?
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) requires much higher concentrations to achieve equivalent pathogen kill compared to HOCl at neutral pH, and leaves chlorine residue that requires extensive rinsing. Bleach is also corrosive to metals and degrades certain plastics over repeated use. Clear Line 5x uses hypochlorous acid chemistry that delivers equivalent or superior antimicrobial efficacy at significantly lower concentrations, is non-corrosive to irrigation components at use concentrations, and breaks down without leaving residue that could harm the next crop cycle.