The way ozone is being used to provide chemical-free laundry systems is remarkable.  Dr. Sheila Baker, professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Univeristy of Missouri-Columbia offered here findings on the subject of ozone laundry systems”

“Ozone does work for removing stains from laundry. It works through an oxidation mechanism whereby ozone and an OH radical, a breakdown product from ozone and water, can both work as oxidants. Ozone is a superb antimicrobial agent and can eliminate even superbugs when used properly. Also, ozone is very economical. It works best in cold water and relaxes the fabric so no softener is required and shortens drying times. Due to the cold water and shorter dryer times, fabric life is often extended.  As for whitening abilities, ozone is similar to hydrogen peroxide.”

The method for cleaning by ozone in water is based on two reaction mechanisms – a direct and an indirect mechanism.  The direct method occurs when ozone acts as the oxidizer itself to break chemical bonds. The indirect method involves ozone reacting first with water to produce OH-radicals followed by the OH-radicals oxidizing chemical bonds. When ozone and OH-radicals come in contact with soils and stains in linen, they help break chemical bonds to release the stain or soil. One kind of reaction (direct or indirect) will dominate, depending on various factors, such as temperature, pH and chemical composition of the water. The higher the pH and temperature, the more OH-radicals will be produced. While OH-radicals have even greater oxidizing power than ozone, they are very short-lived in solution.“

The science of how ozone works to clean is done at the atomic level, the bottom line is that is does work.  Ozone laundry systems are growing in popularity for a variety of reasons.  We would all like to think that these companies became environmentally aware and wanted to stop detergents and other chemical flowing into our waterways.  But the truth is that ozone is effective and efficient.  There is cost savings from using cold water in the system, roughly 30% less wear on materials, less costs for chemical products, and bacterial kill.  It makes so much sense that we are likely to see complete ozone washing machines at the hardware stores next.

For those with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or unknown rashes; ozone laundries may be a God-sent answer to make life better.   Learn More …

Make sure your unit is certified by NOAI Approved for best results.