 At a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 approximately 90% of the ions are in the form of hypochlorous acid.In that pH range, the disinfectant capability of the solution is more effective than regular sodium hypochlorite (household bleach).Both sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid are efficient disinfecting agents; as mentioned above, the key to effective sanitation is to have a high proportion of hypochlorous acid present, this happens between acidic and neutral pH conditions.