Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient many people may have seen on cleaning and disinfecting products. But how does it actually work against microorganisms? And how is AHP® (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide) different from conventional hydrogen peroxide?
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, or H₂O₂, is an oxidizing agent used in various products, particularly cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
It is more common in everyday products than you might think. Hydrogen peroxide can be found in certain surface disinfectants, oxygen-based stain removers, and some oral care products. However, its concentration and formulation vary depending on the intended application.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfect?
Hydrogen peroxide works through a chemical process called oxidation, which can damage important components of microorganisms, including cell membranes, proteins, and genetic material. When these structures are damaged, microorganisms may no longer function or survive normally.
Imagine a table with coffee stains. Wiping away the stains is cleaning, but a visibly clean table does not necessarily mean that microorganisms are absent. Disinfection serves a different purpose: reducing or destroying microorganisms that may remain on the surface.
What Happens to Hydrogen Peroxide After Use?
Another important property of hydrogen peroxide is its ability to break down into water and oxygen, as shown in the following equation:
2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
However, this does not mean that every hydrogen peroxide-based product leaves no other substances behind. Some formulations contain additional ingredients, so it is important to follow the instructions provided for each product.
What Is AHP®?
AHP®, or Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, is a technology developed to enhance the performance of hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and disinfection.
The key difference is that AHP® does not simply rely on increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Instead, it combines low levels of hydrogen peroxide with carefully selected ingredients that work together to improve both cleaning and disinfecting performance.
How Is AHP® Different from Conventional Hydrogen Peroxide?
The key to AHP® technology is its formulation. Hydrogen peroxide remains the primary active ingredient, while other components work together to enhance the overall performance of the product.
According to publicly available manufacturer information, AHP® technology includes ingredients that support cleaning and help the product spread across surfaces, contributing to the effectiveness of the formulation.
In simple terms, think of hydrogen peroxide as an engine. AHP® does not simply improve performance by installing a larger engine. Instead, it optimizes the systems working alongside the engine to improve overall performance.
This is the concept behind the term Accelerated, which refers to improving performance through formulation technology rather than simply increasing the concentration of the active ingredient.
What Are the Benefits of AHP® Technology?
AHP® combines low levels of hydrogen peroxide with other ingredients designed to enhance the performance of the formulation. Its key benefits include:
Enhanced disinfection: The combination of ingredients helps improve the disinfecting performance of hydrogen peroxide.
Cleaning and disinfection: AHP® technology can be used to develop products that clean and disinfect in a single step.
Practical contact times: The technology is used in products designed with contact times suitable for practical applications.
However, disinfecting performance, required contact times, and the microorganisms covered depend on the individual product and its approved claims.
AHP® Technology in Oxivir Products
AHP® technology is used in the Diversey Oxivir product range, including Oxivir TB, a ready-to-use product designed for surface cleaning and disinfection.
What Is the Difference Between Oxivir TB Spray and Wipes?
Oxivir TB is available in both Spray and Wipes formats, allowing users to select the most suitable option for different cleaning tasks and surfaces.
Oxivir TB Spray: A ready-to-use liquid format suitable for applying disinfectant to surfaces, following the appropriate application method for each area or piece of equipment.
Oxivir TB Wipes: Pre-moistened wipes designed for convenient cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and frequently touched areas without requiring additional wiping materials.
Both formats use AHP® technology. However, users should always check the product label for application instructions, required contact times, and compatible surfaces.
Read more: What Is Oxivir TB Wipes?
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient that can damage important components of microorganisms through oxidation. It can also break down into water and oxygen.
AHP® enhances the performance of hydrogen peroxide through formulation technology. Rather than relying simply on higher concentrations, it is designed to help hydrogen peroxide and other ingredients work together more effectively.
This technology is used in the Oxivir product range, providing another option for effective surface cleaning and disinfection.
