Force of Nature Cleaner Review (List of Pros + Cons)

June 29, 2021 (updated May 9, 2023) โ€” Written by

Force of Nature turns salt, water and vinegar into a powerful disinfectant that’s on the EPAโ€™s List of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Here is my honest Force of Nature Cleaner review, including a list of the cleanerโ€™s pros + cons. Before and after cleaning photos included too!

A clear spray bottle full of Force of Nature cleaner sits on a butcher block counter top.

By: Lisa Fennessy

IN THIS POST:

Okay so you’ve probably heard by now that conventional cleaning products are bad for you. Like, really bad for you. So maybe you are like me and swung to the very end of the pendulum when you heard this and started cleaning your house with a range of baking soda and vinegar combos.

But this didn’t last long because the elbow grease required to get these combos to work made you break a sweat. Not to mention your cleaning lady wouldn’t use the combos because it wasn’t “spray and wipe” and required “too much scrubbing”. And to be brutally honest, the combos just didn’t smell great either.

So then you swung to the middle of the pendulum and started using something that’s not crazy toxic but not squeaky clean either. And now you are living in justification purgatory repeating after yourself: At least it’s better than what I was using before. Or, Just this once won’t kill me. Sound familiar!? (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…)

Well, today I am cleaning it all up. Bringing you back to salt, water and vinegar with a cleaning product that would knock Martha Stewart’s DIY socks off. For real. Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to Force of Nature.

RELATED: Best Nontoxic Cleaning Supplies



A clear spray bottle sits on a butcher block shelf next to terracotta bowls

What is Force of Nature?

Force of Nature uses electricity to turn salt, water & vinegar into a multi-purpose cleaner, deodorizer & EPA registered disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs, including Salmonella, Norovirus, Listeria, STAPH, MRSA, Pseudomonas & Influenza A. The EPA registration means the suppliers, purity, concentration & processing of all ingredients have been rigorously tested, and that stringent microbiological tests have been passed using EPA approved protocols in EPA approved labs. 

I first heard of Force of Nature when one of my health conscious friends Julie texted me a link to their website saying, Girl have you tried this?? I’m obsessed! So naturally, I got on board and got my hands on a kit with the quickness.

Force of Nature sells a kit that you buy one time and then you order solution refills as needed (.80 each which is pretty cheap for a bottle of cleanser). It comes with a little appliance that uses electricity to turn salt, water and vinegar into a non-toxic cleanserโ€”that’s it! No toxic chemicals.


How does Force of Nature work?

The technology they use is basically a miniature version of technology that’s capitalized on in industrial spaces. It’s used for everything from cleaning hospitals to wound healing, eye care, veterinary care and its even FDA approved for food preservation. It does this by changing the molecular structure of salt, water and vinegar into:

  1. Hypochlorous Acid – The active ingredient. A type of chlorine (HOCI) that Force of Nature says is as effective as bleach, yet gentle enough to use around children and pets. (Our body actually produces this substance in our white blood cells to fight infection). 
  2. Sodium Hydroxide – Force of Nature uses this in a nontoxic concentration of 0.0000003%. This is used in conventional all-purpose cleansers in typical concentrations levels of 1-5% which is highly toxic (and also 3 million to 17 million times the level in Force of Nature). 

You can read more about the science of electrolyzed water here.


Force of Nature is sustainable

From a user standpoint, the cleaner is super CHEAP and easy to make. You fill the bottle they provide you with water (I use filtered but you can use tap too), then add a small vial of premixed salt/water/vinegar solution and “plug it in” to the appliance for it to transform this mixture into a household cleanser. Also love that the carbon footprint for shipping refills is super minimal and I’ll say it again: refills only cost 80 cents each!

Plus since you are refilling your own bottle every time, the only waste is the tiny vial. I like using this glass amber spray bottle.

SAVE: Use code THENEWKNEW for $25 off all bundles, including the Extra Value Force of Nature Bundle or the Year of Capsules Bundle!


A natural cleaning solution kit with a clear spray bottle sits on a butcher block counter top

What’s included in the Force of Nature kit?

The Force of Nature Starter Kit includes:

  • 5 Activator Capsules, each makes one 12 oz bottle of all-in-one cleaner, deodorizer & disinfectant
  • Electrolyzer Appliance
  • Power cord
  • 12 oz planet-friendly reusable Spray Bottle
  • Quick Start Guide & User Manual

And that’s it! The solution will be good for 14 days so you can mark that on the bottle or if you are like me, it will be gone in a day or two so no need to keep track.

RELATED: MightyFix Review: Monthly Subscription Service that Delivers Healthy, Clean Home Products

One of the first things I noticed is that the cleanser sprays and behaves like water. I was kind of skeptical but then I started using it and it was turning my counters, bathrooms and table tops into sparkling gems of cleanliness. I actually tried to ignore it for a while thinking, “there is really no way this is happening,” but it was so I kept on using it.


Why does Force of Nature smell like bleach?

Force of Nature says this cleanser rivals bleach. That hasn’t been my experience. It won’t bleach your clothes or really eat away at shower scum the way bleach will. BUT it does clean like a boss.

One thing I did notice was the smell was a little reminiscent of bleach, so I was super curious about how this was possible. I also wanted to mention the smell here in case there is someone reading who is sensitive to smells. It’s not strong in my opinion (I actually quite like it) but it’s there, so FYI. And here’s why:

The swimming-pool scent is chlorine, not bleach. There is actually different types of chlorine (most people don’t know that), and Force of Nature makes a type called hypochlorous acid (HOCI). It’s the same type of chlorine your white blood cells produce to keep you healthy. It’s also commonly used in in wound, eye and veterinary care products because it’s so safe and effective. It’s very different from sodium hypochlorite (bleach, which is NaCIO, a different chemical all together).

Force of Nature

Reader FAQs

When I first started using Force of Nature, I was sharing it on social media and here are a few questions that came up:

Can I mix salt, vinegar, and water together and make my own solution instead of buying the prepackaged vials?

Force of Nature: You could in theory but not in practice and here’s why. You need exactly the right pH in order to create hypochlorous acid instead of bleach and to create the level of hypochlorous acid that can disinfect. It would be very easy to make bleach by accident, or create a solution that doesn’t kill germs, even if you were off by a fraction of a drop of an eye dropper. To achieve the right pH, each capsule contains a ratio of salt, water and vinegar so precise that you’d need a laboratory grade analytical scale to create it.

Does it smell?

Me: Yes, It smells mildly of bleach which plays to my pre-nontoxic days reading fresh and clean to me.

How does it feel on your hands?

Me: It doesn’t wrinkle or irritate my hands at all. I can feel a mild reaction if I am cleaning and wiping for an extended period of time but it’s very mild and it’s not irritating. It behaves mostly like water would. The Mayo Clinic gives it its highest skin safety rating and rates it as 100% top allergen free.

Why do you have to make it yourself and why can’t we just buy it?

Force of Nature: You have to make it and use it fresh because hypochlorous acid dissipates over time, like carbonation in soda. And it’s only good two weeks to the date of activation.

Can you make this solution (or hypochlorous acid) by diluting bleach?

Force of Nature: No, you can’t because they have different chemical formulas. The formula for sodium hypochlorite is NaCIO and the formula for hypochlorous acid is HOCI.

Is it really as effective at bleach?

Me: It cleans like a champ but it won’t bleach your clothes white or attack scum and stains like bleach will.

Force of Nature: The reason Force of Nature is as effective as bleach is because hypochlorous acid is actually what gives bleach its antimicrobial power. Without hypochlorous acid, bleach wouldn’t kill any germs. So with hypochlorous acid, you get the disinfecting power without the danger and without the whitening.

Here are some links for more info:


A clear spray bottle of Force of Nature sits on the side of a bathtub on top of a towel.

How to use Force of Nature (and where and when)

Force of Nature says this formula is safe to use on things like pacifiers, teethers and pet toys without having to rinse. Of course, the thing I use it most on is my kitchen counter tops and bathrooms.

But here are some other things Force of Nature says you can do with their cleaner. I tried them all! (With a few exceptions like diapers and pets…)

  • Clean makeup brushes – use soap (I like diluted Dr. Bronners) to remove makeup. When clean, spray brushes with FoN to disinfect. Do not rinse.
  • Clean backpacks + lunch boxes – This works.
  • Take up spills on furniture + rugs – This works on fresh spills, not old ones.
  • Clean thermoses, straws and sippy cups – This works and is great for soaking reusable straws.
  • Treat cloth diapers + presoak laundry – This works for fresh stains but won’t work on old stains like old pit stains on a white tee shirt.
  • Clean toothbrushes – This works. See pic below.
  • Clean toys – Great for wiping down or soaking toys.
  • Freshen up sponges – I hate sponges and never use them but this is a good idea.
  • Clean bath toys – We only use cups or cup-like toys in the tub to avoid growing mold in toys.
  • Spray down pet bedding, litter boxes, toys and towels.
  • Use as a sanitizer for hands and doorknobs – Love this idea.
  • Deodorizing and cleaning car interiors – Took this to the carwash with me and it was fantastic for wiping down and freshening up the interior.
  • Wipe down the inside of the fridge – This works!
  • Clean humidifiers – Especially great for soaking any small parts that may get moldy. Read more about humidifiers here.
  • Clean the inside + outside of diaper bags This works.
  • Spray the inside of front loading washer rubber gaskets to keep mold and mildew at bay – This works. See pic below.
  • Spray yoga mats – Love this so much. There’s nothing worse than a smelly yoga mat.
  • Add a few ounces to fresh cut flowers to make blooms last longer – This works!

And we got this GREAT testimonial from a reader…I certainly know what it’s like to clean up after a boy! ๐Ÿ˜‚

RELATED: We tested 24 ways to use the Force of Nature cleaner. Read about it here.

a screenshot of DMs with one reader saying it took the pee smell out of her son's closet without ruining the color of it

message from a reader who liked force of nature

SAVE: Use code THENEWKNEW for $25 off all bundles, including the Extra Value Force of Nature Bundle or the Year of Capsules Bundle!


Force of Nature before and after pics

Here are a few before and after pics. Some of these befores are really embarrassingโ€”but for the sake of science, I am doing it for you guys!

Just a word about cleaning glass. Force of Nature cleans glass but there is no evaporation chemical added to this solution so you really need to wipe the glass or mirror throughly until it dries. I love using Force Of Nature with an eCloth on glass/windows/mirrorsโ€”it’s a match made in heaven and really does the trick.

This is especially for soap scummy shower doors (see pic below). I also love using the stainless steal eCloth paired with Force Of Nature for our appliances. Coupling Force Of Nature with an eCloth for glass and stainless will give you 10x better results.

RELATED: Swap Purell for this natural hand sanitizer.


Don’t use Force of Nature on…

By now you may be thinking okay, well what the heck can’t I use Force Of Nature on?! I asked Force of Nature and this is what they said:

  • Immediately wipe dry after using (or rinse with water) on soft metals like brass and copper because the cleaner shouldn’t sit on soft metals over time.
  • There is a huge variation in dyes, fibers & colorfastness processes used in various materials. So always spot test first on rugs and fabrics and let it dry to test colorfastness. Also spot test on leather athletic gear like gloves, skates, cleats and pads as well as car interiors.

Other materials that Force of Nature is good to use on: sealed granite, marble, quartz, wood, laminate, stainless steel, porcelain, plastic, concrete, acrylic, fiber glass and rubber.


Force of Nature pros & cons

Pros

  • Force of Nature uses electricity to turn salt, water & vinegar (that’s it!) into a multi-purpose cleaner and deodorizer
  • It is an EPA registered disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs, including Salmonella, Norovirus, Listeria, STAPH, MRSA, Pseudomonas & Influenza A
  • Force of Nature is affordable with the refill system
  • It’s really easy (and kinda fun) to make
  • The Mayo Clinic gives it its highest skin safety rating and rates it as 100% top allergen free
  • Force of Nature can be used on so many materials (see list above)

Cons

  • Force of Nature cleans glass but there is no evaporation chemical added to this solution so you really need to wipe the glass or mirror throughly until it dries
  • Force of Nature cannot be used on soft metals


Final Force of Nature review thoughts

So, safe to say, I totally love this formula. I love that my kids can use it to help me clean the table tops and windows without being exposed to harmful toxins. I love that I have something that will disinfect my house especially after puke, poop, pee and flu episodes. I love that I can disinfect my cutting boards and counters after prepping raw meats.

I keep one solution in my bathroom and another in my kitchen and pretty much use it for everything as you can see! I even like throwing a cup of it into my dishwasher before turning it on or a cup of it into the barrel of a load of laundry. I mean really the possibilities are endless. This is truly a one-size-fits-all cleaner, deodorizer and disinfectant.

SAVE: Use code THENEWKNEW for $25 off all bundles, including the Extra Value Force of Nature Bundle or the Year of Capsules Bundle!

Have you tried Force of Nature? I would love to hear your thoughts or ideas about new ways to use it!

xo, Lisa

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

14 Comments

  1. Reply

    Mina

    So, can I use this on my hardwood floors?????

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      I just checked with Force of Nature and I quote, “YES!” – hope this helps : ) xo

  2. Reply

    Suzie

    Curious if this is what you are using to sanitize during covid?

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Sorry for the delay – YES! This is taken from the FON website; “Force of Nature is on EPAโ€™s List of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Force of Nature has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, Force of Nature can be used against COVID-19 when used in accordance with the directions for use against Norovirus on hard non-porous surfaces. See EPA Emerging Pathogen Policy.”

  3. Reply

    Hlongden

    The โ€˜chemistryโ€™ spouted in this article and by the product manufacture is truely appalling. Hypochlous acid IS Not โ€˜salt, vinegar or waterโ€™. Itโ€™s an avid, with chlorine in it. Releasing the chlorine, is what makes it clean, just like bleach! And, funnily enough, the chlorine IS the swimming pool smell. Oh my word!!!! What is the garbage about โ€˜something your own cells produce??

    Given that, Iโ€™m still looking for a plastic free solution for a bleach cleaner and might be willing to give this a try.

    (Iโ€™m a chemist)

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Thanks chemist! If you have any questions about the chemistry and how Force of Nature takes salt, water and vinegar and turns it into hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide, you can direct them to Force of Nature. This post is a general introduction to the product and offers readers a better and effective solution to disinfecting their home. Science Direct did a larger study hypochlorous acid and it’s effectiveness in sanitizing against the COVID-19 virus. This post is an exposรจ of my own experience. If you try it, be sure to let us know what your expert opinion is! xo, Lisa

  4. Reply

    Justin

    I did order 2 units and a ton of capsules. I am a custodian for a large number of people (sloppy at that) My question is can I add essential oils, like lemon, to give it a fragrance? Bathrooms, lunchrooms, microwaves, garbage cans, etc.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Justin! I believe FoN advises to NOT add anything additional to their formulas including essential oils. I would advise you to reach out to them directly for clarification. Hope you are enjoying it! Thanks! Lisa

  5. Reply

    Hajra

    Hi, thanks for this post. I currently use Thymol 7th gen cleaner (for the past decade) and hydrogen peroxide or alcohol when needed. I have been interested in replacing them with even more allergen friendly cleaners, though they are better than harsher chemicals. Especially as we use hand sanitizers all the time, they can be hard on our hands–with alcohol or thymol. I found FoN today, and it seems to make good sense (I have a Physics degree), but I was concerned about some online reviews where folks said their base/machine broke after a few months. Otherwise I would really like to give FoN a try. Has this happened to you? Thanks in advance for taking the time to post your experience, it’s very helpful.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Hajra! Thanks so much for your comment. I’ve had my kit for over 3 years now and it has not broken yet! xo, Lisa

  6. Reply

    Concernedbuthopeful

    Everything sounds good, but there was complaint on BBB that hasn’t been closed. It concerns the metal in the spray bottle head getting rusty. Will the company address that?

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi! Thanks for this! I can ask and see what they say. I don’t use a spray bottle that has metal in it so I haven’t experienced this. xo, Lisa

  7. Reply

    Ari

    This sounds like a cool product but I hate that it goes bad so quickly, there’s no way I would use a whole bottle in 2 weeks?!

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Ari! You would be surprised! I go through mine in a few days. (It’s maybe 6 ounces and not that much). Plus we use it for everything (kitchen, bathroom, as a deodorizer..). AND! The refills are only 1.00 each so even if you made a bottle then went on vacation and didn’t get to use it all, it wouldn’t be too much of a loss. It’s really so fantastic in so many ways. Hope this helps! Lisa

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