Hypochloric acid will slowly undergo its own redox reaction and decompose. In the process of decomposition, each hypochlorous acid molecule will absorb electrons to achieve the purpose of sterilization, and dissociate hydrogen ions, chloride ions and oxygen.

2HOCl → 2H+ + 2Cl- + O2↑

All living things on earth are made up of cells. Cells in living things divide and proliferate constantly, which enables living things to survive and grow. In the process of cell division, protein with various functions such as enzymes and hormones is needed to survive and divide into new cells.

Viruses, bacteria and molds all belong to "microorganisms". The surface of cell membrane is covered with functional surface proteins, and hypochlorous acid can rob the electrons of these cell surface proteins, so that the surface proteins are oxidized and lose their activity, so that microorganisms can not absorb nutrients and metabolism, and finally stop dividing to produce new cells, thus achieving the sterilization effect.