Frequently Asked Questions

Wysiwash FAQs

Do I need to remove the jacket from the tablet before using the Wysiwash Sanitizer?

No! Do not remove the jacket from the Wysiwash Sanitizer Jacketed Caplet before using it. The jacket does several things and is integral to the operation of the Sanitizer.

How long will a caplet last?

When drained properly when not in use, a Wysiwash Jacketed Caplet will last for approximately 3.5 hours.

How do I know when to change caplet?

When you pick up a stored and drained Sanitizer-V or Sanitizer, gently shake the unit before attaching it to your hose. If you hear or feel caplet clunk inside the Caplet Container, you are ready to disinfect. Inspect visually as needed. If not, open Caplet Container, discard plastic jacket, and insert new caplet.

Does the Wysiwash Sanitizing System generate fumes?

The Wysiwash Sanitizing Solution generates some fumes, albeit many fewer than most sanitizers and disinfectants. Like most cleaning products, the Wysiwash Sanitizing System should be used in areas with adequate ventilation. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t use bleach due to lack of ventilation, then you should increase ventilation before using Wysiwash. Most users report that Wysiwash is more pleasant than other disinfectants, especially liquid bleach.

Is it safe to have skin contact with surfaces that have just been sprayed with Wysiwash?

The Wysiwash Sanitizing Solution is mild but highly effective and incidental contact is generally safe for adult humans and animals. As a precaution, we recommend rinsing areas where children and baby animals will have direct contact with. However, during priming and draining we advise special caution, because the concentrated solution can be irritating.

Can I spray my animal with Wysiwash?

No. Wysiwash is not intended for extended contact with human or animal skin. Always remove animals and children from the area before using Wysiwash.

After spraying Wysiwash, is it safe to return animals back into areas that are still wet?

It is best to allow the area to dry before returning animals to kennels that have been sanitized with Wysiwash. However, if you can't let the area dry completely, then we recommend rinsing the area (after the contact time has elapsed). Rinsing will break up any spots where Wysiwash may be concentrated. Squeegeeing can help kennels dry faster.

What does it mean that Wysiwash is "pet safe"?

It means that when used as instructed, the Wysiwash Sanitizing Solution will not cause harm to your pet.

Do I need to take any special precautions when using Wysiwash on areas where baby or young animals will be?

Baby animals (humans included) have more sensitive skin—not to mention that they are teething and put their mouths everywhere. To prevent any irritation from occurring—we recommend rinsing Wysiwash when using it around puppies, kittens, and other baby animals.

Can I use Wysiwash Solution to rinse down degreasers or other cleaners?

It is completely safe to rinse down degreasers and soaps that are labeled as safe for use with chlorine products or oxidizers. Do not use with ammonia products and products that are not compatible for use with chlorine.

Can I use Wysiwash with ammonia based products?

No. It is extremely dangerous to use Wysiwash (or any chlorine product) with ammonia. If you have used ammonia products in the past, be sure to rinse them thoroughly and let the area dry completely. It is best to wait several days to use Wysiwash and take extra precautions with ventilation after using an ammonia based product.

Will the Wysiwash Solution “bleach” or stain clothes?

If the Sanitizer-V has been properly drained and disconnected from the water hose during storage, the solution sprayed will not bleach clothes. However, the solution that is drained out of the Sanitizer after each use is highly concentrated and will bleach clothes. Use extra care while disconnecting and draining. If the Sanitizer is left attached to a water hose for long periods of time, allowing the caplet to become saturated, the solution may stain clothes upon immediate startup for a few seconds until the unit clears itself of excess chlorine.

Even with proper drainage, the solution may still be concentrated during the first 30 seconds of spraying with a previously used caplet. Be sure to take extra caution when starting. We highly recommend that each time you use Wysiwash, you begin by spraying into a floor drain or another safe area for 30 seconds to avoid accidental contact with solution. Taking these precautions should eliminate bleaching.

Learn more about proper storage and draining here.

What is Wysiwash’s contact time? How long does the solution need to remain on a surface to sanitize?

The main active ingredient in the Wysiwash Sanitizer is hypochlorous acid, one of the most effective disinfectant chemicals. In reality, the high levels of hypochlorous acid produced by the Wysiwash Sanitizer kill within seconds (up to 120 times faster than liquid bleach due to pH level). Nevertheless, it is our recommendation to leave the Wysiwash solution on a surface for at least two minutes. But remember, this is a moot point because you do not have to rinse!

Is it safe for use around my plants?

The Wysiwash Sanitizer and the solution it produces are completely safe for use on grass, plants, trees, etc.

Is Wysiwash available outside the USA?

Please contact Larry ( larry@wysiwash.com ) to get information about international suppliers. At this time, Wysiwash only ships within the continental United States of America.

How can I become a Wysiwash Distributor?

Apply here!

Will Wysiwash damage surfaces?

Wysiwash can be used on a variety of surfaces including:

• Tile
• Cement
• Painted wood
• Plastics
• Glass
• Coated Metals (see below for details)

Feel free to contact us with questions about using Wysiwash on other surfaces.

Will Wysiwash damage metal surfaces?

Avoid spraying copper, brass or metals prone to oxidation.

For other metals, Wysiwash will affect metal like regular water, if the Wysiwash unit is drained and used according to directions.

How often must I spray an area to prevent or clean mold and algae?

This really depends on how bad the mold and algae problem is and how much moisture is present. In most cases, spraying an area once per week as an inhibitor should be more than sufficient. To eliminate an existing algae/mold problem, consecutive applications over a period of days should get the user to a point where a weekly application is sufficient. Click here to read more.

I have noticed a white buildup inside the Sanitizer-V. What is it and what should I do about it?

The white substance is calcium, a by-product produced from the Wysiwash Sanitizer-V's internal process. This substance is completely harmless. Soaking the Sanitizer-V in white vinegar and then rinsing will remove the buildup:

• 1. Carefully remove the Jacketed Caplet to store in a safe place.
• 2. Make sure nozzle and valve are in an open position.
• 3. Soak overnight, or as needed in white vinegar.

What is the shelf life of the caplets?

The Wysiwash Sanitizer Jacketed Caplets have an extended shelf life, losing only 5% efficacy in 18 months.

Can I store a bucket of Wysiwash Jacketed Caplets outside or in my garage?

We do not recommend storing Jacketed Caplets outside, in garages, or any other area that is likely to have significant temperature changes. Heat can damage the Jacketed Caplets. Store in a dry, cool and temperature controlled environment with good ventilation. Do not expose to high temperatures, flame or other sources of heat.

If I don't use my caplets for an extended time, are they still effective?

Absolutely! The Wysiwash Sanitizer Jacketed Caplets have an extended shelf life, losing only 3% efficacy in 18 months if left in the original bucket they are shipped in.

If a caplet was left in the Sanitizer-V after use and stored in ideal conditions (drained immediately after use, stored in a dry, temperature controlled space) then the caplet can be used for up to 3 months from the last use.

If a caplet left in the Sanitizer-V is still solid but storage conditions were less than ideal, it can be used for up to two months from the last use.

Does water temperature affect the Wysiwash Sanitizer in any way?

Practically speaking, no. Average hose water has a temperature of 50 to 80 degrees F. At this temperature range, performance of the Wysiwash solution will not be greatly altered. As a general rule, however, as water temperature drops, contact time should be increased. We recommend doubling the exposure time for each 10°C (18°F) drop in temperature below 24°C (75°F). Therefore, in extremely cold water, we suggest doubling the contact time to four minutes. Of course, with our no rinse system, this is not really a factor because the product is left until it evaporates.

Does the hardness of water affect the Wysiwash Sanitizer in any way?

No. Water hardness plays no role in the efficacy of Wysiwash.

What is the ORP measurement for Wysiwash solution?

Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) is related to the concentration of oxidizers or reducers in a solution, and their activity or strength. It provides an indication of the solution's ability to oxidize or reduce another material. In disinfection applications, the ORP value of the solution is more meaningful than milligrams per liter (mg/L) measurements of free residual chlorine or total chlorine. This is because the equilibrium between two forms of chlorine in the water shifts with changing pH. The molecular form of free chlorine in water is HOCl, or hypochlorous acid, a strong, fast-acting oxidizer. As the pH increases, the HOCl converts to its ionic form, OCl- (the hypochlorite ion), which is a weaker, slower acting oxidizer. The Wysiwash solution has an ORP measurement of approximately 750 millivolts (mV). An ORP of 650 mV has been proven by the World Health Organization to provide instantaneous E. coli destruction. Oxidation Reduction Potential measurements of between 650 mV and 700 mV are proven to be highly effective at killing dangerous pathogens almost instantaneously. This is yet another reason that Wysiwash is so effective!

How much caplet must remain in the unit to get the full sanitizing benefit?

Even if the Wysiwash Sanitizer has used 95% of the Wysiwash Jacketed Caplet, the sanitizing power is still more than adequate to meet our goal of producing a solution that falls within the USDA recommendations for a non-rinse sanitizer/disinfectant (between 50 - 200 ppm total chlorine).

What is the longevity of chlorine on a sprayed surface?

Chlorine is a highly volatile element, which is one of the reasons that it makes such a great disinfectant. Because of its volatility, chlorine "wants" to bond with other elements in order to stabilize. So, in essence, the chlorine in the Wysiwash solution bonds with another element (breaking apart microorganisms in the process), then together they form a safe organic compound. This process makes Wysiwash completely biodegradable. Evaporation, UV light, organic matter, and other substances present all play a role in the longevity of chlorine on surfaces. It is safe to say that when the Wysiwash solution is evaporated, the chlorine and related substances are gone as well.

Can I use Wysiwash to get rid of algae in my fish pond?

No. While Wysiwash is biodegradable and safe for use around plants, it is not safe to spray into living water sources.

Effersan FAQs

Do I need to mix the solution?

No, EfferSan is an effervescent tablet, meaning that it dissolves on its own. No mixing or stirring required!

How long do tablets remain stable once I add water?

EfferSan remains stable for two weeks once diluted in water. The tablets themselves are good for up to three years in tablet form.

How long do I have to wait for tablets to dissolve in water?

EfferSan tablets dissolve within 5-7 minutes. The warmer the water, the faster they dissolve.

What type of water do I use with tablets?

Any potable water (hard, soft, hot, or cold) is great for EfferSan tablets.

Does EfferSan serve as a detergent/degreaser as well as sanitizer?

No, it's just a Sanitizer and Disinfectant. We always recommend cleaning/degreasing to remove the organic matter, prior to sanitizing.

Must Effersan be rinsed after being applied or may the surface be left to dry and then be used?

Depends on if you are using it as a sanitizer or disinfectant. Rinsing is required when using EfferSan as a disinfectant. As a sanitizer it does not need to be rinsed—EfferSan is a no-rinse sanitizer that can air dry. Rinsing is required when using EfferSan as a disinfectant. All treated equipment that will contact food, feed, or drinking water must be rinsed with potable water before reuse.

Does light affect the efficacy of EfferSan once mixed with water?

We always recommend storing EfferSan in a closet or out of direct sunlight. Sunlight will decrease the stability of the product but only by a day or two.

Scalesafe FAQs

What does the ScaleSafe system do?

The ScaleSafe system prevents mineral scale buildup in equipment such as water heaters, dishwashers, shower heads, coffee machines, ice machines and domestic water systems. It also removes existing scale over a period of time, while inhibiting corrosion.

Why do I need to remove and prevent scale buildup?

Scale buildup on heat transfer surfaces causes metal fatigue which can result in premature equipment failure. It also acts as an insulator thereby reducing heat transfer efficiency with a resulting increase in energy consumption. The high cost of fuel alone makes it increasingly important to maintain scale free equipment systems. A 1/4″ coating of scale on a heat transfer surface can require up to 55% more energy than normal to attain the same temperature.

How does the ScaleSafe system prevent scale buildup and remove existing scale?

The ScaleSafe system prevents scale by acting as a scale inhibitor. It distorts the almost perfect cube-like shape of the calcium molecule. This distortion prevents the formation of crystalline calcium carbonate by not allowing the calcium molecules to build up on each other. To remove scale, ScaleSafe simply combines with the calcium in the precipitated calcium carbonate. This combining action does two things:

• 1. ScaleSafe slowly breaks down the crystalline matrix of the calcium carbonate allowing it to be released into suspension.
• 2. ScaleSafe combines with calcium carbonate to form calcium phosphate which is deposited as a microfilm coating on all wetted surfaces. This coating acts as a deterrent to both scale and corrosion.

How does ScaleSafe inhibit corrosion?

As previously stated, eventually all surfaces that have been wetted with ScaleSafe will be coated with a protective microfilm of calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate is well known as an excellent scale and corrosion inhibitor. This microfilm coating does not increase in thickness as it is continually washed off and replaced by the flow of treated water.

How long does it take to see results after installing the ScaleSafe system?

As a preventative for scale buildup, the result can be seen immediately since there will be no increase in calcium carbonate precipitate buildup. The rate of scale removal depends on water velocity, scale density and water chemistry. Generally, the process of scale removal will be evident within 30 days.

Will ScaleSafe work on all types of water?

Field applications as well as laboratory tests have proven that the ScaleSafe system is effective on virtually all types of water, however it is always best to allow us to review a recent analysis of your water should a question arise.

Is ScaleSafe safe to use in potable water?

Yes, the ScaleSafe material meets all ANSI, NSF 60 and USDA standards for potable water.

How do I calculate the restriction rate for the ScaleSafe system?

No pressure drop, other than standard pipe friction, occurs within the ScaleSafe system.

Is any additional equipment necessary besides the ScaleSafe dispenser?

Pre-filtration is recommended on all units. The ScaleSafe system is designed to work by venturi, and the venturi orifices are very small. The chance of a piece of debris clogging one or both holes is a very real possibility. A standard spin down sediment filter with a drain valve for purging sediment is sufficient. Filters can either be purchased online with the system or separately.

Who installs the ScaleSafe system?

The purchaser is responsible for installation.

How long does it take to install a ScaleSafe system?

The average installation time is less than two hours.

Is the ScaleSafe system a filter?

No, the ScaleSafe system is a non-mechanical method of dispensing water treatment chemicals directly into a water system.

Does all of the water have to flow through the ScaleSafe system?

At a minimum, we recommend all water that will be heated should be treated.

What happens to the pipes and equipment once the scale is removed?

After scale removal, the piping system will remain clean, however, the entire system should be thoroughly inspected for leaks. In some instances, e.g. old piping, scale could have been the only thing that was preventing existing pipes, valves and tanks from leaking.

What is the pressure rating on the ScaleSafe system?

ScaleSafe is rated at 80 psi.

What maintenance is required with the ScaleSafe system?

Venturi orifices should be inspected regularly to insure that they are clear. Pre-filters should be purged on a regular basis to remove any debris buildup. Empty cartridges must be replaced when product is depleted.

Does ScaleSafe have to be mounted in any certain direction?

The ScaleSafe dispenser head must be mounted horizontally, with the cartridge directly below the dispenser head. The system will be stamped with either an arrow or be marked “in and out” indicating the direction of flow of the water through the system. Incorrect mounting may cause the unit to overfeed resulting in excessive product use.

What are the temperature limitations for the ScaleSafe system?

85 degrees is the maximum water temperature that can pass through the ScaleSafe unit. Exceeding this temperature may cause the unit to fail.

Just like any other piece of plumbing, do not expose the ScaleSafe unit to freezing temperatures.

Does the ScaleSafe system pollute the water?

No. One of the major benefits of the ScaleSafe system is that it uses no hazardous ingredients.

When ScaleSafe is removing scale from the plumbing, will scale come off in large enough pieces to cause problems?

Generally no, the scale is dissolved as previously described and is placed into suspension so that it passes through the system unnoticed. However, in older systems and systems that have heavy existing scale buildup there is the possibility that some larger pieces of scale could be worked loose. All systems should be monitored on regular basis to prevent this type of occurrence.