Device ionizes tap water for anti-bacterial, chemical-free cleaning

With a few notable exceptions, most household cleaning products today still walk a fine line between cleaning power and toxicity. Fortunately, there are more and more exceptions. Our latest spotting? Activeion, which uses electrolysis and electroporation to offer industrial-strength cleaning without any risky chemicals. Minnesota-based Activeion’s Ionator was designed to bring laboratory-style cleaning to everyone via a compact, hand-operated device that uses plain tap water. When the trigger is pressed, water flows through a cell that applies a slight electrical charge; from there, the water passes through an ion exchange membrane that separates it into an oxygenated mixture of positively and negatively charged nano-bubbles. Then, before the water exits the nozzle, a slight electric field is applied, allowing the water to carry it to the surface being sprayed. So, when sprayed directly on a surface, the ionized water helps lift the dirt like a magnet, enabling it to be wiped away. When used as directed, the health-safe Activeion device kills more than 99.9 percent of harmful germs without leaving any residues behind, the company says. Suitable for use on glass, stainless steel, wood, stone, marble, carpet and clothing, the Ionator is available in a home version for USD 179.99. A larger professional version costs USD 369. The Ionator is available online from Activeion as well as from Amazon and a variety of other U.S. retailers — including Green Irene, the eco-consulting company we covered last year. One to help bring to the rest of the chemical-weary world? (Related: Cleaning products in cartridges, to be diluted with tap water — Starter kits for homemade cleaning products.) Spotted by: Ana Camargo