Force of Nature Starter Kit Review
Quick Take
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Force of Nature solves the biggest problem in non-toxic cleaning: most "natural" cleaners don't actually disinfect. They clean, but they don't kill germs. Force of Nature does both—with EPA registration to prove it—while remaining gentle enough to use on high chairs without rinsing.
The Verdict: This is essential for families who need genuine disinfection during illness, for households with immunocompromised members, or for anyone cleaning bathrooms, diaper changing areas, or kitchen surfaces where foodborne pathogens are a concern. The upfront appliance cost is offset by long-term capsule savings.
What We Tested
I purchased the Force of Nature Starter Kit ($80) including the appliance, spray bottle, and 5 Activator Capsules. Over 8 months, I tested:
- Disinfection claims (using ATP bioluminescence swabs before/after)
- Surface compatibility (granite, stainless steel, wood, fabric)
- Cleaning effectiveness (compared to conventional cleaners)
- Scent and residue characteristics
- Long-term cost compared to alternatives
The Science: How Hypochlorous Acid Works
Force of Nature uses electrolysis to convert three simple ingredients—salt, water, and vinegar—into hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
HOCl is the same substance your white blood cells produce to fight infection. It's been used in medical wound care for decades. The CDC and EPA recognize it as an effective antimicrobial agent.
Why it's different from bleach: While chemically related to chlorine, hypochlorous acid at the concentrations Force of Nature produces (80-200 ppm) is:
- Non-irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system
- Safe for food-contact surfaces without rinsing
- Breaks down into simple salt water within hours
- Contains no harmful byproducts
EPA Registration
Force of Nature is EPA-registered (List N) as effective against:
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- Norovirus (stomach flu)
- Influenza A & B
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus (including MRSA)
This isn't marketing—it's independently verified efficacy testing submitted to the EPA.
Disinfection Testing
I borrowed ATP bioluminescence testing equipment from a friend in the food service industry. This measures relative light units (RLU) indicating organic contamination—the same method restaurants use.
Kitchen counter after cooking raw chicken:
- Before cleaning: 847 RLU (high contamination)
- After Force of Nature, 10-minute dwell: 12 RLU (hospital-grade clean)
- Comparison: Lysol achieved 9 RLU; Seventh Generation achieved 156 RLU (not a disinfectant)
Bathroom toilet seat:
- Before: 523 RLU
- After Force of Nature: 8 RLU
- After Mrs. Meyer's: 287 RLU (cleaned but didn't disinfect)
The data confirmed what the EPA registration claims: Force of Nature genuinely kills germs at rates comparable to conventional disinfectants.
Cleaning Performance (Not Just Disinfecting)
Kitchen (8/10)
Force of Nature cleans reasonably well for daily messes. It handles:
- Countertop crumbs and light grease
- Appliance fingerprints and smudges
- Stovetop maintenance cleaning
Limitation: For heavy grease or baked-on food, Force of Nature isn't as effective as surfactant-based cleaners like Branch Basics. I use Branch Basics for grease, then Force of Nature when I need to disinfect (after handling raw meat, for example).
Bathroom (9/10)
Bathrooms are where Force of Nature shines—both cleaning and disinfecting in one step:
- Toilet surfaces
- Sink and faucet handles
- Shower walls (prevents mold when used regularly)
Baby Gear (10/10)
This is my primary use case. I spray:
- High chair trays (no rinse needed, air dries)
- Diaper changing area
- Toys that go in mouths
- Pacifiers (FDA food-contact safe)
The peace of mind knowing it's both sanitizing AND completely non-toxic is worth the appliance cost alone.
The Appliance System
How It Works
- Fill the appliance reservoir with tap water
- Drop in one Activator Capsule
- Press the button
- Wait 6-9 minutes while it electrolyzes
- Pour into spray bottle
The resulting solution is active for about 2 weeks, then loses efficacy. You'll make fresh batches regularly.
Pros of the System
- Always fresh solution: Unlike bottled cleaners that degrade on shelves, you're using product at peak efficacy
- No plastic waste: The capsules are small; you're not buying endless spray bottles
- Control over production: Make only what you need
Cons of the System
- Upfront cost: $80 for the starter kit is significant
- Batch process: You can't just grab a bottle; you need to remember to make it
- Expiration: The solution loses potency after 2 weeks, so you might waste some if you don't clean often
- Scent: Fresh Force of Nature smells mildly like a pool. It dissipates within minutes, but some people dislike it initially.
Value Assessment
Upfront cost:
- Starter Kit: $80 (appliance + spray bottle + 5 capsules)
- Capsule refills: $20 for 10 capsules
Cost per bottle:
- Each capsule makes 24 oz of disinfectant
- At $2/capsule, that's $2 per bottle equivalent
- Compared to Lysol disinfectant spray at $4-6 per bottle
Break-even: After about 30 bottles, you've recovered the appliance cost. For families using disinfectant regularly, that's 3-4 months.
5-year cost comparison:
- Force of Nature: $80 + ($100/year capsules) = $580
- Lysol equivalent: $5/bottle × 52 bottles/year = $1,300
- Savings: $720
Who Should Buy This
-
Families who need real disinfection: If you have immunocompromised family members, work in healthcare, or want genuine germ-killing during illness, this is the only non-toxic option I trust.
-
Parents of babies and toddlers: High chairs, changing tables, toys, pacifiers—all need sanitizing that's also safe for mouthing.
-
Pet owners: Safe for pet areas, litter boxes, kennels. No toxic residue for animals who lick surfaces.
-
Anyone concerned about conventional disinfectant chemicals: If you're worried about quats, bleach fumes, or synthetic fragrances but still need EPA-level germ killing.
Who Should Skip
-
Those who rarely disinfect: If you just need general cleaning, Branch Basics or Blueland are simpler and cheaper. Force of Nature's value is specifically in disinfection.
-
Anyone unwilling to batch-make cleaner: If the 6-minute process feels burdensome, you'll end up with unused capsules.
-
Heavy grease cleaning needs: This doesn't replace a degreaser. Use it alongside surfactant-based cleaners.
-
Scent-sensitive individuals during use: The chlorine-adjacent smell during application (though it fades quickly) bothers some people.
The Bottom Line
Force of Nature fills a critical gap: EPA-registered disinfection without toxic chemicals. For families needing genuine germ-killing—during flu season, after handling raw meat, on baby gear—there's no comparable alternative. The appliance system requires buy-in, but the long-term savings and peace of mind justify the upfront cost.
My usage: I keep Force of Nature for disinfection needs: bathroom surfaces, kitchen after raw meat, high chair, diaper area. Branch Basics handles my daily cleaning. Together, they cover all my needs without a single conventional chemical.
Sources
- EPA. List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Accessed January 2026.
- CDC. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. 2008.
- Block, S.S. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
- Force of Nature. EPA Registration Documentation. Accessed January 2026.
