Environment
Yes, the spray bottle for life that we have chosen are made from materials that are widely recyclable in the UK.
Cert. tablets also come in plastic-free, cardboard packaging which is recyclable.
We are always working to reduce our impact on the environment and our packaging will continue to adapt as we grow.
Yes, we estimate that each box of Cert. tablets reduces single-use plastic by 94%.
How did we work that one out? Good question! One box of Cert. contains 32 tablets, which is enough to make up 16 bottles of Cert. 500ml spray bottles.
Using just one refillable bottle for life, instead of 16 single-use bottles from the supermarket works out as a 94% reduction in plastic waste. You can feel great knowing you are doing your bit in the war on single-use plastic.
By our calculations, using Cert. instead of single-use bottled cleaning solution can reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 99.5%. That’s huge!
How did we work this out? One lorry load of liquid cleaning products in single use plastic bottles can weigh up to 20 tonnes. The equivalent quantity of disinfectant in Cert. tablet form would weigh 64 kgs. That’s because we don’t pointlessly ship water around the country in huge fuel-guzzling vehicles.
So, transporting disinfectant in Cert. tablet form as opposed to ready to use liquids would have a potential 99.5% reduction in harmful emissions.
That’s not even factoring in the CO2 impact of plastic production and plastic waste – the maths gets a bit complicated there. But rest assured, using Cert. is reducing your CO2 contribution in more ways than you thought.
Most liquid household cleaning products will contain at least 95% water.
This means that at any one time, there are billions of litres of perfectly good drinking water being held hostage in bottles of ready-to-use liquid product. It is sitting in cupboards, supermarket shelves, warehouses and vehicles travelling around the world. That just seems a bit crazy to us.
All of this water is lost to the Earth’s hydrologic system (evaporation, condensation, rain etc.) of natural recycling. The Earth is truly unique in its abundance of water and it is necessary for sustaining life on Earth. This water circulation process is tightly linked to energy exchanges in the atmosphere, which help to determine the Earth’s climate. Water is therefore at the heart of the Earth’s climate change crisis, and we believe it is necessary to free the water and keep it in circulation until it is actually needed.
Cert. is supplied in a tablet form for you to fill up with tap water at home. The water is taken and returned to the Earth’s cycle in just 7 days, not months.
Unfortunately, we are faced with the fact that the active ingredients that destroys the SARS Cov 2 virus along with other viruses is a biocide, and the goal of our product is to destroy viruses and bacteria including Covid-19. From that starting point, our mission was to find the way to deliver covid-proof cleaning with the least impact on the environment.
By its raw material chemical definition and classification, NaDCC is designated as “harmful to aquatic life”, and therefore we legally have to display a warning. However, actual harmfulness all comes down to the dosage and dilution levels, and the 0.1% dosage of chlorine required to destroy covid-19 is very small, the same as the dosage used every day in hospitals.
Once 2 tablets are dissolved in 500ml of water, the size of a Cert. Spray bottle or mop, the resultant 1,000ppm chlorine solution is not classed as hazardous. But we are still required to display the symbol by law.
NaDCC is used in many of our other products, including our water purification tablets and baby bottle sterilising tablets. This shows that in the correct doses, this ingredient can be very safe.
If 500ml of liquid were flushed down the loo, the 4.5 litres of water (the smallest size of a UK cistern) will mean that as the resultant liquid leaves the home’s waste system it will only be at 50ppm. As it travels through the sewerage system towards the water treatment plant it will be significantly further diluted.
By comparison, liquid bleach, which is commonly used to clean household loos, has 100,000ppm of chlorine and in diluted form it would be 5,000ppm. This makes Cert. much safer for the environment than liquid bleach cleaners.
Ingredients
The tablet is made up of three main components:
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate, or NaDCC
What is it for? This is the biocide, or disinfectant, needed to kill viruses. It is safe on skin, surfaces and around children & pets. Also known as Troclosene Sodium.
NaDCC is a chlorine-like agent which is commonly used around the world for water sanitisation, including the treatment of water for human consumption.
Detergent (Surfactant)
What is it for? A combination of disinfectant and detergent is needed to effectively kill viruses & bacteria. The Cert. formula delivers a unique & safe combination of the two.
An effervescent base
What is it for? Bubbles! To allow Cert. to dissolve quickly in water
The biocide used by Hydrachem in the manufacturing of its tablets is Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate, or NaDCC. It is chemically much more stable, and much safer to transport and handle than liquid bleach.
NaDCC is used in our water purification tablets, for human consumption. It is also used in our baby bottle sterilising tablets, so in the correct quantities and when handled correctly, it is a very safe ingredient.
Our tablets last between 3-5 years depending on storage conditions. Our expiry dates are clearly stated on packaging. Do not use after the expiry date.
When dissolved in water, the active ingredient responsible for destroying SARS-CoV-2 will be most effective for the first 7 days. After that, the solution will become less effective at destroying viruses but will still be a powerful anti-bacterial spray for a further several days.
Detergents do have a cleaning effect, but to eliminate the microorganisms in dirt requires a disinfection.
Our tablets contain both, so there's no need to pre-clean. However, Cert. won't work on very dirty surfaces containing organic matter such as fat or oil.
Both a detergent AND a disinfectant are needed to destroy SARS-CoV-2 (as also recommended by UK Health Security Agency), and Cert. delivers a safe combination of the two.
Most cleaning products on the market can't do both - that is what makes Cert. so fabulous.
How it works
1. Fill the spray bottle with either 250ml or 500ml tap water (500ml is to the neck of the bottle). Drop in 1 Cert. tablet for 250ml water, or 2 tablets for 500ml water, replace and tighten the cap firmly.
Wait for the effervescent tablet to fully dissolve (the water will be completely clear of tablet particles). Gently shaking the bottle will help the tablet to dissolve more quickly. Push the white safety button to unlock. Your hospital-grade cleaning solution is now ready to use.
Top tip – fill with warm water for a faster dissolve time.
2. Spray the Cert. liquid onto any hard surface. Take care to ensure the solution is spread across the whole area. To remove any potential Covid-19 contamination, leave the solution on the surface for 1 minute. For thorough removal of all bacteria, leave for a further 4 minutes, after which time it can be left to dry, or any remaining solution can be wiped away with a clean dry cloth.
3. For direct food contact surfaces, such as chopping boards, 5 minutes after using Cert. rinse surface with clean water and allow to air dry or wipe with a disposable paper towel.
Cert. is optimised to be used on hard surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms and all general living areas and workspaces. Once the Cert. tablet has fully dissolved, clean loose debris from surfaces and spray evenly onto the surface.
Cert. can be used on the following surfaces:
• Sink & Tiles
• Bath & Tops
• Loo seats
• Wooden surfaces
• Glass surfaces
• Bins
• Floor
• Wooden food chopping board
• Alloy metal sink
• Man-made high gloss kitchen worktop
Always test in an inconspicuous area before widespread application and ensure no damage is caused.
Our unique formula contains biocides which are proven to actively destroy microorganisms after 5 minutes. Cert. has been tested according to European Standards for enveloped viruses EN14476:2013 + A2:2019 and is confirmed to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, after just 60 seconds.
Cert. is efficient against bacteria, yeast, fungi and mycobacteria at the concentrations and contact times provided on the label.
The main biocide ingredient in Cert. is NaDCC, which is a chlorine-like disinfection agent used globally for the disinfection of water, including drinking water.
Cert. tablets contain 1000 parts per million (ppm) available chlorine, which is the dilution level recommended by UK Health Security Agency needed to destroy SARS-CoV-2 on a surface.
When combined with a detergent, this formula is powerful enough to destroy the virus within just 60 seconds on a surface, and many other viruses within just 5 minutes.
This makes Cert. SO much more than just a bog-standard antibac spray, which have much lower levels of disinfectant to kill bacteria.
If you want to get specific, you can watch the video on our Science page.
The disinfectant in Cert. responsible for killing SARS-CoV-2 is active, once dissolved in water, for 7 days.
After 7 days (previously 48 hours), the spray will become less effective at destroying viruses. Cert. will still provide a powerful anti-bacterial clean for another several days, as the strength of disinfectant needed to kill bacteria is much lower than viruses.
Did you know?
Diluted bleach is only active for 24 hours; Cert. is active for 7 days and is far safer to store, prepare and use.
Due to its neutral pH, Cert. is able to inactivate microorganisms at a lower concentration than bleach-based products.
Cert. tablets contain 1,000 parts per million (ppm) available chlorine, which is the dilution level recommended by UK Health Security Agency needed to destroy SARS-CoV-2.
With our previous tablet this efficacy reduced after 48 hours albeit very slowly (after 7 days it was still at 900ppm) and although still much higher that most anti bacteria sprays which are around 200/300ppm.
The fact is, it fell below 1,000 ppm which meant we had to highlight it. The new formulation means the 1,000ppm lasts for 7 days and then drops offs again albeit slowly.
Cert. tablets are optimised to be used with our 500ml bottles and mops. Simply add two Cert. tablets for 500ml water. The formula we use is optimised at 500ml (1000 parts per million) to destroy SARS-CoV-2. If you wish to use less, you can add just one Cert. tablet with 250ml water instead, so there is no need to cut the tablets.
If you don't use Cert. as instructed, you could make the solution too weak or too strong.
We understand you may feel you are wasting more than you are using, but we suggest any excess liquid is used as a powerful sink, drain and loo disinfectant last thing at night.
Yes, it is safe to pour the remaining Cert. down the sink or loo. In fact, we recommend that you do to give your drains and toilet a powerful clean.
Cert. tablets, when dissolved in the correct level of water, are not hazardous. When diluted even further with the water from a toilet cistern, the level of NaDCC is a very safe level.
Cert. is made & manufactured by Hydrachem, a trusted supplier to the NHS for over 50 years. Hydrachem manufactures 95% of the sanitising products used by the NHS, via several distributors who trade under their own label brands.
The Cert. formula is the same formula used by the NHS, under a variety of different brand names.
Whilst you need a strong acid to completely remove tough limescale (such as vinegar or lemon), Cert. does have a low acid pH which will remove a small amount of limescale each time, helping to prevent limescale buildup over time.
Health & Safety
Cert. uses a biocide as one of its main ingredients and is necessary to destroy the covid-19 virus.
When using Cert. correctly, the biocide is perfectly safe to use. As with any product like this, it is always recommended that you follow the product guidelines correctly.
You can find a link to download the instruction booklet, tube label and product safety sheet here.
Yes, Cert. is much safer to use and store than liquid bleach.
Liquid bleach has a pH level of 11-13, compared with Cert.’s level of 6.5 which is close to neutral.
Preparing bleach dilutions can splash and cause chemical burns, bleach clothing and be hazardous to children and pets.
Cert. tablets do not splash, spill or leak and they won’t be left around in messy buckets. This makes Cert. much safer to use than liquid bleach.
There are many factors which cause skin irritation and this can vary from person to person.
Although the dilution level of active ingredient in Cert. is not considered hazardous or corrosive, we recommend you use gloves when using Cert. if you have sensitive skin.
When our product is used according to the instructions, Cert. is safe to use around animals.
However, Cert. is optimised for use on hard surfaces and so we would not recommend spraying Cert. onto pet bedding or toys.
Cert. can be used on food contact areas. However, as a rule, it is advisable to always give the surface a rinse with clean water after treatment. This is advisable for all surface cleaners and not just Cert.
Quality & Testing
Tablets and finished products are tested and checked for compliance by our Quality Control Team. The manufacturing processes are developed and monitored under strict quality Standards such as ISO 9001:2008, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and British Retail Consortium (BRC) and USA Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Consumer Products Standard.
Each of our chlorine tablets have passed one or all of the following EN tests, please refer to individual products for tests passed for that product or contact us.
EN 1276, EN 13697, EN 1650, EN 13704, EN 14476, EN 1040, EN 1275
Leading independent experts from across Europe have tested Cert. in a variety of conditions. These include Dr Jochen Steinmann of the highly respected Dr. Brill +Partner, GMBH, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. He has certified that Cert. effectively destroys all enveloped viruses in one minute, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
See Dr Jochen Steinmann's Report HERE
The strain used was modified vaccinia virus Ankara, the legally nominated and internationally recognised surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, as it is extremely rare that testing can take place on the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Dr. Andrew Kemp PhD, who is a specialist researcher in disinfection and decontamination, carried out rigorous testing on Cert. using the Kemp-Hirschman test for “wet in use” disinfectant products.
At the critical period - 5 minutes after treatment - Cert. killed 100% of the bacteria species used to contaminate the surfaces. The types of surfaces tested were a wooden food chopping board, an alloy metal sink and a man-made high gloss kitchen work top.
Listen to what Dr. Andrew Kemp has to say about Cert. (Audio Clip HERE)
Interviewer: “Do you think it's important to use hospital grade disinfectant in the home?”
Independent Scientific Researcher Dr. Andrew Kemp: “Yes, I do, and the reason for that is there's an increasing amount of evidence showing a link between antibiotic resistant bacteria and disinfectant resistant bacteria. The inappropriate and poor stewardship of [traditional] disinfectants in the home may in fact increase the number of resistant bacteria that we see. So using hospital grade disinfectants that are stronger and more active that should reduce the chances of that occurring”
Cert. complies with The UK Health Security Agency's (formally known as 'Public Health England') cleaning principles on how to keep potentially contaminated and frequently touched hard surfaces COVID-19 free.
UK Health Security Agency (Public Health England) are very clear about what can destroy COVID-19 outside of a healthcare setting. They say three key things:
1 – A combined detergent disinfection solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine (ppm av.cl.).
Cert. delivers this requirement and has been tested and proven.
2 - Follow manufacturers instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants.
This is a specific warning to be careful when mixing detergents and disinfectants, as there is a real risk of creating toxic gases when you mix them together in the wrong does.
Cert. removes this risk and difficulty by delivering a safe combination of the two, with the precise concentration of detergent and disinfectant to make it both safe and effective.
3 - If an alternative disinfectant is used within the organisation ensure that it is effective against enveloped viruses
Most disinfectants on the market don’t actually say that they are effective against enveloped viruses, only bacteria and germs. Guess what? Cert. delivers here too. Cert. has been proven to be effective against enveloped viruses in up to 5 minutes on a surface.
You can see the full guidelines on how to protect hard surfaces against COVID-19 here.
About Us
Born and raised in Billingshurst, West Sussex, Hydrachem is the world’s leading manufacturer of Chlorine (NaDCC) Tablets which we sell in over 60 countries worldwide.
We produce tablets for a wide range of markets from Hospital Disinfection to Water Purification and Baby Bottle Sterilising.
We have been a trusted supplier to the NHS and medical facilities around the globe for nearly 50 years.
By supporting UNICEF, MSF and the WHO, our water purification tablets make 10 billion litres of water safe to drink every year.
We manufacture under our own brands but also contract manufacture own label products for some of the world’s leading brands in the field of professional hygiene.
Learn more in Our Story.
Cert. is manufactured in the UK at our headquarters in Billingshurst, West Sussex.
Hydrachem manufactures the vast majority of the tablets that are used by the NHS via several distributors. We manufacture these tablets on behalf of these distributors under their own label brands, so you may only see those brand names or distributor names appearing on supplier lists.
During the pandemic, we recognised a growing need for our disinfection & cleaning tablets to be available to people at home. People were looking for a reliable and accessible product that would allow them to feel safe and protected from Covid-19 at home.
We decided to make our tablets available to buy at home, and so Cert. was born. They are made with the exact same formula as the tablets used in the NHS and UK hospitals.
Payments & Returns
If you are having difficulty completing checkout, please contact us.
For larger orders, please get in touch with us by emailing help@certcleaning.com
We accept the following payment methods:
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Your order confirmation includes a link to a VAT invoice. If you had an account with us at the time of ordering, you can view VAT in your order history. If you can't find your order confirmation, or are having difficulty finding your VAT invoice. Please contact us.
If your chosen payment method is not being accepted, please contact your payment provider.
Due to the nature of our fulfilment process, we cannot make changes to your order once you have completed checkout. We will of course do our best to accommodate any changes you might need, so please contact us.
If you are not happy with your items, or if you would simply like to return, please contact us here.
View our Returns and Refunds Policy in full
If you have returned something to us and it has been more than 48hrs since we received it, please contact us here.
Shipping
Currently we are only shipping to the UK (including Channel Islands).
We use Royal Mail Tracked 24 for express and Tracked 48 for economy shipments. Orders placed before 2pm using an express service will be dispatched the same day. Orders placed using our standard service are dispatched within 48hrs but in most cases, within 24hrs.
Standard Delivery - Free
Express Delivery - £2.99
You should receive an email when your order is dispatched which includes a tracking link. If you have an account with us, you can login and view your and tracking there. If you don't have an account with us and didn't receive an email, please contact us here.
If delivery is attempted and no one is in to receive it, you should receive a card detailing how to retrieve or package or rebook delivery. If you did not receive a card, please contact us here.
We currently do not ship outside of the UK. If you would like to see Cert. products in your region, please contact us here.
To find out more about how Cert. can help your business, please contact us here.