Getting Started - Mixing & Storing River Refresh Hypochlorous

March 4, 2026|Marc Patterson

River Refresh getting started guide for mixing, storing, refilling, and safely using fresh HOCl

Welcome to River Refresh.

Fresh HOCl. Made Simple. Our patent-pending Activation Packet™ system lets you activate fresh hypochlorous acid (HOCl) directly in your River Refresh bottle—no machine required.

Whether you're using River Refresh for skincare, pet care, oral care or surface cleaning, the activation process is the same. This guide covers mixing, storage, refilling and safety.

Table of Contents

Mixing Your Solution
Storage
How Long It Lasts
Important Safety Notes
FAQs
More Ways to Use HOCl

Mixing Your Solution

Drop. Fill. Swirl. Fresh in a Flash™.

Follow these steps to activate your River Refresh.

Use one Activation Packet™ per batch, and match the packet size to the bottle size. For example, one 16 oz Activation Packet™ makes one 16 oz bottle. If your product includes two 16 oz Activation Packets™, prepare them as two separate 16 oz batches for a total of 32 oz.

DROP: Drop the Activation Packet™ into the bottle. Do not cut or open the packet.
FILL: Fill with purified or distilled water. See the 1-Ingredient Rule below.
SWIRL: Secure the top of the bottle and swirl for 10 seconds to activate.

Water Options for HOCl Mixing

Water is a key part of the HOCl formulation. For best results, start with water that is as close to pure H₂O as possible, without added minerals or electrolytes.

Purified or Distilled Bottled Water: Preferred. Check the ingredient list—it should list only Purified Water or Distilled Water. Avoid bottled water with additional ingredients such as minerals, electrolytes, magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, or ingredients “added for taste.”

Filtered Tap Water: A better alternative to untreated tap water, but purified or distilled water is preferred.

Tap Water: Not recommended because mineral content can vary and may interfere with the HOCl formulation.

3-step River Refresh graphic showing how to mix and activate fresh HOCl by dropping the packet, filling with water, and swirling to activate

Your solution is now freshly activated and ready to use.

Refilling Your Bottle

Your River Refresh bottle is designed for repeat use. When the bottle is empty, remove and discard the used Activation Packet™.

To refill, use one Activation Packet™ that matches your bottle size, fill with distilled water or purified bottled water, secure the top of the bottle and swirl for 10 seconds.

Discard used Activation Packets™ immediately and keep them away from children and pets, as they may pose a choking hazard.

Storage

To help maintain the performance of your freshly activated River Refresh, store the bottle in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat.

Limit exposure to heat, UV light, and air.

Heat: Avoid hot cars, garages, and areas near cooktops.
UV Light: Keep out of direct sunlight and away from windowsills.
Air: Keep the bottle sealed when not in use.

If your Starter Kit or Refill includes a second Activation Packet™, keep it sealed in its pouch and stored in a cool, dry place with low humidity until you are ready to activate your next bottle.

Learn why freshness matters for HOCl performance.

How Long It Lasts After Mixing

Freshly activated HOCl does not expire, but it loses strength based on exposure to heat, UV light and air—including the air introduced into the bottle during normal use.

When mixed correctly and stored properly, use your River Refresh within 30 days of activation for best performance.

If the bottle is exposed to direct sunlight or high heat for an extended period, mix a fresh bottle for best performance.

Important Safety Notes

Do not mix River Refresh with other products. Never add bleach, ammonia, vinegar, essential oils, fragrances, cleaners, or other ingredients to your River Refresh bottle.

Do not cut or open the Activation Packet™. If a packet opens or becomes damaged, discard the solution, rinse the bottle thoroughly, and start again with a new Activation Packet™.

Dispose of used Activation Packets™ immediately. Keep new and used packets away from children and pets, as they may pose a choking hazard.

Use River Refresh only as directed for the specific product and application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setup, water, storage and safety.

View FAQs

Do I remove or open the Activation Packet™? No. Place the Activation Packet™ directly into the bottle. Do not cut, open or empty the packet.

What water should I use? Purified or distilled water is preferred for HOCl mixing. See Water Options for HOCl Mixing above for more details.

Can I use tap or filtered water? Tap water is not recommended because mineral content can vary and may interfere with the HOCl formulation. Filtered tap water is a better alternative, but purified or distilled water is preferred.

Can I pour the solution into another bottle? Yes. Use a clean, opaque, BPA-free bottle that has not previously held another product. Some River Refresh Starter Kits include travel-size bottles specifically for this purpose. Clear bottles allow greater UV exposure, and residue from other products can affect the formulation.

Where should I store my bottle? Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the bottle sealed when not in use.

How long does River Refresh last after mixing? HOCl loses strength based on exposure to heat, UV light and air. When mixed correctly and stored properly, use your River Refresh within 30 days of activation for best performance.

What if the Activation Packet™ opens and loose beads are in the bottle? Do not use the solution. Discard it, rinse the bottle thoroughly and start again with a new Activation Packet™. Keep loose beads away from children and pets.

Looking for questions about your specific product? Visit our FAQ Page for skincare, pet care, oral care and surface cleaning.

Still have questions? Visit our Say Hello page to contact our team.