Getting Started - Mixing & Storing River Refresh Hypochlorous

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

Thank you for purchasing River Refresh.
Welcome to the River Refresh community.

Fresh HOCl. Made Simple. Our patent-pending Activation Packets™ let you activate fresh hypochlorous acid (HOCl) directly in the bottle—no machine required and no uncertainty with premixed solutions.

This guide helps you mix correctly, store properly, use safely, and get full value from every River Refresh bottle.

Control Freshness. Trust Performance.™


Table of Contents

Mixing Your Solution

Drop. Fill. Swirl. Fresh in a Flash™.

Follow these steps to activate your River Refresh solution at its intended concentration and pH for expected performance from every bottle.

Use only the matching opaque, BPA-free River Refresh bottle. For example, pair a 16 oz Activation Packet™ with a 16 oz River Refresh bottle. Do not use bottles that previously held other products, as trace residue can affect the formula.

  • DROP: Drop the Activation Packet™ whole into the bottle. Do not cut or open the packet.
  • FILL: Fill with distilled water or purified bottled water with no added minerals or electrolytes. See the 1-Ingredient Rule below.
  • SWIRL: Secure the sprayer and swirl or gently shake for 30 seconds to activate.

The 1-Ingredient Rule: Flip your water bottle over and check the ingredient list. It should list only Distilled Water or Purified Water. If the label includes minerals, electrolytes, magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, or “added for taste,” it is not a match.

Avoid: Tap water, filtered water, spring water, mineral water, alkaline water, and electrolyte water.

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. You can transfer some into the River Refresh travel bottle included with your Starter Kit.

Freshness without the hassle. River Refresh lets you activate fresh HOCl in 30 seconds—no machines and no questionalble premixed solutions.

Refilling Your Bottle

Your River Refresh bottle is designed for repeat use. When the bottle is empty, remove the used Activation Packet™ and discard it immediately. Then repeat the same process: drop in a new Activation Packet™, fill with distilled water or purified bottled water, secure the sprayer and swirl or gently shake for 30 seconds.

Discard used Activation Packets™ immediately as they may pose a choking hazard for children or pets.


Storage

Freshly activated HOCl offers peak performance. To help maintain that performance, store your River Refresh 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 kit or refill includes a second Activation Packet™, keep the pouch sealed and store it 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 its performance weakens based on exposure to UV light, air and heat.

When mixed correctly and stored properly, your River Refresh solution is expected to maintain its full formulation for about 30 days after activation.

If the bottle is left in direct sunlight, a hot car, or high heat for an extended time, mix a fresh bottle for best performance.


Important Safety Notes

Do not mix River Refresh with other products. Never mix, combine, or use this solution at the same time as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, essential oils, fragrances, or other cleaning products.

Allow surfaces to fully dry before using another cleaning product in the same area.

River Refresh is not intended to be swallowed.

Safe for use on eyelids and surrounding skin when used as directed. Avoid spraying directly into the eyes. If direct eye contact occurs, rinse with water.

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

Keep small travel bottles out of reach of children and pets, as they may also pose a choking hazard.


Quick Questions

Need a quick answer? See common questions on setup, water, storage, refill, and safety.

View Quick Questions

 

Do I remove or open the Activation Packet™? No. Place the packet whole into the bottle. Do not cut, open, empty, or remove the packet until the bottle is empty and ready to refill.

What kind of water should I use? For best results, use distilled water. If distilled is unavailable, use store-bought purified water. Check the ingredient list—it should say only distilled or purified water with no added minerals or electrolytes.

What purified bottled water can I use? Look for bottled water labeled Purified Water. The ingredient list should say only purified water, with no added minerals or electrolytes. Some store-brand purified waters may work, but always check the label before mixing.

What bottled water should I avoid? Avoid anything labeled Spring, Mineral, Alkaline, or Electrolyte water. If the label lists ingredients like magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, or "minerals for taste," it will interfere with the HOCl performance.

Can I use tap water or a Brita filter? No. Tap water and home-filtered water may contain minerals or dissolved substances that can compromise fresh HOCl and reduce performance. Use distilled water or purified bottled water with no added minerals or electrolytes.

Can I pour the solution into another bottle? Yes, but only use a clean, opaque, BPA-free bottle (like the River Refresh travel bottles). Clear bottles allow UV light to weaken the solution, and residue from old cleaners can ruin the formula.

Where should I store my bottle? In a cool, dark place. Avoid windowsills, hot cars, or near your stovetop. While River Refresh is made to go with you in a gym bag or purse, try not to leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods.

How do I refill my bottle? When empty, dispose of the used packet, insert a new Activation Packet™, fill with distilled or purified water, and shake. Always dispose of used packets immediately to keep them away from children and pets.

How long does River Refresh last after mixing? When mixed correctly and stored properly, River Refresh is expected to maintain strong performance for at least 45 days after activation. Heat, UV light, air exposure, and the wrong water can shorten performance life.

What if the sealed sachet opens and loose beads are in the bottle? This is unusual, but if it happens, do not spray the solution. Loose beads may clog the sprayer and should be kept away from children and pets. Discard the solution, rinse the bottle thoroughly, remove and rinse the spray tube, then reattach the sprayer and start over with a new Activation Packet™.

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


Learn More About Using HOCl

Want to explore more ways to use freshly activated hypochlorous acid? Visit the Refresh Lab for simple guides on skin, pets, surfaces, oral care, and daily routines.

For more product and usage questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.


Share Your River Refresh Tips

We love hearing how River Refresh fits into your daily routine. From everyday surfaces to on-the-go use, your tips may help other River Refreshers get more from their bottles.

Leave a comment below and share how you use River Refresh.

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