FreeBact® Water
What is the difference between FreeBact® Water Extreme and FreeBact® Water Tank 50–250 L?
It is completely understandable that the difference may seem a little unclear, as both products can be used for a freshwater tank in a motorhome.
Both products work to disinfect freshwater tanks, but they differ in handling, shelf life, and the tank size they are best suited for.
Brief difference between the products
FreeBact® Water Extreme is the easiest to use because it is already pre-mixed. You do not need to mix two bottles before use. One bottle is enough for up to 100 liters of water, and the 2-pack is enough for a total of 200 liters.
It is very suitable if you want to disinfect the tank before the start of the season, during the season, or before winter storage. The product helps keep the tank, hoses, and faucets free from biofilm, bacteria, viruses, and bad odors. It leaves no taste and is approved as a drinking water additive by the Swedish Food Agency.
The shelf life is at least 2 years in an unopened bottle. The product should be stored in the dark and preferably cool, ideally in the refrigerator, 2–8 °C, to extend its shelf life. It remains active as long as the solution is yellow.
FreeBact® Water Tank 50–250 L is a 2-component product. This means that two bottles are mixed before use. It is available for different tank sizes, with 50–250 liters being our smallest Tank variant.
The advantage of the Tank product is that it has a very long shelf life, 8 years, as long as the bottles are unmixed and unopened. It does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, but like all products, it should be stored in the dark and protected from direct sunlight.
Which one should you choose?
It mainly depends on how large your freshwater tank is.
If you have a tank of up to 100 liters and want the easiest solution, we recommend FreeBact® Water Extreme.
If you have a larger tank, or want a product with an extra-long shelf life that can stay in the motorhome, boat, or storage room for a long time, we recommend FreeBact® Water Tank 50–250 L.
For a freshwater tank in a motorhome, both are suitable products, but if you tell us approximately how many liters your tank holds, we can recommend exactly which variant is best suited for you.
How much water can I treat with FreeBact® Water?
There are products for every need; our smallest bottle is sufficient for 15 litres and our largest for 10 m3 of water. We also have a dosing solution, i.e., continuous dosing into water systems.
How long does water remain potable after treatment with FreeBact® Water?
If the water container is sealed with a lid and not opened, the water remains disinfected.
As soon as you open the lid, a new process of contamination begins (which is everywhere). Disinfection with our products is instantaneous, i.e. there is no long-term effect. How long the water remains drinkable therefore depends on the tank it is stored in and how it is sealed.
It is preferable to disinfect the water only at the time it is to be used, as it is quick and leaves no taste or smell. Xinix products also do not leave harmful residues, something that chlorine-based products do. The only residue is *barely measurable *common salt.
Does FreeBact® Water affect the minerals in well water?
No, Xinix products do NOT remove minerals from the water.
Does FreeBact® Water affect the gut flora?
Our products do not affect the intestinal flora at all. The great thing about them is that you DO NOT ingest any chemicals whatsoever.
Simply put, chlorine dioxide reacts with microorganisms in the water, but then the active substance as such is consumed.
The only residue you have left is barely measurable amounts of salt. This is in contrast to chlorine, which you dissolve in the water and then ingest.
FreeBact® Surface
Can FreeBact® Surface be used for disinfection in the case of Hantavirus?
Yes, FreeBact® Surface is designed for the disinfection of all types of surfaces. In the event of concerns about hantavirus, it is important to focus on surfaces, spaces, and objects that may have been contaminated by rodents, for example through droppings, urine, or saliva.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are normally transmitted from rodents to humans. In Sweden, the known variant is associated with rat fever, while the current international outbreak in May 2026 involves Andes virus, a more serious variant that has received media attention. The Public Health Agency of Sweden is monitoring the situation and currently assesses the risk of widespread transmission to be low.
FreeBact® Surface can be used as part of good hygiene and surface disinfection, but should not replace the recommendations of the authorities in the event of a suspected risk of infection, contamination, or contact with rodents.
Last updated: May 2026
Can FreeBact® Surface be used on the hands?
FreeBact® Surface is intended for surface disinfection and should not be used as a hand disinfectant. Skin disinfection is covered by a separate biocidal category, PT1.
But isn't the hand also a surface?
Yes, in everyday language. But according to EU biocidal legislation, a distinction is made between surface disinfection (PT2) and the disinfection of human skin (PT1).
Use and product selection
What can FreeBact® be used for?
We are proud to present this list - as you can see, our products are used in most areas:
BOATS & YACHTS
• Water system cleaning: Disinfection of water tanks and kitchen areas.
• Surface cleaning: Cleaning of decks and prevention of mould and algae growth.
• Disinfection of recreational areas: Disinfection of recreational spaces on board.
CAMPING & HIKING
• Water disinfection: Disinfection of water from natural sources (rivers,
lakes).
• Equipment cleaning: Cleaning of camping equipment, tools and
water containers.
• Safe drinking water: Ensuring safe drinking water during
outdoor activities.
• Outdoor surface cleaning: Cleaning of outdoor surfaces, such as picnic tables.
CATERING & FOOD
• Disinfection of kitchen utensils: Disinfection of kitchen utensils and tools.
• Product cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection of fruit, vegetables, meat and
other raw materials.
• Surface cleaning: Disinfection of food preparation surfaces and storage areas.
• Disinfection of processing equipment: Disinfection of equipment for
meat, seafood, and poultry.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
• Disinfection of office equipment: Disinfection of keyboards, desks
and office furniture.
• Surface cleaning: Cleaning of door handles, chairs, and other high-contact surfaces
in offices.
• Sanitisation of common areas: Disinfection of shared equipment and
common areas.
• Cleaning of toilets and elevators: Disinfection of toilets and elevators in
office buildings.
FISH FARMING & AQUACULTURE
• Tank cleaning: Disinfection of fish farming tanks and aquaculture systems.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm from water pipes and tanks.
• Cleaning of processing facilities: Ensuring clean water in
fish processing plants.
AVIATION
• Water system disinfection: Disinfection of water tanks, pipes, and hoses.
• Interior surface cleaning: Disinfection of surfaces inside aircraft.
• Nozzle cleaning: Disinfection of nozzles in aircraft.
• Air conditioning: Disinfection of air conditioning systems in aircraft.
• Surface cleaning: Disinfection of water tanks, interior surfaces, and other
components in aircraft.
HOME
• Drinking water: Disinfection of drinking water when tap water is not safe.
• Surface cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection of kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and other
home environments.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm from water pipes and
storage tanks.
• High-contact areas: Disinfection of high-contact areas, such as
door handles and light switches.
HOTELS
• Cleaning of contact points: Cleaning of door handles and other high-contact surfaces.
• Kitchen cleaning: Disinfection of kitchen equipment, countertops, and utensils.
• Bathroom and shower cleaning: Disinfection of bathrooms and showers.
• Cleaning of public areas: Cleaning of floors and common areas such as the lobby and restaurants.
CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES
• Disinfection of water tanks: Cleaning and disinfection of water tanks.
• Surface cleaning: Cleaning of kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
• Cleaning of compact areas: Disinfection of small spaces and
air conditioning units.
DISASTER & AID ORGANISATIONS
• Water purification in crisis areas: Ensuring clean drinking water in
crisis areas.
• Sanitisation in emergencies: Ensuring sanitation and clean water in
disaster and emergency situations.
• Disinfection of temporary shelters: Cleaning and disinfection of
temporary shelters, aid centres, and common areas.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
• Disinfection of seats and railings: Disinfection of seats, railings, and other
surfaces.
• Sanitisation of contact points: Cleaning of ticket machines, door handles, and
other high-contact surfaces.
• Cleaning of air conditioning systems: Disinfection of
air conditioning systems in buses, trains, and trams.
• Cleaning of stations and waiting areas: Disinfection of waiting areas and
stations.
MUNICIPAL WATER
• Purification of public water systems: Purification processes for public
water systems.
• Wastewater treatment: Disinfection of sewage systems.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm from public
water distribution systems.
CRUISE SHIPS & TANKERS
• Onboard water systems: Disinfection of water systems on cruise ships
and tankers.
• Cleaning of common areas: Cleaning of common areas, kitchens,
bathrooms, pools, and spas.
• Air conditioning: Disinfection of air conditioning systems.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm in onboard water systems.
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
• Laboratory disinfection: Disinfection of laboratories and cleanrooms.
• Equipment sterilisation: Sterilisation of
pharmaceutical production equipment.
• Sterile environment: Ensuring sterile environments in
pharmaceutical production facilities.
MILITARY
• Water purification in the field: Ensuring clean drinking water in the field.
• Sanitisation of field hospitals: Disinfection of field hospitals and military equipment.
• Disinfection of military equipment: Disinfection of military transport and
equipment.
• Water purification during deployment: Disinfection of water sources in operational areas.
POOLS & SPAS
• Pool water disinfection: Disinfection of pool water to ensure
safety.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm from pool walls, pipes, and
shower areas.
• Spa disinfection: Disinfection of spa and sauna areas.
• Maintenance of filtration systems: Prevention of bacterial growth in
pool filtration systems.
RESTAURANTS
• Kitchen cleaning: Cleaning of kitchen counters, floors, and surfaces.
• Disinfection of utensils and equipment: Disinfection of utensils and
kitchen equipment.
• Dining area cleaning: Cleaning of public dining areas, tables, and chairs.
• Refrigerator cleaning: Disinfection of refrigerators and food storage areas.
SCHOOLS & NURSERIES
• Disinfection of toys and surfaces: Disinfection of toys, pacifiers, and child-friendly surfaces.
• Hand and surface cleaning: Disinfection of hands and surfaces in classrooms and play areas.
• Classroom cleaning: Cleaning of classrooms, playrooms, and common areas.
• Bathroom disinfection: Cleaning of bathrooms and shared areas for children.
HOSPITALS
• Disinfection of medical instruments: Disinfection of medical
instruments such as surgical tools.
• Operating room cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection of operating tables and
other surfaces in patient rooms.
• Disinfection of protective equipment: Cleaning of gloves and protective equipment
to eliminate pathogens.
• Surface cleaning: Disinfection of floors, corridors, and other high-contact
surfaces.
• Disinfection of patient rooms: Cleaning of patient rooms, waiting rooms, and common
areas.
• Air conditioning: Disinfection of ventilation and cooling systems to
prevent the spread of airborne diseases.
• Biofilm removal in water systems: Cleaning of water pipes to
eliminate biofilm and prevent bacterial growth.
SPORTS FACILITIES
• Gym equipment cleaning: Disinfection of gym equipment and exercise surfaces.
• Changing room cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection of changing rooms
and showers.
• Disinfection of contact points: Cleaning of benches, mats, weights, and
other frequently touched surfaces.
WATER SYSTEMS
• Disinfection of water tanks: Cleaning and disinfection of water tanks
and reservoirs.
• Cleaning of pipes and hoses: Disinfection of pipes, hoses, and
water storage systems.
• Biofilm removal: Removal of biofilm to ensure safe
water flow.
VETERINARY CLINICS
• Disinfection of animal cages: Disinfection of animal cages and
animal holding areas.
• Sterilisation of veterinary equipment: Sterilisation of veterinary instruments
and equipment.
• Cleaning of clinic surfaces: Cleaning of floors, examination tables, and other surfaces
in clinics.
ADVENTURES & EXPEDITIONS
• Water purification: Ensuring clean drinking water in extreme environments.
• Disinfection of tools and equipment: Disinfection of tools, equipment,
and camping gear.
• Water purification in remote areas: Water purification in remote areas (deserts,
mountains, forests).
Sustainability and safe use
How long does FreeBact® last before and after opening?
Shelf life and storage, unopened bottle:
At least 2 years. Store the product in a dark place and avoid direct sunlight. Best stored coolly, preferably in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C, which extends its shelf life. The product remains active as long as the solution is yellow.
Shelf life, opened bottle:
The product remains active as long as the solution is yellow, but is effective for at least 30 days after opening.
What happens if you accidentally overdose or drink FreeBact® undiluted?
Not harmful if overconsumed. Use our products only according to the instructions on the packaging and for the intended purpose.
If you consume a 1-K product:
There is no danger from an overdose. If you consume a large volume, drink water and contact a doctor.
If you consume a 2-K product:
Drink water and contact a doctor.
Can FreeBact® produce explosive chlorine dioxide gas?
NO.
In the process we use, our premixed product is 99.85% water, and our 2-component product cannot form explosive gas.
Tests, effects and approvals
Is chlorine dioxide approved for the disinfection of drinking water?
Chlorine dioxide is approved within the EU and by the Swedish Food Agency and is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as a disinfectant additive for drinking water, to replace chlorine (which gives rise to carcinogenic by-products).
What tests and certificates show that FreeBact® works?
XINIX has more than 46 scientific studies and tests from world-leading universities and laboratories such as Clancy, Johns Hopkins, London Medical School, the University of Singapore, Michigan State University, among others.
6 EN* standards. A safe disinfection method for eliminating spore-forming bacteria.
Ongoing ISO certifications and additional EN testing.
* EN = European standards are requirements for products, processes, or services to meet the requirement of fitness for a particular purpose, read more here.
What Swedish regulatory requirements apply to chlorine dioxide and FreeBact®?
In Sweden, chlorine dioxide is a drinking water additive approved by the Swedish Food Agency.
Why is older information about Xinix and AquaCare available from the WHO?
WHO page refers to an old 2019 test of a product called AquaCare, manufactured by a former Xinix company that no longer exists. Since then, we have significantly developed and improved our products. We have hired a PhD in chemistry, Dr. Robert Heinrich, who has refined our formula. Our current products – Xinix FreeBact® Water & Surface – are the result of this development and have been tested according to modern standards.
WHO testing procedure involves storing samples at room temperature for up to six months before testing, which is not optimal for our product. Furthermore, too low a dosage was used in the 2019 test. We have contacted WHO several times to have the old information removed, but without success. We plan to submit our improved products for testing when we can ensure that they are stored and used according to our guidelines.
More information is available here: xinix.se/pages/who
FreeBact® Dosage
Are chlorite or chlorate formed when using FreeBact® Dosage?
FreeBact® Water Dosage is based on a closed two-component system where chlorine dioxide is generated in very small volumes directly in a reactor integrated into the facility. It is therefore not produced in bulk or stored, which eliminates the risks of explosivity or leakage. The system is designed for safe operation in buildings and aquatic environments, with built-in interlocks and controls that ensure the correct dosage. Differences between by-products formed by chlorine (Cl₂) and chlorine dioxide (ClO₂):
- When using chlorine (e.g., sodium hypochlorite or chlorine gas), there is a clear risk of forming chlorate (ClO₃⁻), especially when storing hypochlorite solutions over time. Furthermore, chlorine can react with organic matter and ammonium in the water to form unwanted by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and other chlorinated organic compounds.
- When using chlorine dioxide, chlorite (ClO₂⁻) is mainly formed, and chlorate to a lesser extent, but at significantly lower levels than with chlorination. Chlorine dioxide does not produce trihalomethanes or other chlorinated organic by-products. With correct control and dosage, chlorite and chlorate levels remain well below international guidelines.
Please note that our product is manufactured from high-quality raw chemicals of very high purity and that we do not produce chlorine dioxide gas at all. In our closed system, small amounts of solution are generated directly in the reactor on site—never gaseous chlorine dioxide—making the process both safe and controlled.
Chlorine dioxide and the technology behind FreeBact®
What is chlorine dioxide?
Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a highly effective disinfectant against microorganisms, and it is also more environmentally friendly compared to chlorine. See another question below for a comparison.
What is the difference between chlorine dioxide and chlorine?
NO!
Chlorine dioxide (the active ingredient in ALL Xinix products):
- Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a compound, meaning a substance formed by combining two or more different elements.
- You drink NO chemicals! (just a small amount of salt)
- Inactivates ALL viruses, bacteria, and fungi (e.g. E. coli, Salmonella, Legionella, SARS-Covid).
- Inactivates all naked viruses.
- Leaves no taste in the water.
- Low toxicity.
- Leaves no harmful chlorinated organic byproducts.
- Highly effective at different pH levels.
- Causes no harmful organic byproducts.
- A low dose is sufficient.
- Used as a pure component and leaves no isocyanuric acid.
- Kills harmful protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium.
- Shelf life: 1-component solution 2 years, 2-component solution 8 years.
Chlorine
- Chlorine (Cl₂) is an element, meaning a pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.
- Leaves carcinogenic byproducts in the water (trihalomethanes).
- Leaves a strong unpleasant taste – small children may refuse to drink.
- Produces a strong chlorine smell (like in swimming pools).
- Effectiveness is affected by pH levels.
- Causes carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs).
- Chlorinates organic material (e.g. meat).
- Requires a relatively high dose.
- Chlorine-generating tablets accumulate isocyanuric acid in the water.
- Some protozoa (Cryptosporidium) are highly resistant to chlorine.
What are hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite?
Hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite are formed when chlorine is dissolved in water. In alkaline solutions (pH above 7), most of the chlorine is converted to hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite. Hypochlorites are salts of hypochlorous acid. The ratio between the two also depends on the pH level. For example, sodium hypochlorite is often sold in aqueous solution as “chlorine bleach” or “household bleach”.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is formed from chlorine and water according to the following reaction:
Cl₂ + H₂O → HCl + HOCl
Characteristics such as side effects, risks, and effectiveness are summarized in our comparison table under the heading "chlorine".
What is the difference between an element and a chemical compound?
The difference between a compound and an element is like the difference between a recipe and a single ingredient:
- Element: It is a pure substance that consists of only one type of atom. Think of it as a basic building block. For example, chlorine (Cl) is an element, just like oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and gold (Au). Each element has its own type of atom and cannot be broken down into anything simpler.
- Compound: It is a substance formed by combining two or more different elements. It is like mixing ingredients to create a new dish. A compound has different properties from the elements that make it up. For example, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a compound because it is made of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. When these are combined, a new substance is formed with special properties that differ from just chlorine or oxygen alone.
So, while an element is like a single Lego brick, a compound is like building something new with several different Lego bricks together!
What is unique about FreeBact®?
**Xinix has succeeded in stabilizing a GAS, chlorine dioxide (ClO2), into LIQUID form - something previously considered impossible. **
Xinix FreeBact Water & Surface 1-K, i.e. our 1-component product, is unique because it has a very long shelf life: 2 years, when stored cool and dark. An opened bottle then lasts 30 days. Our pre-mixed 1-K product can be used directly.
Even Xinix FreeBact Water 2-K, i.e. our 2-component products, also have an unusually long shelf life: 8 years and should be used within 24 hours after mixing.
Which bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms is chlorine dioxide effective against?
ALL. Even with minimal contact time, chlorine dioxide is very effective against pathogenic organisms such as Legionella, Listeria, Salmonella, amoebic cysts, Giardia cysts, E. Coli, and Cryptosporidium. Since chlorine dioxide destroys biofilm, bacterial regrowth is also inhibited.
How effective is FreeBact® compared to chlorine?
FreeBact® Water** **does not affect the smell or taste of the water and is approx. 5 times as effective as chlorine-based products. Our products do not form bound chlorine compounds/ trihalomethanes, as chlorine-based products do (these are considered carcinogenic).
What concentration do the FreeBact® products have?
**2-K **products (two-component) have <7% sodium chlorite and <9% hydrochloric acid solution. These concentrations are printed on the labels.
There is no simple answer for 1-K products (one-component): Chlorine dioxide is a so-called "radical". As such, the product cannot continuously maintain a constant concentration. The expiration date is the important value here. The product will perform its function when used within the expiration period and according to the instructions. Chlorine dioxide is an effective disinfectant that can eliminate a wide variety of bacteria even at very low concentrations.
During manufacturing, the product may also end up at different concentration levels.