Your ZeroHook C or CB is made from hardened copper or cartridge brass and is hand sanded and finished so that each ZeroHook is as unique as its owner! Copper and Brass are natural materials that react with the oils in your skin as well as the environment, so the aesthetic of your ZeroHook will develop over time, depending on usage, temperature, humidity, etc. You can restore your ZeroHook to its original look using ordinary, natural cleaning materials you probably have around the house. Normal tarnishing or wear of antimicrobial copper and cartridge brass surfaces will not impair the antibacterial effectiveness of the ZeroHook C or CB. Never use hydrogen peroxide or bleach though as that may cause your ZeroHook to oxidize. If your ZeroHook is heavily soiled or greasy, first clean it with soap and water. Otherwise, you can do any of the following.
- Vinegar and salt: mix one tablespoon of table salt with one cup of white vinegar. Rub the mixture onto your ZeroHook or immerse the ZeroHook into the mixture plus three cups of water and bring to a boil. Once the copper is cool, wash with non abrasive soap and water, rinse, and rub with a soft cloth.
- Lemon and salt: Cut a lemon in half, dip the lemon pulp side in salt and rub gently on your ZeroHook.
- Baking soda and lemon juice: combine a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of lemon juice and apply it to your ZeroHook with a cloth.
- Ketchup: Rub some standard issue ketchup on your ZeroHook. Rinse, dry, and you’re good to go.
Remember though, while some of these cleaning solutions do have antimicrobial properties, they shouldn’t be relied on to sanitize your ZeroHook. To sanitize your ZeroHook (including your ZeroHook AMP, C, CB, and all cases) after use you can:
- wash it just like you would wash your hands, at least 20 seconds (30 is better!) with good old soap and water. Soap and water really is the gold standard for good hygiene for your hands and your ZeroHook,
- apply a quarter-size drop of hand sanitizer (at least 60% but not more than 95% alcohol). Rub until dry, don’t wipe off for a few minutes. If your ZeroHook or case is greasy or heavily soiled, you’ll need to clean it off before you use hand sanitizer or it won’t be effective.
You can also boil your ZeroHook C or CB (but not ZeroHook AMP or cases) or in water for 20 minutes. Let cool before use!
The use of a ZeroHook does not replace good hygienic practices. The surface of your ZeroHook may be subject to recontamination and the level of active bacteria at any particular time will depend on the frequency and timing of recontamination and cleanliness of the surface (among other factors). In order for your ZeroHook to have proper antimicrobial effect, the product must be cleaned and maintained according to these directions. Your ZeroHook must not be waxed, painted, lacquered, varnished, or otherwise coated. Routine cleaning to remove dirt and filth is necessary for good sanitation and to assure the effective antibacterial performance of the ZeroHook surface. ZeroHooks that may be exposed to outdoor environmental conditions are not representative of indoor laboratory test conditions, and therefore, may impart reduced efficacy if not cleaned when visibly soiled.
Copper, its alloys and plastic should be disposed of in a responsible manner, including recycling.
