Legionella Prevention in Hotels

Safety for your guests, protection for your business: In the hotel and restaurant industry, guest trust is the most valuable asset. A key, often unseen aspect of this trust is the impeccable quality of drinking water. Especially in large buildings like hotels, Legionella bacteria pose a serious challenge that goes far beyond technical maintenance issues.

What are Legionella?


In short: Legionella are bacteria that occur naturally in water. They become problematic when they multiply rapidly in artificial water systems – such as showers, air conditioners, or whirlpools – at temperatures between 25°C and 45°C. If these bacteria are inhaled via fine water droplets (aerosols), they can cause severe pneumonia, known as Legionnaires’ disease.

For a detailed overview of the biological background and risks, we recommend our comprehensive article: What are Legionella and how do they form?

Wasserleitungen

The invisible danger: Biofilm in the pipes


Many hotels attempt to combat Legionella bacteria through short-term thermal disinfection (heating the water to over 60°C). The problem: Legionella bacteria often hide in so-called biofilms. These slimy layers on the inner walls of the pipes serve as a protective shield for the bacteria against heat and conventional methods. As soon as the temperature drops, they multiply again – a cycle that is not only risky but also expensive due to the high energy consumption.

Our Path to Long-Term Water Hygiene

    We rely on a holistic service concept to keep your water system permanently safe and legionella-free. Our approach is structured:

    1. Status Quo Analysis (Water Samples):
    The first step is always a professional assessment. We take expert water samples at various sampling points in your hotel.
    2. Testing in the Partner Laboratory:
    These samples are microbiologically tested by our specialized partner laboratory, Hydrolab AG. This provides you with certainty about the actual bacterial contamination in under 48 hours.
    3. Joint Solution Consultation:
    Based on the laboratory results, we will analyze the weaknesses in your system together with you (e.g., dead legs or insufficient circulation).
    4. Implementation of a Sustainable Solution:
    Instead of addressing symptoms only once, we rely on continuous water disinfection with Hydroliq Water Disinfection Plus. Our solution breaks down existing biofilms and reliably prevents their reformation – without altering the taste of the water or damaging the pipes.

Your Advantage: Safety and Cost-Effectiveness


By using Hydroliq, hotels can often lower the high supply temperatures in their hot water systems, leading to a significant reduction in energy costs. At the same time, labor-intensive flushing protocols are largely eliminated. Protect your guests and your reputation with water hygiene that delivers on its promises.

Would you like to have the water quality in your establishment tested? Contact us for a free consultation and learn more about our customized hygiene concepts for the hotel industry.

Disinfection in pig farming

In pig farming, disinfection is much more than just a hygiene measure. It is a central part of the operational routine and makes a decisive contribution to the well-being of the animals and the profitability of the farms. Consistent disinfection reduces the use of antibiotics, strengthens animal health, and improves animal welfare—while also lowering production costs. It also plays a key role in biosecurity, disease prevention, and the avoidance of resistance. Environmentally friendly disinfection solutions make an important contribution to achieving these goals and developing sustainable animal husbandry.

Healthy pigs thanks to clean water


Water quality plays a central role in the success of pig farming. Biofilm can form in water pipes and harbor harmful germs that weaken the animals’ immune systems and lead to health problems and reduced performance.
    Hydroliq WATER DISINFECTION Plus offers an advanced and safe solution:
  • Effective against germs even at low concentrations
  • Breaks down biofilm in pipes and prevents new biofilm from forming
  • Ensures hygienically clean drinking water at all times
  • Effectiveness can be measured directly on site
  • Approved for drinking water, residue-free and environmentally friendly

Clear advantages in all phases of maintenance


Pig farming

In piglet rearing, clean drinking water reduces germ pressure, increases water intake in piglets, stabilizes the intestinal flora, and reduces diarrhea. This relieves the immune system, giving piglets more energy for growth and development. At the same time, feed conversion improves and the use of medication decreases. Increased water intake also reduces heat stress.

During the fattening phase, germ-free water supports stable health and calm animal behavior. The lower germ load strengthens the immune system, promotes even growth, and improves feed conversion. Tasty water not only promotes water intake, but also helps maintain performance under stress or at high temperatures.

During the mating and waiting phase, clean water promotes the health of sows, stabilizes fertility, and improves insemination results. The reduced germ load relieves the immune system, reduces infections, and lowers the use of medication.

During the farrowing phase, a hygienic water supply protects newborn piglets from germ transmission and supports the milk production of sows. A strong immune system ensures healthy piglets and stable litters. Even at high temperatures, milk production and uniform growth of the piglets are maintained.

Reference Schloss Herdern TG


Peter Furger, Operations Manager

“Our piglets had problems with diarrhea during the weaning period, which we attributed to the water quality. We urgently sought a solution that was effective, easy to use, and sustainable.

With Hydroliq, we found such a solution, where the change in water quality was directly measurable and immediately led to improved water intake by the piglets.

Diarrhea during the weaning phase is now a thing of the past, and it is a joy to watch the healthy piglets grow.”

    Other disinfection solutions from Hydroliq


    Hydroliq PROFESSIONAL Plus:
  • Stable disinfection between rotations
  • Application with high-pressure cleaning equipment on all accessible surfaces
  • Also suitable for damp and wet surfaces
  • No 24-hour drying or waiting time
  • Stables can be reoccupied quickly

    • Hydroliq Fogger:

  • Handy device for spray disinfection
  • Fast disinfection of large areas
  • Suitable for farrowing pens, pig igloos, etc.
  • Very fine droplet size
  • Reaches hard-to-reach areas and grooves
  • Uniform and thorough disinfection

    • Hydroliq ANIMAL:
  • Direct application to the animal (skin, mucous membranes, or hooves)
  • Alcohol-free & no burning sensation

    • Hydroliq ANIMAL Plus:
  • Use in liquid feeding of pigs
  • Application after cleaning the feeding system
  • Disinfection of the liquid feed mixer using spray mist
  • Reduction of bacterial contamination in the system
  • Prevents the formation of bacterial colonies in the feed
  • Contributes to hygienic and safe feeding

    • Hydroliq DESINFECTA Plus:
  • Skin-friendly hand disinfection
  • Alcohol-free
  • Dermatologically tested (rated “VERY GOOD”)
  • Suitable for regular use

Sustainable disinfection of livestock barns

A hygienic and clean barn environment is the basis for healthy animals and successful livestock farming. With Hydroliq’s sustainable disinfection solutions, this can be achieved easily, safely, and effectively. Discover how professional barn cleaning with Hydroliq products works and why they are the best choice for your animals, your employees, and the environment.

Why is it so important to disinfect barns regularly?


Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables is an important part of agricultural practices to ensure animal health and welfare. These measures reduce the risk of infection and avoid unnecessary strain on the animals’ immune systems. In certain situations, such as after animal movements or in the event of an epidemic, the barn must be cleaned and disinfected particularly thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease. Otherwise, germs can spread invisibly in barns and endanger new livestock.

As this process is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge, it is best to entrust it to qualified professionals. Professional cleaning companies have the necessary expertise, the right equipment, and are familiar with the applicable norms, safety standards, and environmental requirements. This means you benefit from a clean and hygienic stable, reliable documentation, and maximum safety, while also having more time to devote to other operational tasks.


Steps for professional cleaning of stables with Hydroliq products


    Preliminary cleaning and disassembly
    First, the housing is cleaned to remove coarse dirt such as feathers, eggs, or litter residue. At the same time, the system components and covers are removed so that all surfaces are accessible.
    (This step is usually performed by the owner.)

    Preliminary disinfection by fogging (Recommandation)

    Pre-disinfection is a safety measure for owners and cleaning staff that serves to significantly reduce the microbial load before the actual cleaning process. In addition, it considerably reduces the risk of infection for people. Thanks to a modern nebulization technique using a Hydroliq disinfectant solution, even hard-to-reach areas are evenly moistened.

    Pre-wetting
    Difficult stains are soaked to make them easier to remove in the next step. This step significantly improves the cleaning result.

    Deep cleaning
    This specific step is crucial for the final result. Only a perfectly clean surface allows the foam to adhere optimally and take full effect.

    Foaming
    All surfaces—ceilings, walls, floors, and fixtures such as display cases, feeders, and drink troughs-are completely covered with foam. The foam dissolves dirt, adheres well, and ensures uniform wetting of all surfaces.

    High-pressure water cleaning
    After the action time, the barn is thoroughly cleaned using only cold water. Thanks to modern high-pressure technology, even hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned thoroughly without damaging surfaces. Important: Residues of cleaning products or dirt particles can reduce or even negate the effect of subsequent disinfection. It is therefore essential to rinse thoroughly with clean water.

    No drying time required

    Hydroliq disinfectant solutions also work on wet surfaces, so there is no need to wait for them to dry completely. This means that animals can return to their premises more quickly and the barn remains unoccupied for less time.

    Spray disinfection

    Targeted disinfection by spraying all surfaces is then carried out using high-pressure cleaning equipment. This method ensures uniform and complete distribution of the solution.

    Final disinfection by fogging

    Finally, a second disinfection by fogging is carried out. This also reaches hard-to-reach areas and ensures complete and lasting disinfection.


Note – Don’t forget the water pipes
For cleaning drinking water pipes, we recommend Hydroliq WATER DISINFECTION Plus. Injecting the solution gradually breaks down the biofilms in the pipes (the speed of breakdown depends on the condition of the pipes). After rinsing, the solution can be injected continuously, relieving the animals’ immune systems even during operation.

Hydroliq Schema Wasserdesinfektion

Conclusion: sustainable hygiene in barns is worthwhile


With Hydroliq products and professional cleaning, you create the ideal conditions for healthy animals, hygienic breeding conditions, and sustainable operation of your farm. Hydroliq focuses on sustainable technology, ease of use, and maximum safety for people, animals, and the environment.

Personalized advice is a matter of course for us. In collaboration with our experienced service partner Purwatec AG we provide expert advice on all matters relating to disinfecting livestock housing and tailor measures to your requirements and the desired area of application. We present you with recommended products and possible equipment solutions. Call us at: 041 259 90 00 or send us an email at: info@hydroliq.com

Our service partner for cleaning and disinfecting stables:

Purwatec AG
Marktstrasse 30
9244 Niederuzwil
071 911 79 90
info@purwatec.ch
www.purwatec.ch

Our disinfectant solutions pass the sporicide test

We are delighted that our disinfectant solutions have successfully passed the demanding sporicide test. This means that our products are now officially classified as sporicidal and offer comprehensive protection in addition to their bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties. This is particularly noteworthy as alcohol-based disinfectants are not able to eliminate spores. Bacterial spores are particularly important in the medical sector and in the food industry. Our innovation therefore represents a significant advance in hygiene and infection control, as it makes it possible to combat even the most resistant pathogens.

What are spores?


Spores are microscopically small permanent forms of bacteria. Bacteria-forming spores (so-called endospores), such as those of Bacillus and Clostridium species, develop under unfavorable conditions such as heat, cold, dehydration and lack of food to ensure the survival of the bacteria. They are often found in soil, water and the intestines of animals and humans. These spores consist of a robust outer shell (exosporium), a thick protective layer (cortex) and a central core. They are characterized by extreme resilience and longevity, as they can survive for years in a dormant state and become active under favourable conditions. These properties pose a particular challenge for disinfection.

Clostridium difficile


Our positive sporicide test is particularly important in the fight against Clostridium difficile, a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. Clostridium difficile is characterized by a thick cell wall, which turns purple in the Gram stain, and grows exclusively in the absence of oxygen. It forms heat- and chemical-resistant spores and produces toxins (toxin A and toxin B) that cause diarrhea and intestinal inflammation (colitis). It is often responsible for nosocomial infections, which occur mainly in hospitals and care facilities and are usually transmitted fecal-orally through contaminated surfaces, hands or medical equipment. Clostridium difficile can occur particularly after antibiotic therapy that disrupts the normal intestinal flora. In severe cases, specific antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin or even stool transplants are required. Our disinfectant solutions now offer an effective weapon against this dangerous bacterium by destroying the resistant spores and thus preventing the spread and infection.

Conventional methods for spore control


Compared to our disinfectant solutions, all conventional methods of spore control (disinfection and sterilization) have considerable disadvantages:
  • Autoclaving with steam under pressure at 121°C for 15-20 minutes is a very effective sterilization method against all types of spores, but is not suitable for heat-sensitive materials.
  • Chemical disinfectants such as peracetic acid, formaldehyde and bleach are flexible and effective, but require safety precautions, a longer exposure time and can damage materials.
  • Ionizing radiation (gamma or X-rays) is highly effective, even in hard-to-reach areas, but is expensive and requires special equipment.
  • UV radiation uses ultraviolet light for disinfection, is easy to use and leaves no residue. However, its effectiveness is significantly impaired by shadow areas, changing distances, irregular surfaces and speeds. It is also time-consuming and costly to use and poses risks to eyes and skin.
  • Low-temperature plasma uses ionized gases and is gentle on heat-sensitive materials, but is expensive and requires special equipment.
Our disinfection method offers an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative that requires no contact time, leaves no residue, requires no special protective measures and is easy to use.

Conclusion


With the successful classification of our disinfectant solutions as sporicidal, we are setting new standards in hygiene. Our products not only offer comprehensive protection against bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens, but also eliminate stubborn bacterial spores that often cannot be completely destroyed using conventional methods. This is particularly important in sensitive areas such as medicine and the food industry, where spores can pose a considerable risk. Our sporicidal disinfectants are characterized by their environmental compatibility and ease of use. They leave no harmful residues and require no special precautions, making them a practical and safe choice for comprehensive infection control. We are proud to be able to make an important contribution to improving hygiene and safety in various areas of application.

Claw disinfection – prevention & care

Hoof disease is a serious problem in livestock farming that can affect both animal welfare and farm productivity. An important measure to prevent claw diseases is hoof disinfection, a process that is underestimated but crucial to maintaining animal health.

Why is disinfecting the hooves important?

The importance of disinfection goes far beyond mere cleanliness – it contributes significantly to reducing the use of antibiotics, promotes animal health, improves animal welfare and reduces production costs by maintaining a healthy livestock population. Hooves are of central importance for the mobility and well-being of livestock. Hoof diseases such as hoof rot, thrush or Mortellaro (dermatitis digitalis) can have serious consequences. Not only do they cause pain and suffering to the animals, they can also lead to lameness, which restricts freedom of movement and reduces feed intake and productivity. In addition, animals with claw diseases are more susceptible to infections and other health problems.



Prevention is the key

Disinfection is an important part of a comprehensive hoof care program. Here are some best practices for preventing claw disease:
  • Regular checks: In order to detect signs of claw disease at an early stage, regular examination of each animal’s hooves is essential. This enables timely treatment and prevents problems from worsening.
  • Stable hygiene: Clean and dry lying areas and regularly cleaned walkways are important to prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause hoof diseases.
  • Hoof disinfection: Disinfecting the hooves is an important step in preventing hoof diseases. Regular disinfection can reduce potentially harmful bacteria and fungi that can lead to infections. At the same time, the healing process is supported. For this purpose, the use of a hoof washing system has proven its worth.



Hydromac HC1000

The Hydromac HC1000 is a pioneering hoof washing system that cleans and disinfects the hooves of livestock efficiently and sustainably. The simple operation, low-noise operation and high pressure force guarantee thorough cleaning. A powerful dosing pump ensures precise and effective disinfection after cleaning by spraying the hooves in a targeted manner to ensure even protection against diseases and prevent infections. The Hydromac HC1000 hoof washer not only facilitates hoof care, but also supports overall animal health by promoting healthy hooves and creating a barrier against potential pathogens. Healthy hooves are the basis for successful milk and meat production.

Unlike conventional disinfectant solutions, Hydroliq tackles the causes and not the symptoms. Hydroliq does not contain alcohol or synthetic additives and does not cause claw burning. Hydroliq does not require a hazard warning, is harmless to the animals and the development of resistance is virtually impossible. In addition, the Hydromac HC1000 is compatible with all milking robots (DeLaval, Lely, GEA, BouMatic, etc.). After just a short time, the animals’ hooves are significantly cleaner than before.

Particularly with Mortellaro wounds, significant improvements can be observed after using Hydroliq Animal Pro. The wounds begin to heal, the cows are no longer lame and can put weight on their hooves again. By using Hydroliq, the herd remains free of new infections with Mortellaro as long as no new infected animals are added.

The advantage of a hoof washing system with Hydroliq over a hoof bath is that each animal is sprayed with fresh solution in a hoof washing system. In a hoof bath, on the other hand, the water is not changed after each animal. This can impair the effect of the disinfection and, in the worst case, even have a counterproductive effect.



The importance of regular hoof care

In addition to prevention, regular hoof care is also important. This includes regular trimming of the hooves to promote healthy hoof growth and avoid excessive pressure on individual areas.

Overall, hoof disinfection is an important part of hoof health in farm animals. By applying good prevention and care practices, livestock farmers can help reduce the incidence of claw disease and promote the welfare of their animals. Ultimately, good claw health not only contributes to the quality of life of animals, but also to the efficiency and profitability of farms.

Let our partner in the livestock sector advise you:



Hofstetter Melktechnik GmbH Brunnwil 3b
5637 Beinwil / Freiamt
Switzerland
056 670 21 12

info@hofstetter-melk.ch

Disinfection in hospitals

In no other place is disinfection as important as in hospitals. With our products, we are already active in many areas here. From now on, we also supply the so-called “smock bottle” for all staff – from nurses to doctors. This ensures safety for both patients and employees. And of course, the bottle also fits into any handbag and your travel luggage.

Hydroliq CAR

Through air conditioning, cars are often laden with viruses, bacteria, and even fungi. Hydroliq CAR offers the solution: Our substance is dispersed through a device, eradicating 99.99 percent of all undesirable “passengers” and odors in the interior and within the air conditioning system.

Thanks to our unique hygiene technology, Hydroliq CAR, unlike conventional disinfectants, leaves no corrosive and/or toxic residues for the user and/or the environment. Impress your customers with a freshly disinfected vehicle – whether at car dealerships, in taxi services, within logistics companies, and beyond.