Why SAO: The Science of Stabilized Aqueous Ozone

Science & SAO®

Nature's oxidizer, made stable enough to clean with.

Ozone is one of the most powerful natural oxidizers there is. It's what gives the air that fresh smell after a thunderstorm. The problem has always been that ozone dissolved in water breaks down in minutes, too fast to fill a bottle and use it.

Tersano solved that. Its patented process conditions cold tap water, infuses it with ozone, and stabilizes it so the solution stays effective long after it leaves the dispenser. The result is Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO®): a proven cleaner, sanitizer*, and deodorizer that breaks down soils and inactivates microorganisms*, then reverts to water and oxygen without leaving chemical residue.

No residue also means nothing sticky left behind to re-attract dirt, so surfaces stay cleaner for longer.

Illustration of an ozone-infused water droplet

Patented technology. Proven science.

The Lotus PRO creates SAO by safely infusing tap water with ozone that has been stabilized to extend its usability. SAO is a powerful oxidizer: it reacts with organic matter, breaking down dirt, grease, odors, and microorganisms* into simpler, harmless substances. Then it reverts to water and oxygen, leaving no chemical residue.

H₂O

Cold tap water

The unit connects to a standard cold, potable water line.

SAO cartridge

Pre-treats the water, removing select minerals so the ozone stays stable longer. Works in hard or soft water.

O₃

Ozone infusion

A patent-protected process infuses ozone into the water. Up to 11 liters of SAO per minute.

O₂

Back to nature

After cleaning, SAO reverts to water and oxygen. Nothing to rinse, nothing left behind.

Ordinary aqueous ozone (AO)

Powerful, but gone in minutes

Ozone dissolved in water
Dissipates quickly after it's made
Has to be used right at the tap

Tersano Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO®)

Engineered to stay stable

Up to 24 hours as a disinfectant* (SAO-24 cartridge)
Up to 6 days as a cleaner after dispensing
Fill bottles and buckets and use them all day

Is ozone dangerous? Ozone gas and ozone dissolved in water have very different safety profiles. While ozone gas at high concentrations can be harmful, ozone dissolved in water at controlled levels, like SAO, is widely approved and used in cleaning as a safer alternative to traditional chemicals. SAO is non-toxic, fragrance-free, and needs no special PPE beyond your normal workplace protocols.

Why SAO

One all-in-one system. Five ways it pays off.

The Lotus PRO V9 turns tap water into Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO®): a cleaner, sanitizer*, and deodorizer made on site, on demand. Many sites run it as their only everyday cleaning product and keep one or two chemicals for deep cleans.

Cost savings

Replaces up to 90% of everyday chemicals, cutting purchasing, inventory, and reorders.

↻

Simpler operations

Dispensed ready to use. No measuring, mixing, or batching, and one product to train on.

✦

Healthier spaces

No toxins, fragrances, or residue that reattracts dirt. Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin.

CO₂

Lower footprint

100% biodegradable. On-site generation eliminates single-use plastic bottles and shipping.

▣

Full coverage

Glass, counters, stainless, floors, carpet, upholstery, and odors with one solution.

What it replaces on your shelf

All-purpose cleanersGlass cleanersNeutral floor cleanersStainless steel cleanersCarpet cleanersDeodorizers & air freshenersSanitizers*And more

Backed by science. Proven in practice.

Independent lab tests, certifications, and real-world results.

Tersano's technology has been validated by third-party laboratories and approved or certified by regulators and ecolabels around the world.

99.999%

E. coli, Staph, and Listeria reduction in 30-second lab tests†

90%

of everyday cleaning chemicals replaced*

1B+

liters of chemicals kept out of the environment since 2000

chemical residue, fragrance, or rinse step

Lab results: bacteria

Selected third-party tests on aqueous ozone, 30-second dwell†

Microorganism	Reduction	Dwell	Standard
E. coli	99.999%	30 sec	AOAC 960.09
Staph	99.999%	30 sec	AOAC 960.09
Listeria	99.999%	30 sec	AOAC 960.09
Salmonella	99.9%	30 sec	ASTM E1153

Real-world cleaning: ATP testing

ATP measures organic residue in RLU. Lower is cleaner. Automotive facility, before and after SAO.

Surface	Before	After SAO
Lobby table	622	42
Elevator button	218	8
Cafeteria table	165	2
Women's restroom	147	0
Handrail	122	1

Certifications & approvals

NSFApproved no-rinse solution for food-contact surfaces.

Green SealThird-party certified for efficacy as an industrial cleaning product.

HACCPApproved for food primary zones and spill and splash areas.

FDAOzone, SAO's active ingredient, is authorized as an antimicrobial agent for food processing.

USDA OrganicOzone is on the USDA organic list for food-contact cleaning.

EPA & OSHAAligns with EPA ozone regulations; OSHA compliant, reducing worker chemical exposure.

Dermatologically testedClinically tested and approved for people with sensitive skin (ICC&R).

Health CanadaLotus PRO was Canada's first ozone-generating device approved by the PMRA for safety and efficacy.

LEED v5SAO is specifically recognized by the USGBC as a sustainable cleaning option.

WELLSupports WELL standards for healthier indoor air and occupant wellbeing.

Green KeyOfficial vendor supporting lower chemical use in hospitality.

Tested to standardAOAC 960.09, ASTM E1153, EN 1276, EN 13697, and EN 14476.

†Tersano's pathogen summary is a select list of third-party tests on aqueous ozone, some sponsored by Tersano Inc. Results do not necessarily reflect claims approved by local, regional, or national regulators. ATP results vary by site and use.

How tap water becomes a cleaner, sanitizer*, and deodorizer.