In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for sterilizing objects using HOCl (hypochlorous acid). A variety of objects may be sterilized, including cups, plates, utensils, toys, medical equipment, etc., in various embodiments. In one set of embodiments, chloride ions (Cl.sup.−) in water may be reacted using an electric current to produce HOCl. In some cases, there may be sufficient Cl.sup.− in the water such that another source of CF is not required; for example, the water may be tap water containing some Cl.sup.−. In some cases, the water may be acidified to facilitate the production of HOCl, for example, by introducing CO.sub.2 into the water. The production of HOCl may occur relatively quickly, e.g., within a few minutes. This may allow devices to produce water that can be used to sterilize objects quickly and simply.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for sterilizing objects using HOCl (hypochlorous acid). A variety of objects may be sterilized, including cups, plates, utensils, toys, medical equipment, etc., in various embodiments. In one set of embodiments, chloride ions (Cl.sup.−) in water may be reacted using an electric current to produce HOCl. In some cases, there may be sufficient Cl.sup.− in the water such that another source of CF is not required; for example, the water may be tap water containing some Cl.sup.−. In some cases, the water may be acidified to facilitate the production of HOCl, for example, by introducing CO.sub.2 into the water. The production of HOCl may occur relatively quickly, e.g., within a few minutes. This may allow devices to produce water that can be used to sterilize objects quickly and simply.