Quat Binding: What You Need to Know Now

Quaternary-based cleaning products, or “quats,” are a popular and effective choice for disinfecting surfaces. However, their efficacy is largely determined by how they are used.

Research has found that quats have a tendency to become attracted to and absorbed into fabrics such as cotton and gauze. This happens because quats are positively charged and attracted to fabric surfaces that are negatively charged. The result is that a portion of the active ingredients in the quat are absorbed, leaving them unavailable for disinfection.1 This phenomenon is referred to as “quat binding.”

To eliminate quat binding, Clorox, manufacturer of Broad Spectrum Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner, recommends using a ready-to-spray quat. The liquid should be left on the surface to meet the required contact time and then wiped off. Because the product is being sprayed directly onto the surface and not a wipe, there is no risk of quat binding. Clorox does not recommend that its quat product be used for cleaning floors.

When applied properly, quats offer a lot of benefits. They’re economical, low-odor, have a long shelf life, are compatible with most surfaces, have a relatively low toxicity and kill a broad spectrum of vegetative bacteria, fungi and viruses with comparatively low contact times.

To learn more about the complete range of Clorox Healthcare products available from Professional Medical, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Reference 
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/disinfection_nov_2008.pdf