Tips And Tricks To Prevent QUAT Bindings

Quat binding has been an issue for years, ever since disinfectants containing quaternary aluminum chloride—referred to as quats—were introduced. However, it has only been in the past few years that we have learned what happens to quat disinfectants when they are used for cleaning and disinfecting.

What Do You Mean By Quat Binding?

According to experts, quat binding happens when quaternary ammonium compounds make direct contact with materials, such as cotton, that inactivate or impair the germ-killing performance (especially of disinfectants).

The basic science behind it is that the positively charged quats are attracted to and then absorbed by the negatively charged cotton cleaning cloths or mops being used for cleaning. If the cleaning cloth or mop is left submerged in the quats for 10 minutes, it can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant by up to 50 percent. So QUAT binding leads to improper cleaning procedures.

What Should Be Avoided While Cleaning?

Generally, people let a rag and/or cloth to sit in a disinfectant solution prior to cleaning a surface. This is not the best practice. When a rag is left to sit in a disinfectant solution, quats bind to the cloth and are never released.

Why Do You Think Quat Binding Is Dangerous?

As you know that quat binding occurs positively charged quats are attracted to and then absorbed by the negatively charged. This occurrence causes a reduction in the efficiency of the disinfectant. In simple words, the disinfectant is no longer performing at the efficacy you’d typically expect and is NONCOMPLIANT with EPA manufacturer usage instructions.

Moreover, quat binding reduces the efficacy of the disinfectant by reducing the parts per million (ppm). When the concentrate of quats is reduced, the disinfectant doesn’t effectively remove and/or destroy germs from the surface.

Pathogens (germs that cause disease) that were not totally eradicated from the surface may start producing microorganisms resistant to the disinfectant.

What Are Tips And Tricks To Prevent Quat Binding?

#1 You Must Review Your Cleaning Procedure

This is one of the best ways to prevent quat binding. When you review your cleaning procedure, make sure that you do not let the mop or cloth sit in the container with a disinfectant solution for a longer time. If you are following the old common practices, then it is time to change your cleaning procedure.

#2 Follow Dip & Wipe Cleaning Procedure To Avoid Quat Binding

A cloth is dipped into a disinfectant solution, wrung out, and applied to the surface.

This Dip and wipe procedure will initially reduce the chance of quat binding, but over time the rag will still begin to absorb QUATS from the disinfectant solution. So in such a situation, you can change the cleaning cloth. Don’t let your cloth sit in the container of disinfectant.

#3 The Best Way To Prevent Quat Binding - SPRAY AND WIPE

Spray and wipe is considered the best cleaning practice. Why? The disinfectant is applied directly to the surface, allowed to dwell, and then wiped away. This method eliminates the potential for quat binding.

#4 Make Use Of A Non-Woven Wiper or Single-Use Disposable Cloth

Whenever you are using the quat based disinfectant for cleaning the surfaces, make sure you are using a cleaning tool that has no charge. Generally, the best cloth would be non-woven wipers that do not carry a charge and are safe to use with quat disinfectants. Yet another best alternative to avoid quat-binding is a single-use, disposable cloth.

How Do I Know if Quat Binding is Occurring?

Quat binding is not visible to the eye.

You will not be able to determine if quat binding is occurring just by looking at your rag or surface. There are no clear signs or signals to alert you if and when quat binding begins.

The best way to determine if quat binding is happening is to test the quat activity with a quat strip. Quat strips test to make sure the disinfectant solution has the proper ppm.

Increase quat concentration to compensate for deactivation and absorption factors. Use test strips to assess quat levels during the process.

• For non-floor surfaces, use a squirt bottle rather than sprayer to avoid aerosolizing. Soak a cotton cloth and apply the solution liberally, evenly and directly to the surface.

• Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and long-sleeve shirts. Use good ventilation to avoid inhaling airborne chemicals.

Summary:

Using the right commercial cleaning supplies and tools can help reduce germs and the spread of illness throughout your facility. You can take the help of chemical professionals or experts who can guide you in choosing the right disinfecting product to keep your facility and its occupants safe.