What is QUATS Binding In Disinfectants?

The housekeeping at your facility may have just properly cleaned all the restrooms with an EPA-registered disinfectant. EPA registration is viewed as an international guide when selecting disinfectants. As instructed, they must have first cleaned all surfaces with a general-purpose cleaner to remove surface soils and then applied the disinfectant. This two-step process is often overlooked in professional cleaning but is necessary to ensure that a floor, countertop, fixture, or toilet is properly disinfected. If this process is followed, administrators can rest assured: They have done their job in keeping their facility clean and healthy.

QUATS - Quaternary Ammonium Compound is an active ingredient and finds its application in a wide range of disinfectants. Disinfectants are used to kill or eradicate several bacterias and viruses. If you use the disinfectants at right/correct dilution, quats present in it effectively remove all the harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. But what would happen if QUAT binding occurs? Will the disinfectant be as effective as earlier? 

When the phenomena of Quat binding occurs, the disinfectant becomes ineffective against germs and bacterias. Quat binding refers to the process in which the positive QUAT charge becomes attracted to and absorbed by the fabrics used for cleaning purposes. The fabrics due to which quat binding can occur are cotton, nonwoven towels, or natural textiles.

 

This happens because quats are positively charged ions and natural textiles are negatively charged. Because of quat binding, there is a reduction in the level of Quat by 50 percent before the disinfectant is applied to the surface. Not only does this reduce the ppm(parts per million) of the quat, but it also makes the disinfectant non-compliant with FDA manufacture usage instructions.

 

When used properly, quat disinfectants can be very effective. But if used incorrectly, quat binding can occur, drastically reducing the cleaning efficacy.

 

Quat binding, also known as quat absorption, is still a relatively new and misunderstood issue in the chemical industry. It is garnering more attention, however, because of its potential to negatively impact cleaning results. 

There are three common ways to apply a disinfectant to a surface.

1. Spray and wipe–This method eliminates quat binding because the disinfectant is directly applied to the surface without the need for a towel. The downsides to this method are that not all surfaces will receive contact, there is a possibility of overspray and inhalation and the reduction of disinfectant contact time.

2. Dip and wipe–A cloth is dipped in the disinfectant for a few seconds and then used. This method can reduce the quat activity in both the disinfectant and the cloth.

3. Soak and wipe–A cloth is soaked in the disinfectant for at least 10 minutes before use. This method, like the dip and wipe, can also reduce the quat activity in both the disinfectant and the cloth.

How To Ensure Whether QUAT binding is occurring or not?

In order to determine whether quat binding is occurring, you can make use of a quat strip which would be helpful in testing the quat activity. First of all, you need to test whether the disinfectant itself is at its correct dilution or not. Only after that, add a cloth to the disinfectant, and after five minutes, remove the cloth and retest the solution. The quat should remain at the same level if quat binding is not occurring. Distributors should be able to offer QUAT strips to their customers and when testing the quat activity, be sure to follow the quat testing procedures.

 

A way to prevent or reduce quat binding is to recognize what types of cleaning tools cause it. Cotton, nonwoven towels, and other natural textiles can reduce the quat level due to its properties. Microfiber or micro denier textiles also reduce quat level, however, is insignificant and should be used over natural textiles. You can also make use of disposable wipes. Disposable wipes are designed to have enough Quat concentration to compensate for quat binding and they also meet EPA requirements as well.