Why QUATS Binding Must Be Prevented?

 

Due to the widespread use of the COVID-19 virus, there has been a rise in the demand for disinfectant, masks and other medical as well as sanitizing equipment. QUAT-based disinfectants are one of the most popular cleaning and disinfecting solutions used for killing virus, bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. 

Why QUAT Based Disinfectants Are So Popular?

A QUAT or quaternary ammonia chloride is a common, highly effective ingredient found in disinfectants. Quats are Cationic (positively charged) ions that disinfect surfaces by binding to the negatively charged membranes of germs to break down their outer cell wall.

When used properly quats are highly effective. When used with the wrong cleaning tools, quat disinfectants become less effective and the disinfecting that you think is killing bacteria is not actually happening, even when you’re using the right dilution ratio.

 

How Does Quat Binding Occur?

QUAT binding occurs due to improper cleaning procedures. The binding takes place when the positive QUAT- ions get attracted and absorbed by the negatively charged cleaning rags or cloth. The process is not at all desirable because it reduces the cleaning or disinfecting efficiency of the quat based disinfectant/cleaning solutions.

Generally, while cleaning the surfaces, people let the rags or cloth sit in the solution and then use it to clean. But this is not considered as a best practice. When you leave the rag to sit in a disinfectant solution, quats binding occurs (due to the negative ion present in cloth). The positive QUAT ions are not released by the cloth to attract the negatively charged membranes of the microorganisms present on the infected surface.

Why Is QUAT Binding Considered Dangerous?

When quat binding occurs the disinfectant is no longer performing at the efficacy, you’d typically expect and is NON-COMPLIANT with EPA manufacturer usage instructions.

Quat binding drastically reduces the efficacy of the disinfectant by reducing the parts per million (ppm). When the concentrate of quats are 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 be producing microorganisms resistant to the disinfectant.

How To Prevent QUAT Binding?

In order to prevent QUAT binding, you must review your cleaning procedure. Just think and answer - Do you let the cleaning cloth sit in the cleaning solution or long? If yes, then you are doing it wrong. This is the right time to change your cleaning procedure.

One of the most effective ways to remove QUAT binding is to use a specific cloth that does not absorb the positive QUAT ions. There are generally three different ways to apply disinfectants to surfaces: spray and wipe, dip and wipe, soak and wipe.

SOAK AND WIPE

A cloth is left in a disinfectant solution for a period of time and then removed when the cleaning procedure is going to be performed.

Soak and wipe leads to quat binding. Avoid letting your rag sit in a container of disinfectant.

DIP AND WIPE

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

Dip and wipe will initially reduce the chance of quat binding, but over time the rag will still begin to absorb quats from the disinfectant solution.

If you use the dip and wipe or soak and wipe method with a QUAT based disinfectant, change your cleaning procedure. Don’t let your cloth sit in the container of disinfectant.

SPRAY AND WIPE

Spray and wipe is considered best practice. The disinfectant is applied directly to the surface, allowed to dwell and then wiped away.

This method eliminates the potential for quat binding.

Summary:

Using the right commercial cleaning supplies and tools can help reduce germs and the spread of illness throughout your facility. Let an EBP Chemical Specialist help you choose the right disinfecting product to keep your facility and its occupants safe.