What Quats Do
Quats destroy microorganisms that cause disease. As a group, quats are highly-effective in controlling a broad spectrum of germs including bacteria, molds, fungi, and most viruses.
They are used in formulations for sanitizing and disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces such as counter tops, floors, walls, toilets and fixtures found in hospitals, schools, offices, and homes.
They are also used in food-service environments for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces found in commercial kitchens and food processing facilities. On the farm, they can be used on agricultural tools, vehicles, shoes, and milking equipment.
Sanitize and Disinfect
Disinfect
Quat-based disinfectants are widely used to help keep healthcare, educational, business, agricultural facilities and food processing operations free of disease- causing bacteria and viruses.
What Affects the Performance of Quat-Based Products?
Following directions is crucial. Many products are registered to sanitize and clean and/or disinfect. How the product is used and how long it is in contact with the surface affects the product’s ability to completely disinfect the surface.
There are 36 different quat molecules used for disinfection. Quats have been around for decades and are registered by the EPA for both safety and efficacy. There are even formulations that kill corona viruses. For more on the importance of formulations and efficacy see: (Gerba, CP 2015)
For a list of microorganisms that quat-based formulations help to control, refer to product labels. Click here for a list of what various quat-based formulations can kill.
Quat-based products are available as concentrated products for commercial and industrial applications and as ready-to-use wipes and coarse-spray solutions for consumer use.