Berkshire Products, Cleaning & Disinfection, Knowledge Base

What are the advantages and disadvantages of quats?

Posted on by Berkshire Corporation
What are the advantages and disadvantages of quats?
05
Jun

What are the advantages of quats?

The advantages of quats make them a top choice for cleaners. Quats have excellent wide-spectrum germ-killing ability, film-forming residual, low toxicity and corrosivity, are simple to use, have a good shelf life, work in various pH ranges, are highly concentrated, have no odor, and are safe on most surfaces. There are neutral formulas that will not dull floor finishes. Quats will not change the taste or smell of food. They are the disinfectant of choice for most food, hospitals, and health institutions.

What are the disadvantages of quats?

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are noncorrosive and remain stable when diluted for use. However, they do have some drawbacks. Quats can be affected by organic soil and tend to stick to surfaces, making them difficult to rinse off, which can lead to potential tainting issues. Moreover, the price of Quats is higher compared to very low-cost products such as bleach, and their effectiveness can be reduced in the presence of soil.

When it comes to their antimicrobial range, Quats have certain limitations. They are less effective than oxidizing disinfectants, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. Their activity against bacterial spores and viruses is also limited. Furthermore, Quats require a higher concentration to effectively combat yeasts and molds.

Quick guide to quats

Advantages

  • excellent wide-spectrum germ-killing ability
  • film-forming residual
  • low toxicity and corrosivity
  • simple to use
  • good shelf life
  • work in various pH ranges
  • highly concentrated,
  • have no odor
  • safe on most surfaces
  • neutral formulas that will not dull floor finishes
  • will not change the taste or smell of food
  • the disinfectant of choice for most food, hospitals, and health institutions.

Disadvantages

  • can be affected by organic soil and tend to stick to surfaces, making them difficult to rinse off, which can lead to potential tainting issues.
  • higher price
  • effectiveness can be reduced in the presence of soil.
  • limitations in antimicrobial range.
  • less effective than oxidizing disinfectants, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Their activity against bacterial spores and viruses is also limited.
  • require a higher concentration to effectively combat yeasts and molds.