What We Need To Know About QUAT Binding? How Do I Prevent It?

 

What We Need To Know About QUAT Binding? How Do I Prevent It?

Chemical industries are growing at a fast pace. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, the demand for chemical sanitizers, disinfectants, soaps, and detergents has increased exponentially in the last two years. The bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) are highly dangerous and may spread easily. But to kill these viruses, you need highly effective disinfectants and chemical solutions. To get rid of such bacteria and viruses, you require QUATS-based chemicals and disinfectants. 

 

According to surveys and studies, it revealed that disinfectants , which are QUAT-based, are highly effective in cleaning different types of areas and killing mold, bacteria, and viruses. But to make these disinfectants and chemicals effective, you need to ensure that using them in the right way. 

 

If you are using QUAT-based chemicals with the wrong cleaning materials and tools, you won’t get the desired results. When you are using the wrong tools and chemical solutions, the QUAT-based chemicals lose their effectiveness. With being ineffective, the QUAT-based chemicals won’t be helpful in killing the viruses and bacteria. This was just an overview of the QUAT-based chemicals and disinfectants. Let’s understand everything about QUAT-binding  

What Do We Mean By QUAT Binding?

A QUAT or quaternary ammonia salts are of different types. One of the most popular QUATS is quaternary ammonium chloride. It is the most essential component of strong disinfectants. Do you know the chemical nature of QUATS? They are positively charged ions. In simple terms, QUATS have a cationic nature. This makes it easy for the QUATS to bind to the negatively charges surfaces. The negatively charges surfaces can be floors, clothes, or any area. When the positively charged QUATS bind to the negatively charged surfaces, it is called QUAT-binding. These phenomena take place because of the strong attraction between the negative and positive charges. 

The germs, bacteria, and viruses have a membrane with negative charges. This makes it easier for the QUATS (positive ions) to bind to the membrane and kill it. 

There are many common cleaning tools such as microfibers and rags. You should use these to wipe down surfaces. 

When Does QUATS-Binding Take Place?

QUAT binding is quite effective when the positive ions overcome the membranes of the negatively charged ions and kill the bacteria/viruses. In this case, QUAT binding is essential. But not always. While cleaning the surfaces with a QUAT-based cloth, the positive ions of the QUATS get absorbed by the negative ions in the rags and cleaning cloth. This means that the effectiveness of the cleaning decreases. The QUATS-ion cannot bind with the membranes of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it makes the cleaning process ineffective. The bacteria and viruses do not get killed in the process. This is not desirable, and thus chemical industries are putting efforts to prevent QUAT binding. Usually, when the cleaning process is ongoing, it is a habit that you let the cloth sit in the disinfectant water for a long time. This process leads to QUAT binding and is not considered a best practice for cleaning. 

Why Do You Think QUATS Binding Is Dangerous?

Due to the QUAT binding effect, the disinfectant’s efficacy gets reduced to the lowest level. This means that even if the cleaning takes place, it seems useless. The aim of killing bacteria and viruses is not achieved. Moreover, due to QUATS binding, the disinfectants are considered non-compliant with the guidelines of EPA manufacturing. 

By what rate the QUATS binding helps in reducing the efficiency of the disinfectants that are QUATS-based ? 

It is considered in parts per million (ppm). In simple words, QUATS binding decreases the concentration of the positive ions. Due to this, the disinfectants are unable to eradicate germs, bacteria, and viruses. 

How To Prevent QUATS Binding?

One of the simplest ways to prevent QUATS binding is to monitor your cleaning procedure. While cleaning, you should ask simple questions to yourself. Am I letting the rag sit in the disinfected water for too long? Am I using the right cloth? Is the disinfectant effective for cleaning? 

When you can positively answer these questions, you can easily prevent QUATS binding. Here are some of the ways in which you can avoid QUATS binding.  

There are simple steps that you need to follow. 

#1 Spray-Wipe

Spraying and wiping are considered best practices. The disinfectant is applied directly to the surface, allowed to absorb, and then wiped away. This method eliminates the potential for QUATS binding.

#2 Dip Wipe 

A cloth is dipped into a disinfectant solution, wrung out, and applied to the surface. This method of cleaning will lead to reduction in the chances of QUATS binding, but with consistent usage the rag will still begin to absorb the QUATS molecules from the disinfectant solution. It is better to change your cleaning procedure if you you prefer the soak & wipe or dip and wipe methods with a disinfectant that is QUATS-based. Don’t let your cloth sit in the container of disinfectant.

#3 Soak 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 lead to QUATS binding. Avoid letting your rag sit in a container of disinfectant.

Summary

The requirement for QUATS has expanded tremendously. This has led to immense pressure on both the productions and supply chain management in the chemical industry. Those in search of a reliable supplier who can provide them with high-quality QUATS should approach Tatava Chintan Pharma Chem. Tatva Chintan is a leading national and international supplier of industry-grade chemicals.