Why More Facilities Are Moving Away from QUATS-Based Disinfectants

Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly called QUATS, have been the default active ingredient in commercial disinfectants for decades. They are effective, inexpensive, and widely available. But a growing number of facility managers, sustainability officers, and procurement teams are asking whether QUATS are still the right choice.

What Is Driving the Shift?

Environmental persistence. QUATS do not break down quickly in the environment. Studies have found quaternary ammonium compounds in wastewater, surface water, and sediment, raising concerns about their long-term ecological impact.

Indoor air quality. QUATS-based products can contribute to poor indoor air quality, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. For facilities like schools, daycares, and healthcare environments where occupants are present during cleaning, this is a meaningful concern.

Antimicrobial resistance. Research has raised questions about whether widespread QUATS use may contribute to the development of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. While the science is still evolving, the precautionary principle is influencing procurement decisions.

Regulatory and procurement pressure. The EPA Safer Choice program evaluates cleaning product ingredients against health and environmental criteria. Products containing QUATS generally do not qualify for Safer Choice recognition. Government purchasing directives and green building standards increasingly favor products with Safer Choice-listed ingredients.

What Are the Alternatives?

Several active ingredient categories are gaining ground as QUATS alternatives in commercial disinfection:

• Citric acid. A naturally derived organic acid that provides broad-spectrum disinfection. Citric acid-based formulas are biodegradable, produce no harsh fumes, and can contain ingredients that qualify for the Safer Choice list.
• Hydrogen peroxide. Effective and breaks down into water and oxygen. However, concentrated formulas can be corrosive and require careful handling.
• Lactic acid. Another organic acid option, though less widely used in commercial disinfection than citric acid.

The key factor for any alternative is that it must be EPA registered and carry verified kill claims for the pathogens relevant to your facility. "Natural" does not automatically mean "effective." Look for the EPA registration number on the label.

What to Consider When Switching

• Verify that the replacement product is EPA registered with kill claims for your target organisms
• Check contact times. A product that requires 10 minutes of wet contact time may not be practical for high-traffic areas
• Confirm surface compatibility with your existing fixtures and equipment
• Train staff on any changes in application method or dilution ratios
• Review your SDS documentation and update your chemical inventory

Our Approach

LEXX® RTU Broad Spectrum Disinfectant & Cleaner is a citric acid-based disinfectant that contains no bleach, QUATS, or thymol. It is EPA registered (#91452-6), on EPA List N, and contains ingredients listed as full green circle on the Safer Choice list. It kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces.

For more on choosing the right disinfectant for your facility, read our guide to selecting EPA registered disinfectants. To view our full product line, visit our products page.