How long should a quats-based sanitizer remain on surfaces to sanitize effectively?

• A. Follow label directions, typically 1 to 5 minutes of contact time.
• B. 2 seconds.
• C. 60 minutes.
• D. No contact time is required.

Answer: (A)

Quats-based sanitizers need a specific dwell time on the surface to work effectively. The sanitizer must stay wet for the full period listed on the product label so it can inactivate microbes. That’s why the best practice is to follow the label directions, which typically call for about 1 to 5 minutes of contact time. During this time, keep the surface visibly wet and avoid rinsing or wiping off the sanitizer until the contact time has elapsed, unless the label says otherwise. If the surface dries before the time is up, reapply and re-wet to ensure the full dwell time is achieved. Short times like 2 seconds are far too brief to sanitize, and 60 minutes is unnecessary and impractical, while no contact time would not allow effective sanitization.