Cleaning Product Ingredient Glossary

What Are Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) in Cleaning Products? What to Know & What to Avoid

If you’ve been paying closer attention to what’s actually in your cleaning products, you’re not alone.

One group of chemicals that comes up often (but isn’t always easy to recognize) is quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as quats or QACs.

This guide is part of our Cleaning Product Ingredient Glossary, where we break down what’s really in everyday household products and what to watch for.

What are quats (QACs)?

Quats are a class of chemicals used in many disinfectants because they’re effective at killing bacteria and viruses. They work by attaching to the outer surfaces of microbes and disrupting their structure.

Because of this, quats are extremely common. In fact, more than half of the disinfectants on the EPA’s List N (approved for use against SARS-CoV-2) contain quats.

You’ll find them in:

Disinfectant sprays and wipes
Household cleaners
Laundry products and dryer sheets
Personal care products like shampoos and conditioners

Why are quats a concern?

Quats are effective disinfectants, but research has raised concerns about how they may affect human health—especially with frequent, everyday exposure.

Respiratory and asthma concerns

Quats have been linked to respiratory irritation and may worsen asthma symptoms. In some cases, they are associated with occupational asthma and increased sensitivity to allergens.

If this is something you’re navigating at home, this guide to cleaning products that avoid common asthma triggers can help.

Skin irritation and sensitivities

Quats can also cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis, especially with repeated exposure. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re already dealing with sensitive skin.

Concerns for children

Children may be more vulnerable to chemical exposure because of their developing bodies and frequent hand-to-mouth contact.

Research has found that children can have significantly higher daily exposure to quats compared to adults.

Residue and repeated exposure

Quats can persist on surfaces after use, which means exposure doesn’t necessarily stop once you’ve finished cleaning. Over time, this can contribute to ongoing contact through skin or indoor air.

Many of these concerns overlap with broader issues related to how cleaning product exposure can affect your health, especially with regular use at home.

Where are quats found?

Quats are widely used, which makes them harder to avoid if you don’t know what to look for.

They are often listed on ingredient labels using terms like “quaternium” or “-onium chloride,” including:

Benzalkonium chloride
Benzethonium chloride
Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride
Dioctyldimethylammonium chloride

How to avoid quats in cleaning products

Because quats are so common, avoiding them completely can take a little effort—but there are a few simple ways to reduce your exposure.

Check ingredient labels carefully: Look for words like “quaternium” or “-onium chloride.”
Be mindful of disinfectant products: Many disinfectants rely on quats as their active ingredient.
Choose simpler formulations: Products with fewer, clearly listed ingredients can make it easier to know what you’re using.

If you’re trying to simplify what to avoid, this guide to ingredients to avoid in cleaning products is a helpful next step.

A Simpler Way to Disinfect—Without Quats

If you’re looking to avoid quats but still want something that disinfects effectively, there are alternatives.

Force of Nature is a small appliance that turns tap water plus a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into a multi-purpose cleaner, deodorizer, and EPA-registered disinfectant.

It does not contain quats or added fragrance.

And it kills 99.9% of germs.

So instead of relying on harsher disinfectants, you have a simpler option that still gets the job done.

Learn More

FAQs About Quats in Cleaning Products

What are quats in cleaning products?

Quats, or quaternary ammonium compounds, are chemicals commonly used in disinfectants because they can kill bacteria and viruses. They are widely used in cleaning products, wipes, and sprays, especially those designed to disinfect surfaces.

Why are quats used in disinfectants?

Quats are used because they are effective at killing microbes by disrupting their outer structure. This makes them a common active ingredient in many disinfectant products.

Are quats harmful to your health?

Research has linked quats to respiratory irritation, skin sensitivities, and worsening asthma symptoms, especially with frequent or repeated exposure. Because they are used so widely in cleaning products, some families choose to reduce exposure where they can.

Where are quats found in everyday products?

Quats are commonly found in disinfectant sprays and wipes, household cleaners, laundry products, and even some personal care products like conditioners and lotions. They are often listed under names that include “quaternium” or “-onium chloride.”

How can I avoid quats in cleaning products?

To avoid quats, check ingredient labels for terms like “quaternium” or “-onium chloride,” and consider choosing products with simpler, clearly disclosed ingredients. Since many disinfectants rely on quats, it may also help to look for alternatives that use different active ingredients.

Is there a way to disinfect without using quats?

Yes. Force of Nature is a small appliance that turns tap water plus a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into a multi-purpose cleaner, deodorizer, and EPA-registered disinfectant that does not contain quats. It kills 99.9% of germs and does not rely on harsh disinfecting chemicals.