Organic acid based antimicrobial formulations containing extremely low levels of surfactant

Abstract

The present invention is for an acidic cleaning composition which has excellent cleaning performance, low toxicity and good antimicrobial efficacy. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions are capable of sanitizing or disinfecting a variety of hard surfaces. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions can take a variety of forms, such as: disinfecting wipes, all-purpose disinfecting sprays, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners, etc. The compositions may meet EPA DfE requirements, EPA category III or IV requirements, and/or be safe for use on food contact surfaces without rinsing. The compositions may include citric acid, an anionic surfactant, a non-volatile glycol solvent, a fatty acid, and water. The compositions may be free of other sanitizing acids, quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, peroxides, hypohalites, etc., and have a pH of less than 2.5. The composition may provide sanitization or disinfection against a target microbe within 5 minutes or less, or 4 minutes or less.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.