Synergistic acidic ternary biocidal compositions

A method for disinfecting a hard surface comprising contacting said hard surface by direct application of a composition comprising:

• (A) a ternary mixture comprising:
• (i) from about 0.5 to 3.0% of an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid;
• (ii) from about 0.5 to 5.0% of a monohydric water soluble alkanol;
• and (iii) from 0.1 to 3.0% of an anionic tenside;
• wherein said ternary mixture is within a phase region bordered by extrema comprising a Ternary Ratio of (i):(ii):(iii) being 0.37:0.58:0.05, 0.05:0.58:0.37, 0.61:0.34:0.05 and 0.05:0.34:0.61;
• (B) an aqueous diluent;
• (C) optionally, an adjunct selected from the group consisting of dyes, essential oils, buffers, builders, preservatives, cleaning agents, thickeners, and mixtures thereof;
• wherein said composition has a pH less than 7;
• and wherein said composition provides at least a 3-log reduction of either Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella choleraesuis.

A premoistened article comprising an absorbent substrate impregnated with an effective amount of a composition comprising:

• (A) a ternary mixture comprising:
• (i) from about 0.5 to 3.0% of an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid;
• (ii) from about 0.5 to 5.0% of a monohydric water soluble alkanol;
• and (iii) from 0.1 to 3.0% of an anionic tenside;
• wherein said ternary mixture is within a phase region bordered by extrema comprising a Ternary Ratio of (i):(ii):(iii) being 0.37:0.58:0.05, 0.05:0.58:0.37, 0.61:0.34:0.05 and 0.05:0.34:0.61;
• (B) an aqueous diluent;
• (C) optionally, an adjunct selected from the group consisting of dyes, essential oils, buffers, builders, preservatives, cleaning agents, thickeners, and mixtures thereof;
• wherein said composition has a pH less than 7;
• and wherein said effective amount of said composition provides at least a 3-log reduction of either Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella choleraesuis.