JP7609948B2 - Disinfectant composition for hard surfaces - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, a method for treating hard surfaces, and a method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces.

In recent years, a technique of contacting a disinfectant composition with an object such as a kitchen or table has been developed from the viewpoint of hygiene and safety. In addition, most of such disinfectant compositions often use a volatile disinfectant solvent such as ethanol. However, such solvents have the problems of giving off a peculiar odor during the drying process and of not having sufficient disinfecting effect. In addition, since the disinfecting effect is lost after drying, there is another problem that the disinfecting effect is not sustained (hereinafter, the durability of the disinfecting effect is also referred to as antibacterial effect). In addition, it is possible to contact a compound with a non-volatile disinfecting effect with an object, but it is desirable to reduce the amount used as much as possible from the viewpoint of oral contact such as licking by young children and percutaneous contact such as absorption by the skin.

Techniques for using a surfactant such as an amine oxide in combination with a cationic surfactant are known.
Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for an antibacterial agent for toilets that contains a cationic surfactant, and discloses that the antibacterial effect can be improved by using an amine oxide or a nonionic surfactant in combination.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for a damp odor inhibitor that uses a cationic surfactant in combination with amidopropylamine oxide.
Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for a germicidal cleaner that uses a surfactant such as an alkyl glycoside or amidopropyl betaine in combination with a cationic surfactant.

On the other hand, organic acids such as citric acid and lactic acid are substances obtained by means of fermentation or the like, and are known to have a high bactericidal effect when acidic.
Patent Document 4 discloses an antibacterial composition using an organic acid in combination with a surfactant. The document also describes a technique of using a cationic surfactant such as benzalkonium chloride in combination with the surfactant.
Patent Document 5 discloses a germicide composition containing an organic carboxylic acid, an inorganic acid and a quaternary ammonium salt.
Patent Document 6 discloses a germicidal cleaning agent composition containing an organic acid and a cationic surfactant.
Patent Document 7 discloses a cleaning sheet impregnated with an aqueous disinfectant that contains a quaternary ammonium salt type surfactant and an organic acid and has a pH of 4.8 to 8.0.

JP 2006-143621 A JP 2009-263812 A JP 2004-526833 A Special Publication No. 2011-524341 JP 2009-51756 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-35974 JP 2018-90564 A

Cationic surfactants are known to have excellent disinfecting effects, but because cationic surfactants are water repellent, when an aqueous composition containing them is brought into contact with an object, it does not spread but becomes localized on the water droplets. In this state, a sufficient disinfecting effect is obtained in the localized area, but in the repelled area, an effective amount of the cationic surfactant is not present, and the disinfecting effect is not obtained.
In addition, in order to impart an antibacterial effect to an object, it is necessary to leave a cationic surfactant on the object. However, for objects where oral contact or percutaneous contact, such as absorption through the skin, is likely, it is desirable to reduce the amount of cationic surfactant used as much as possible. In addition, if a large amount of surfactant is left on the object, it can lead to a poor feel, such as a slimy texture, so it is desirable to reduce the amount used as much as possible.
One method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of an aqueous composition containing a cationic surfactant is to use a surfactant other than a cationic surfactant in combination with the cationic surfactant. However, it is necessary to reduce the amount of such surfactant used as much as possible, and if a large amount is used, there is also the problem that the disinfecting effect is impaired.
Therefore, there is a need for a technique for uniformly spreading an aqueous composition containing a small amount of a cationic surfactant.

The present invention provides a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces that has a pH in the weakly acidic to neutral range that is non-irritating to the skin of the hands, has high disinfecting power even when the content of cationic surfactant is extremely small, and can be applied uniformly to a target surface; a method for treating a hard surface using the composition; and a method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces that contains a cationic surfactant.

The present invention relates to a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, which contains (a) a cationic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (a)] in an amount of 0.0001% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less, and (b) one or more surfactants selected from amidoalkylamine oxide type surfactants, betaine type surfactants, and alkylglycoside type surfactants [hereinafter referred to as component (b)], in which the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) is 0.01 to 15, and the pH at 20°C is 4.0 to 9.0.

The present invention also relates to a method for treating a hard surface, in which the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces is brought into contact with a hard surface on which bacteria are present.

The present invention also relates to a method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, which contains (a) a cationic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (a)] and has a pH of 4.0 to 9.0, and which comprises mixing (b) one or more surfactants selected from amidoalkylamine oxide surfactants, betaine surfactants, and alkylglycoside surfactants [hereinafter referred to as component (b)] such that the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the amount of component (a) mixed to the amount of component (b) mixed is 0.01 to 15.

The present invention provides a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces that has a pH in the weakly acidic to neutral range that is non-irritating to the skin of the hands, has high disinfecting power even when the content of cationic surfactant is extremely small, and can be applied uniformly to a target surface; a method for treating a hard surface using the composition; and a method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces that contains a cationic surfactant.

[Disinfectant composition for hard surfaces]
<Component (a)>
The component (a) of the present invention is a cationic surfactant. Examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants. Examples of quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants in which one or two of the groups bonded to the nitrogen atom are hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 12 carbon atoms, and preferably an alkyl group, and the remaining groups are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and arylalkyl groups (benzyl groups, etc.), preferably methyl groups, ethyl groups, and benzyl groups. Among these, quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants having disinfecting performance and cleaning power are preferred, and quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants having a benzyl group are preferred from the viewpoint of disinfecting performance.

As the cationic surfactant, a compound represented by the following general formula (a1) is preferred.

[In the formula, R ^1a represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms. R ^2a and R ^3a each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. R ^4a represents an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Z ^- represents an anion.]

In general formula (a1), from the viewpoint of disinfecting properties, R ^1a is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 8 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 10 or more and preferably 16 or less carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group or alkenyl group, more preferably an alkyl group.
In addition, in formula (a1), R ^2a and R ^3a each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methyl group.
In addition, in general formula (a1), R ^4a represents an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methylene group.
Z 1 ⁻ in the general formula (a1) is preferably a halogen ion such as a chloride ion, ^and more preferably a chloride ion (Cl ⁻ ).

<Component (b)>
The component (b) of the present invention is one or more surfactants selected from amidoalkylamine oxide surfactants, betaine surfactants, and alkylglycoside surfactants.

Examples of the amidoalkylamine oxide surfactant include compounds represented by the following general formula (b1).

[In the formula, R ^1b represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably an alkyl group; R ^2b and R ^3b may be the same or different and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; D represents an -NHC(=O)- group or a -C(=O)NH- group; and E represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.]

In the above general formula (b1), from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties, R ^1b is preferably an alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 11 to 16 carbon atoms, even more preferably an alkyl group having 11 to 14 carbon atoms, and still more preferably an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of solubility in water, R ^2b and R ^3b are preferably a methyl group having 1 carbon atom. Furthermore, D is preferably a -C(=O)NH- group.

The betaine type surfactant may be one or more surfactants selected from sulfobetaine and carbobetaine.

Examples of sulfobetaines include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, in which the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 10 or more from the viewpoint of wet spreadability, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less from the viewpoint of solubility in water; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, in which the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 10 or more from the viewpoint of wet spreadability, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less from the viewpoint of solubility in water; N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, in which the number of carbon atoms in the alkanoyl group is preferably 10 or more from the viewpoint of wet spreadability, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less from the viewpoint of solubility in water; and N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, in which the number of carbon atoms in the alkanoyl group is preferably 10 or more from the viewpoint of wet spreadability, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less from the viewpoint of solubility in water.

Examples of carbobetaines include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaines having an alkyl group with preferably 10 or more carbon atoms from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less, from the viewpoint of solubility in water, and compounds represented by the following general formula (b2).

[In the formula, R ^4b represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, R ^5b represents a propylene group, and R ^6b and R ^7b each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.]

In general formula (b2), R ^4b is an alkyl or alkenyl group having a carbon number of preferably 9 or more, more preferably 11 or more, from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading property, and preferably 15 or less, more preferably 13 or less, from the viewpoint of solubility in water, and is preferably a nonyl group, a decyl group, an undecyl group, a dodecyl group, or a tridecyl group.
In general formula (b2), R ^6b and R ^7b are each independently preferably a methyl group from the viewpoint of solubility in water.

As the alkyl glycoside surfactant, from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties, a compound represented by the following general formula (b3) is preferred.
R ^8b - (OR ^9b ) _x G _y (b3)
[In the formula, R ^8b is an alkyl group having a linear carbon number of 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading property, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, from the viewpoint of solubility in water, R ^9b is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably an ethylene group or a propylene group, more preferably an ethylene group, G is a residue derived from a reducing sugar, x is a number having an average value of 0 to 6, and y is a number having an average value of 1 or more and 10 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 2 or less.]

In the compound of general formula (b3), G is a residue derived from a reducing sugar, and the reducing sugar of the raw material of G may be either an aldose or a ketose. Examples of the reducing sugar of the raw material of G include triose with 3 carbon atoms, tetrose with 4 carbon atoms, pentose with 5 carbon atoms, and hexose with 6 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the aldose include apiose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, lyxose, mannose, gulose, aldose, idose, talose, and xylose. Specific examples of the ketose include fructose. Among these, the reducing sugar of the raw material of G of the present invention is, from the viewpoint of wettability and spreadability, an aldopentose, which is an aldose with 5 carbon atoms, or an aldohexose, which is an aldose with 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably glucose.

From the viewpoint of wettability and spreadability, the component (b) is preferably one or more selected from the compounds of general formula (b1), the compounds of general formula (b2), and the compounds of general formula (b3), more preferably one or more selected from the compounds of general formula (b1) and the compounds of general formula (b2), and even more preferably the compounds of general formula (b1).

<Composition, etc.>
Although the mechanism of action of the present invention is not clear, it is presumed that the complex of the (a) component and the (b) component is more hydrophilic than other surfactant combinations, and therefore has the effect of significantly lowering the surface tension of the solid-liquid interface even at a very low concentration. Therefore, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be uniformly applied to the target surface and can exert a disinfecting effect.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.008% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more from the viewpoint of disinfecting properties, and 1.0% by mass or less, preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties and/or mildness to the skin. However, the content of component (a) is the content when the anion of component (a) is converted to that of chloride ions.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin of the hands.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the total content of components (a) and (b) is preferably 0.011% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of disinfecting properties, and is preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin of the hands. However, the content of component (a) is the content when the anion of component (a) is converted to that of chloride ion.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) is, from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading, 0.01 or more, preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, and 15 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1 or less. However, the content of component (a) is the content when the anion of component (a) is converted into that of chloride ion.

From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention preferably contains, as component (c), one or more organic acids or salts thereof selected from α-hydroxycarboxylic acids, polybasic acids (excluding α-hydroxycarboxylic acids), and salts thereof.

Alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids consist of mono- or polycarboxylic acids bearing one or more hydroxyl functional groups, at least one of which is introduced at the alpha position of the acid (the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl functional group).
The α-hydroxycarboxylic acid or its salt may be one or more selected from lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, methyllactic acid, phenyllactic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, tartronic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, and salts thereof. The salt of the α-hydroxycarboxylic acid may be an inorganic salt or an organic salt.

A polybasic acid is an acid that contains two or more hydrogen atoms in one molecule that can neutralize a base. Polybasic acids exclude alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids.
The polybasic acid or its salt may be at least one selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, and salts thereof. The salt of the polybasic acid may be an inorganic salt or an organic salt.

Component (c) is preferably contained because it can further impart antibacterial effects to the disinfectant composition of the present invention. From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, component (c) is preferably lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, and salts thereof, more preferably lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, and salts thereof, and even more preferably lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and salts thereof.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 2.0% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of imparting an antibacterial effect to the present invention. However, the content of component (c) is the content of component (c) converted into an acid form.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the mass ratio (c)/(a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, and preferably 200 or less, more preferably 50 or less, even more preferably 20 or less, from the viewpoint of imparting an antibacterial effect to the present invention. However, the content of component (a) is the content when the anion of component (a) is converted into that of chloride ion. Furthermore, the content of component (c) is the content when component (c) is converted into the acid form.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, it is preferable to contain the component (c) since it can further improve the effect of the wettability and spreadability of the component (b). In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the mass ratio (c)/(b) of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (c) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, and preferably 100 or less, more preferably 50 or less, even more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of wettability and spreadability. However, the content of the component (c) is the content of the component (c) converted into an acid form.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the total surfactant content is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin of the hands.

In the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the mass ratio of the total content of components (a) and (b) to the total content of surfactants [(a)+(b)]/(total surfactants) is preferably 0.6 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, even more preferably 0.8 or more, and even more preferably 0.9 or more and 1.0 or less, from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin of the hands.

From the viewpoint of wetting and spreading, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention preferably contains (d) a volatile organic solvent (hereinafter referred to as component (d)). In the present invention, a volatile organic solvent refers to an organic solvent that has a boiling point of 250°C or less when the external pressure is 1.00 atm.

The component (d) may be one or more volatile organic solvents selected from the following compounds (d1) to (d3).
(d1): an aliphatic alcohol having 2 to 7 carbon atoms; (d2): an alkyl glycol ether having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; (d3): an aliphatic diol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

The aliphatic alcohol (d1) having 2 to 7 carbon atoms may be one or more selected from ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 1-pentanol, 3-pentanol, cyclopentanol, 1-hexanol, and 1-heptanol.

The alkyl glycol ether (d2) having an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms includes one or more selected from butyl diglycol, hexyl glycol, hexyl diglycol, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, butyl glycol, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, and propylene glycol monopropyl.

The aliphatic diol (d3) having 2 to 6 carbon atoms may be one or more selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol.

From the viewpoint of wetting and spreading properties, the (d) component is preferably an aliphatic diol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (d3), more preferably one or more selected from ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

When the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (d), from the viewpoint of wetting and spreading, the content of component (d) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, even more preferably 1% by mass or less.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be optionally blended with fragrances, colorants, preservatives, antioxidants, pH adjusters, etc. (excluding the above components (a) to (d)) to increase the added value of the product.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may contain water. That is, the remainder other than the components (a) to (d) and optional components is water. The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains water in an amount of preferably 95% by mass or more, more preferably 98% by mass or more, even more preferably 99% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less, more preferably 99.8% by mass or less, even more preferably 99.7% by mass or less. It is preferable to use ion-exchanged water, sterilized ion-exchanged water, etc. as the water.

The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces that does not require a strong acid. That is, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can obtain a good disinfecting effect even if the liquid has a weak acidity to near neutrality. The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention has a pH at 20°C of 4.0 or more and 9.0 or less, preferably 8.0 or less, and more preferably 7.0 or less, from the viewpoints of ease of handling and irritation to the skin of the hands. A pH adjuster can be used to adjust the pH. As the pH adjuster, an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, or an acid agent such as an organic acid can be used. In addition, as the alkaline agent, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, or potassium carbonate can be used.

The hard surfaces targeted by the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention include fixed objects such as floors, stairs, and walls made of plastic, rubber, metal, tile, brick, concrete, cement, glass, wood, etc., as well as hard surfaces of various machines, utensils, tools, furniture, tableware, and other objects that people come into contact with. For example, the composition can be applied to hard surfaces in toilets, baths, washstands, kitchens, living rooms, etc. The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be used as a disinfectant for around the kitchen, a disinfectant for the bathroom, a disinfectant for floors, a disinfectant for tableware, and a disinfectant for small items in the kitchen, washroom, and living room.

[Hard surface treatment method]
The method for treating a hard surface of the present invention is a method for treating a hard surface, which comprises contacting the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention with a hard surface on which bacteria are present.
In the present invention, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is used by contacting the hard surface with the surface by spraying, coating, immersion or the like.
The hard surface treatment method of the present invention includes (1) a method of spraying the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention or a diluted composition obtained by diluting the composition with water onto a hard surface using a sprayer such as a trigger, (2) a method of impregnating a cleaning item made of a water-absorbent flexible material with the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention or a diluted composition obtained by diluting the composition with water and rubbing the hard surface, and (3) a method of immersing an object in the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention or a diluted composition obtained by diluting the composition with water, and from the viewpoint of simplicity, method (2) is preferred.

The hard surface treatment method of the present invention is preferably a hard surface treatment method in which the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is contacted with a hard surface, or the composition is contacted with a hard surface in its original form without dilution, that is, the composition is contacted with a hard surface without dilution.Furthermore, the hard surface treatment method is preferably a hard surface treatment method in which the composition is contacted with a hard surface on which bacteria are attached without dilution.
The term "contacting the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces without dilution" refers to not contacting the composition with a hard surface after intentionally diluting it with water, etc. For example, when the composition is contacted with a hard surface on which water droplets, etc. are attached, or when water droplets are attached to the hard surface after the composition is contacted with the hard surface, it can be understood that the composition is contacted with the hard surface without dilution.
In the method for treating a hard surface of the present invention, the composition may be directly applied or sprayed from a bottle in an undiluted form to bring the composition into contact with a hard surface. Examples of the bottle include a squeeze bottle and a spray bottle.
In addition, in the present invention, when using a cleaning article such as a nonwoven fabric or a dustcloth, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may be sprayed or applied to the object to be cleaned or the cleaning article. This method of use allows a larger area to be cleaned.

It is also possible to prepare a concentrated composition containing the components (a) and (b) of the present invention, and any optional components, and then dilute the concentrated composition with water to prepare the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, which is then brought into contact with a hard surface. In other words, the method for treating a hard surface may involve diluting a concentrated composition containing the components (a) and (b) of the present invention, and any optional components, with water to prepare the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, and then contacting the composition without dilution with a hard surface.

After contacting the hard surface on which bacteria are present, from the viewpoint of sterilization and antibacterial effects, it is preferable to leave/dry the composition as it is without rinsing with water or wiping the composition off the target surface, so that the (a) component, the (b) component, and the optional (c) component remain on the hard surface. In that case, it is preferable from the viewpoint of sterilization and antibacterial properties to leave the (a) component on the target surface at a ratio of 0.1 μg/m ² or more, preferably 10 μg/m ² or more, more preferably 100 μg/m ² or more, even more preferably 500 μg/m ² or more, even more preferably 1,000 μg/m ² or more, and 100,000 μg/m ² or less, preferably 50,000 μg/m ² or less, more preferably 10,000 μg/m ² or less, and even more preferably 8,000 μg/m ² or less.

[Method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces]
The present invention relates to a method for improving the wettability and spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces comprising component (a) and having a pH of 4.0 or more and 9.0 or less, and mixing component (b) such that the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the amount of component (a) mixed to the amount of component (b) mixed is 0.01 or more and 15 or less.
The disinfectant composition for hard surfaces preferably further contains component (c) from the viewpoint of antibacterial effect and wet spreadability. That is, the present invention relates to a method for improving the wet spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, which contains components (a) and (c) and has a pH of 4.0 to 9.0, and further includes mixing component (b) in such a way that the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the amount of the mixed component (a) to the amount of the mixed component (b) is 0.01 to 15.
In the method for improving the wetting and spreading property of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the components (a), (b) and (c) are the same as those described in the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention.
In the method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the component (d) and optional components described in the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may be mixed into the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces.
The method for improving the wetting and spreading property of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be appropriately applied to the embodiments described for the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention.
The method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be appropriately applied by replacing the contents of each component described in the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention with the mixed amounts.

In the method for improving the wettability and spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces containing component (a) is mixed with component (b) so that, from the viewpoint of wettability and spreadability, the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the amount of component (a) mixed to the amount of component (b) mixed is 0.01 or more, preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, and 15 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1 or less. However, the amount of component (a) mixed is the amount of component (a) mixed when the anion of component (a) is converted to that of a chloride ion.

In the method for improving the wettability and spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, when the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces contains component (c), component (b) is mixed into a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces containing components (a) and (c) so that the mass ratio (c)/(b) of the amount of component (c) mixed to the amount of component (b) mixed is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 1 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, and preferably 100 or less, more preferably 50 or less, even more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of wettability and spreadability, and from the viewpoint of disinfecting property and/or antibacterial property. However, the amount of component (c) mixed is the amount of component (c) converted into an acid form.

In the method for improving the wetting and spreading properties of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces containing component (a) is mixed with component (b) so that the total mixed amount of components (a) and (b) is preferably 0.011% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or more from the viewpoint of disinfection, and is preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or less from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin. However, the mixed amount of component (a) is the content when the anionic group of component (a) is converted into that of a chloride ion.

In the method of improving the wettability and spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, component (b) is mixed into a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces containing component (a) so that the total surfactant mixture amount is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more from the viewpoint of improving wettability and spreadability, and is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less from the viewpoint of mildness to the skin of the hands.

The disinfectant compositions for hard surfaces shown in Tables 1 to 3 were prepared using the ingredients listed below, and the following items were evaluated. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. The disinfectant compositions for hard surfaces in Tables 1 to 3 were prepared by adding ingredients (a) to (d) in the amounts shown in the tables to ion-exchanged water and dissolving at room temperature (20°C). After mixing, the pH was adjusted to the values shown in Tables 1 to 3 using a 1N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and/or a 0.1N aqueous solution of sulfuric acid as a pH adjuster. The pH was measured by the glass electrode method. The mass percentages of the ingredients in Tables 1 to 3 are all values based on the active components.

<Ingredients>
Component (a) C12 benzalkonium chloride: Sanisol C, manufactured by Kao Corporation; a compound in which, in the general formula (a1), R ^1a is a mixed alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms/14 carbon atoms/16 carbon atoms mixed in a molar ratio of 58/35/7, R ^2a and R ^3a are methyl groups, R ^4a is a methylene group, and Z ^- is a chloride ion C8 benzalkonium chloride: Sanisol 08, manufactured by Kao Corporation; a compound in which, in the general formula (a1), R ^1a is an alkyl group having 8 carbon atoms, R ^2a and R ^3a are methyl groups, R ^4a is a methylene group, and Z ^- is a chloride ion

Component (b) C12 amidopropyl betaine: Amphitol 20AB, manufactured by Kao Corporation; a compound in which, in the general formula (b2), R ^4b is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms, R ^5b is a propylene group, and R ^6b and R ^7b are methyl groups. Alkyl glycoside: AG-124, manufactured by Kao Corporation; a compound in which, in the general formula (b3), R ^8b is a linear alkyl group having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, x is 0, G is a group derived from glucose, and the condensation degree y of glucose is an average value of 1.3. C12 amidopropylamine oxide: Softazoline LAO(W), manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.; a compound in which, in the general formula (b1), R ^1b is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms, D is a -C(=O)NH- group, E is a propylene group, and R ^2b and R ^3b are methyl groups.

Component (b') (comparison component to component (b))
C12 amine oxide: Amphitol 20N, manufactured by Kao Corporation, N-lauryl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide

(c) Ingredients Lactic acid: manufactured by Corbion Japan Co., Ltd. Citric acid: manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Malic acid: manufactured by Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.

(d) Ingredients Propylene glycol: manufactured by AGC Co., Ltd. Butyl diglycol: manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd. Ethanol: manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.

<Method for evaluating sterilization performance>
E. coli (NBRC3972) was cultured on SCDLP agar medium for one day, and then cultured in SCDLP liquid medium with shaking for one day, after which it was suspended in physiological saline to adjust the bacterial concentration to 10 ⁸ -10 ⁹ CFU/mL. This was mixed with an equal amount of 3% BSA aqueous solution to prepare the test bacterial solution.
100 μL of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces shown in Tables 1 to 3 was inoculated with 10 μL of the test bacteria liquid, and the bacteria were allowed to come into contact with each other at 25° C. for 5 minutes, after which 10 mL of SCDLP liquid medium was added to inactivate the bacteria.
An appropriate amount of SCDLP agar medium was poured into 1 mL of this inactivation liquid, solidified, and the number of bacteria was counted after 24 hours of incubation at 37 ° C. In addition, the same procedure was performed using ion-exchanged water instead of the hard surface disinfectant composition in Tables 1 to 3 (10 μL of test bacteria liquid was inoculated into 100 μL of water, contacted for 5 minutes, and then 10 mL of SCDLP liquid medium was added to inactivate), and the number of live bacteria in blank (water) was counted, and the disinfection activity value was calculated from the following formula. The larger the disinfection activity value, the better the disinfection performance. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
* Disinfection activity value = Log (number of viable bacteria in blank (water)) - Log (number of viable bacteria in test liquid)

<Antibacterial performance evaluation>
Escherichia coli (E. coli NBRC3972) was cultured on SCDLP agar medium for one day and then cultured with shaking in SCDLP liquid medium for one day, after which it was suspended in physiological saline to adjust the bacterial concentration to 10 ⁸ -10 ⁹ CFU/mL.
This was diluted with 1/100 normal bouillon liquid medium to prepare a bacterial solution of 10 ⁶ to 10 ⁷ CFU/mL, which was then mixed with an equal amount of a 0.6% aqueous solution of BSA to prepare a test bacterial solution.
500 μL of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces in Tables 2 and 3 was dropped onto a polystyrene petri dish (diameter 9 cm), wiped with paper, and dried. The total residual amount of component (a) and component (b) in the petri dish was adjusted to be 0.0045 g/m2 or ^more .
100 μL of the test bacteria liquid was dropped thereon, which was then covered with a 4×4 cm polyethylene film and allowed to stand at 37° C. and humidity of 90% or higher for 24 hours.
After standing, the bacteria were extracted using 10 mL of SCDLP liquid medium, and an appropriate amount of SCDLP agar medium was poured into 1 mL of this inactivation liquid and solidified, and the number of bacteria was counted after 24 hours of culture at 37 ° C. In addition, the same operation was performed using ion exchange water instead of the hard surface disinfectant composition in Tables 2 and 3 (500 μL of water was dropped into a petri dish, then 100 μL of test bacteria liquid was dropped, and the mixture was left to stand for 24 hours under conditions of humidity 90% or more and 37 ° C., after which the bacteria were extracted and cultured for 24 hours at 37 ° C.), and the number of live bacteria in blank (water) was counted, and the antibacterial activity value was calculated from the following formula. The higher the antibacterial activity value, the better the antibacterial performance. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.
*Antibacterial activity value = Log (number of viable bacteria on blank (water) substrate after 24 hours) - Log (number of viable bacteria on substrate coated with test liquid after 24 hours)

<Finishing quality (hard surface wettability)>
The wettability of 0.75 mL of the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces shown in Tables 1 to 3 when spread on a hard surface using a Kimwipe was evaluated according to the following criteria. The hard surface materials used were glass, stainless steel, and wood, and the total results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. In this evaluation, a score of 3 or more is acceptable, and a score of 3 or more indicates that there are few water-repellent areas on the hard surface, so that component (a) spreads uniformly on the target object, and a high disinfecting and antibacterial effect is obtained.
2: Overall wetness is good. 1: Some areas are water-repellent, but wets. 0: Liquid is repelled from the surface.

<Mild on hands>
The disinfectant compositions for hard surfaces shown in Tables 1 to 3 were dropped onto the skin of the hands, and the irritation caused when the compositions were attached to the skin of the hands was evaluated according to the following criteria. The total results of five testers (two men and three women) are shown in Tables 1 to 3. In this evaluation, a score of 5 or more is considered to be a pass.
2: Nothing felt 1: Slight irritation felt 0: Stimulation felt

Claims (6)

(a) a quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (a)] in an amount of 0.0001% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less, (b) one or more surfactants selected from an amidoalkylamine oxide type surfactant, a betaine type surfactant, and an alkylglycoside type surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (b)], and (c) one or more surfactants selected from lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, and salts thereof. a mass ratio (a)/(b) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b) being 0.3 or more and 5 or less , a mass ratio (c)/(b) of the content of the component (c) to the content of the component (b) being 3 or more and 10 or less , and a pH at 20°C being 4.0 or more and 9.0 or less, said mass ratio (a)/(b) of the content of the component (c) to the content of the component (b) being 4.0 or more and 9.0 or less, is brought into contact with a hard surface on which bacteria are present, and after the contact, the surface is allowed to stand or dried without a rinsing step. The method for treating a hard surface according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces contains 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of component (b). The method for treating a hard surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total surfactant content in the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces is 0.01% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less. The method for treating a hard surface according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces further contains (d) a volatile organic solvent (hereinafter referred to as component (d)). The method for treating a hard surface according to claim 4, wherein the disinfectant composition for hard surfaces contains 0.01% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of component (d). A method for improving the wettability and spreadability of a disinfectant composition for hard surfaces, comprising: (a) a quaternary ammonium salt-type cationic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (a)]; and (c) one or more organic acids or salts thereof selected from lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, and salts thereof [hereinafter referred to as component (c)], and having a pH of 4.0 to 9.0, comprising mixing (b) one or more surfactants selected from amidoalkylamine oxide-type surfactants, betaine-type surfactants, and alkylglycoside-type surfactants [hereinafter referred to as component (b)] such that the mass ratio (a)/(b) of the amount of the mixed component (a) to the amount of the mixed component (b) is 0.3 to 5 and the mass ratio (c)/(b) of the amount of the mixed component (c) to the amount of the mixed component (b) is 3 to 10 .