Quaternary ammoniums over time can cause fouling of surfaces. Surfaces should occasionally be rinsed with warm water. Hydrogen peroxide is the least likely to leave residue. Also sodium hypochlorite solution.

Richard Massicotte,

Thank you for your answer!

What you are saying regarding the water rinse is correct. There is this blog from a Aseptic Manufacturer that brought a report from ALS Lab that shows H2O2 leaves residue link below. In addition there are some anecdotal references which state the biofilms can be protected underneath residues from disinfectants.

https://www.contecinc.com/articles/disinfectant-residues-mitigation-and-management/

Also Clorox published a report that shows residues of sodium hypochlorite:

https://www.cloroxpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Understanding-and-Managing-Residue_Clorox-article-residue-NI-22297.pdf

However, both of these reports are not published in a journal for citation. I'm looking for a study that compares the disinfectants residuals to check for their association with the bioburden/microbiome and their resistance.

Prob not. Might leave some salt and that would rinse away. If anything, continued use might oxidize surfaces, making them more prone to biofilm development.

Quats are substantive and will leave a residue - rinse or not. Doubt it's that much or likely to favor biofilm.

Dr. Phil Geis

Thank you so much for your response doctor!

I'm still searching to find papers that indicate the compounds of residues to cite them. For instance whether that is pure salt or not and how these compounds oxidize the surfaces. Then I can cite for oxidization and biofilm formation.

However, I've been searching thorough databases to find a paper that asserts directly the biocidal properties of residues of Quats/QACs. I'm positive that it has been substantiated. Would help a lot if could a send me one doctor.

I have found this:

Article Colorimetric detection of residual quaternary ammonium compo...

but I don't know if that is mentioning that since the purpose of the article is different.

Maybe off your target - chlorhexidine oral use can discolor teeth -

http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/ohpd/ohpd_13_2_graziani_p101.pdf