Thickened acidic, hard surface cleaning and disinfecting compositions particularly useful for ceramic surfaces

Abstract

Acidic, thickened cleaning and disinfecting compositions which exhibit good long term shelf stability, are particularly effective in the removal of limescale from hard surfaces, and which are effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The compositions comprise one or more nonionic surfactants; one or more quaternary ammonium surfactant compounds having germicidal properties; an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more water soluble organic acids, particularly water soluble organic acids selected from the group consisting of: lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid and where the formic acid and one or more water soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: formic acid:water soluble organic acid(s) of 1:0.1-10; a cellulose based thickening composition; optionally but desirably a one or more conventional additives such as a coloring agent, fragrance or pH adjusting agent; and, water. The compositions may also include further conventional adjuvants such as perfumes and coloring agents in minor amounts. The compositions feature surprisingly good viscosity retention over time notwithstanding the presence of formic acid and cellulose based thickeners in the compositions.