BR112012028719B1 - composition of hard surface treatment, method to provide an antimicrobial effect and use of a combination - Google Patents

Abstract

COMPOSITION OF HARD SURFACE TREATMENT, METHOD TO PROVIDE AN ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT AND USE OF A COMBINATION The present invention is in the field of hard surface cleaning, especially hard surface treatment to obtain a long lasting antimicrobial benefit. hard surface that has a high antimicrobial effect, even after a longer time, with a low dosage of antimicrobial essential oils. It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a hard surface treatment composition that has good antimicrobial properties at low levels of essential oils.Surprisingly, it has been found that a composition comprising a low amount of essential oil and a complex of polymers provides improved antimicrobial effectiveness.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention is in the field of hard surface cleaning, especially in the field of hard surface cleaning composition which has an antimicrobial effect.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Hygiene is a high priority for consumers today. Consumers around the world use various types of disinfectant cleaning compositions for hard surfaces.

[0003] Many microorganisms found on domestic surfaces are harmless, but there are also several pathogenic types or subspecies present, such as Escherichia coli, also referred to as E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, also referred to as S. aureus. Many other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria can be found on any domestic surface.

[0004] For this reason, consumers today appreciate hard surface cleaning products that have antimicrobial activity.

[0005] The most commonly known disinfectant in home care is hypochloride. However, hypochloride causes a bad smell, bleaches clothes that come in contact with it and is unpleasant for skin caused mainly by its high alkalinity.

[0006] Various alternative hygiene materials have been proposed in the art. In recent years, numerous publications have been made on the use of essential oils for an antibacterial action.

[0007] The document in EP-A-912678 discloses the use of essential oil compounds for an antimicrobial effect on hard surfaces.

[0008] However, essential oils are relatively expensive ingredients. In addition, essential oils are also known for their fragrances; using high amounts can cause a peculiar odor that is not always appreciated by the consumer.

[0009] WO1998 / 20735 (Procter and Gamble) describes a sprayable liquid disinfectant composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, an antimicrobial essential oil, and a shear-thinning polymeric thickener. Hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a shear-thinning polymeric thickener provides safe and effective disinfection on clean surfaces. The patent application does not disclose a composition comprising a complex of polymers and an antimicrobial composition.

[0010] The document in US 2007/0238634 (Foland et. Al) describes a treatment formulation comprising an active material selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a fragrance, a dye and a combination thereof, and a crosslinked polymer ionically for incorporation into non-fabric substrates. The patent application does not disclose a composition comprising a complex of polymers and an antimicrobial composition.

[0011] It is also desired that the hygiene benefit is not active just after deposition, but remains on the surface for a longer time.

[0012] Consequently, it is still desirable to prepare a hard surface cleaning composition that has a high antimicrobial effect, even with a low dosage of essential antimicrobial oils.

[0013] It is, therefore, an objective of the invention to provide a hard surface cleaning composition, to have good antimicrobial properties, in low levels of essential oils.

[0014] It is, therefore, another objective of the invention to provide a hygiene benefit that is not active just after a deposition, but remains on the surface for a longer time.

[0015] It is another objective of the function of the invention to provide a composition that is effective against common bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

[0016] Surprisingly, it has been found that a composition comprising a low amount of essential oil, a quaternary ammonium biocide and a complex of polymers provides improved hygiene efficacy.

Summary of the Invention

[0017] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a hard surface treatment composition comprising a polymer complex comprising a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose; in which polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class and in which polymer B has a monomeric unit comprising a group that forms hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of polymer A; and an antimicrobial composition comprising an essential oil and a quaternary ammonium biocide, wherein the pH of the hard surface treatment composition is between 2 and less than 6.

[0018] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for providing an antimicrobial effect to a hard surface, which comprises the steps of applying a composition as defined in the first aspect to the surface, and waiting for at least 5 seconds.

[0019] In a third aspect, the invention provides the use of a combination of a polymer complex comprising a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose; in which polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class and in which polymer B has a monomeric unit comprising a group that forms hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of a polymer A; and an antimicrobial composition comprising essential oil and a quaternary ammonium biocide, wherein the pH of the hard surface treatment composition is between 2 and less than 6, to provide an antimicrobial effect on hard surfaces.

[0020] “Antimicrobial effect” means the ability to kill bacteria under the European suspension test standard (EST) - EN 1276.

[0021] These and other aspects, resources and advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the detailed description and the attached claims below. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be used in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprises" is intended to mean "inclusive", but not necessarily "consists of" or "composed of". In other words, the steps or options listed need not be exhaustive. Note that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples alone. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise stated. Except for the operating and comparative examples, or where explicitly stated otherwise, all amounts in this description that indicate sums of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or use should be understood as modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the "de" format xay "are understood to include x and y. When for a specific resource, multiple preferred ranges are described in the" xay "format, and it is understood that all ranges that combine the different endpoints are also contemplated.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] The composition as defined in the invention thus comprises a complex of polymers and an antimicrobial composition.

Polymer complex

[0023] The polymer complex as defined in the invention comprises a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, and hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

[0024] The composition as defined in the invention comprises a polymer A and a polymer B. Polymers A and B are typically selected so that they form a complex due to the formation of hydrogen bonds.

[0025] Polymers can be homopolymers or copolymers, in which monomer X copolymer is understood to mean any polymer containing monomer X and at least one additional monomer.

[0026] Polymers A and B are preferably presented in the composition in a ratio between 1: 5 and 5: 1, and more preferably between 1: 2 and 2: 1

Polymer A

[0027] As defined in the present invention, a polymer A is a polymer selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid. Polymer A has a plurality of carboxyl groups. Polymer A has a molecular weight preferably from 300 to 109 D (Dalton, also referred to as atomic mass units, amu). Polymer A is selected from the class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic polymers, including natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers in that class.

[0028] Some non-limiting examples of polymer A as defined in the present invention include: (a) homopolymers of a carboxylic acid, including, but not limited to, a polycarboxylic acid such as a polyacrylic acid, polymalonic acid or acid copolymers acrylic and maleic. (b) polysaccharides that comprise carboxylic groups. Such polysaccharides may include (but are not limited to), sodium alginate, natural gums, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

[0029] Homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic acid have a molecular mass of preferably from 2x103 to 107 D, more preferably from 5x104 to 106 D and, most preferably, from 9x104 to 5x105 D.

[0030] If the polymers are in a particle form, the particle size is preferably less than 200pm, preferably less than 100pm, more preferably less than 50pm, even more preferably less than 10pm, or even less than 5pm.

[0031] Polysaccharide homopolymers or copolymers have a molecular mass of preferably between 103 and 109 D, more preferably between 104 and 109 D and, most preferably, between 105 and 109 D.

[0032] Polymer A is at least preferably partially neutralized in the form of sodium (Na +), preferably at least 10% w of a polymer A is neutralized, more preferably, at least 20%, and even more preferably, at least 50% .

[0033] Polymer A can be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural. However, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers are preferred.

[0034] Polymer A is preferably soluble in water or susceptible to dispersion in water, more preferably, polymer A is soluble in water.

[0035] Polymer A is selected from a class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic acid.

[0036] Carboxylic acid homopolymers or copolymers are preferably a polyacrylic acid or a copolymer thereof. Examples include SOKALAN® PA (BASF) and CARBOPOL® (Lubrizol).

[0037] The concentration of a polymer A in the composition as defined in the invention is preferably between 0.001 and 25% by weight, more preferably at least 0.002%, or even at least 0.005%, but preferably not more than 15%, more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 1%, even more preferably less than 0.5%, still less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05% by weight of the composition.

Polymer B

[0038] As defined in the present invention, polymer B has a monomeric unit comprising a group that forms hydrogen bonds with the carboxylic groups of a polymer A.

[0039] Consequently, polymer B is selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

[0040] The group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, is generally not soluble in water. In order to obtain the benefit of this group of polymers, the particle size is defined so that the particles are easily passable dispersion in water and / or aqueous solution (i.e., a wash or rinse liquor). If the polymers are in particulate form, the particle size is preferably less than 200pm, more preferably less than 100pm, even more preferably less than 50pm, even more preferably less than 10pm, or even less than 5pm.

[0041] However, as defined in an essential aspect, polymer A and polymer B are not in the same class. Polymers A and B are selected from different classes of polymers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the two polymers A and B, when dissolved in water, form a complex with less solubility than each of the polymers A and B, which helps in improved deposition and other benefits.

[0042] Polymer B preferably has a molecular weight between 103 and 109 D.

[0043] Homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl alcohol preferably have a molecular weight between 103 and 107 D, more preferably between 104 and 106 D and most preferably between 30,000 and 500,000 D. A commercially available polyvinylpyrrolidone can be used, and an example of which is LUVISKOL® (BASF).

[0044] Polyalkylene oxide homopolymers or copolymers preferably have a molecular weight greater than 2x104 D. The molecular weight is preferably from 2x104 to 106 D, more preferably from 3x104 to 5x105 D and most preferably from 5x104 to 2x105 D.

[0045] Saccharide homopolymers or copolymers preferably have a molecular weight preferably from 103 to 109 D, more preferably from 104 to 109 D and most preferably from 105 to 109 D. Any commercially available polyalkylene oxide, for example POLYOX® (Dow Chemical Co) can be used as defined in the present invention. Polymer B can be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural. However, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers are preferred.

[0046] As defined in a preferred embodiment, polymer B is soluble in water.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that polymer B is selected from a class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone or alkylene oxide.

[0048] The concentration of polymer B in the composition as defined in the invention is preferably between 0.001 and 20% by weight, more preferably at least 0.002%, or even at least 0.005%, but preferably not more than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 1%, much more preferably less than 0.5%, still less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05% by weight of the composition.

[0049] Some examples of combinations of polymer A and polymer B, which are particularly preferred, are given below. Table 1: Preferred Combination of Polymers

[0050] The most preferred combination of polymers are PAA-PVP, PAA-PEO, PAA-PEG Polymethacrylic acid with starch-polyethylene oxide graft.

Antimicrobial Composition

[0051] The polymer complex as defined in the invention comprises an antimicrobial composition comprising an essential oil and a quaternary ammonium biocide.

Essential oil

[0052] Essential oils are typically concentrated and hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile and ethereal oils or "aetherolea". An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a characteristic odor, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils, as a group, do not need to have any specific chemical properties in common, other than transferring characteristic fragrances. Essential oils can also be obtained through synthetic or semi-synthetic routes.

[0053] Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, to flavor foods and drinks, and to flavor incense and household cleaning products.

[0054] Examples of aromatic essential oils suitable for use in the present invention include amyl salicylate, carvacrol, cymene, for example, p-cymene, dihydro-eugenol, eugenol, hexyl-eugenol, hexyl-salicylate, that-eugenol, methyl- eugenol, methyl-iso-eugenol, methyl-salicylate, tert-butyl-cresol, thymol, and vanillin. Examples of non-aromatic essential oils of terpenoid compounds include cedrene, cineole, citral (including geranial and neral), citronelal, citronelol, eucalyptol (also known as 1.8 cineole), paradiidrolinalool, dihydromyrcene (DH mirceno), farnesol, geraniol, hexil -cinamaldehyde, hydroxycitronalol, hydroxycitroneal, isocitral, limonene, preferably d-limonene, linalool, longifolene, menthol, nerol, nerolidiol, pinene, for example, a-pinene, felendrene, terpinene, for example, a-terpinene and Y — terpinene, terpineol, for example, Y — terpineol and terpin-4-ol, and tetrahydromyrcene (THM).

[0055] The most preferred essential oils in the context of the present invention are thymol, terpineol and eugenol.

[0056] The essential oil is preferably present in the composition at a concentration between 0.001 and 10% by weight of the composition, but preferably at least 0.002%, or still at least 0.005% by weight of the composition, although preferably no more than 5 %, more preferably not more than 1%, even more preferably not more than 0.5%, or still not more than 0.1% by weight of the concentration.

[0057] It is preferred that the composition comprises a second essential oil, in which the essential oils are even more preferably selected from any combination of a thymol, a terpineol and / or an eugenol.

[0058] It is even more preferable that the composition comprises three essential oils, in which the essential oils are even more preferably selected from a combination of a thymol, a terpineol and an eugenol.

[0059] When more than one essential oil is present in the composition, the concentrations mentioned above can be considered the concentrations of the combined essential oils, but preferably refers to each of the individual essential oils.

Quaternary ammonium biocide

[0060] A quaternary ammonium biocide is used to provide additional biocidal efficacy. Quaternary ammonium biocide is preferably selected from ammonium cetyl trimethyl chloride, ammonium cetyl trimethyl bromide, ammonium tetradecyl trimethyl chloride, ammonium dodecyl trimethyl chloride, ammonium stearyl trimethyl chloride, octadecyl -ammonium trimethyl chloride, dodecylpyridinium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, tetrabutyl-ammonium chloride, tetraheptyl-ammonium chloride, 1,3-decyl-2-methyl-imidazolium chloride, 1-hexadecyl chloride -3-methyl-imidazolium, didecyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide, didecyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride.

[0061] Bromides are not typically preferred due to their toxicity.

[0062] The most preferred quaternary ammonium biocides are benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride.

[0063] The quaternary ammonium biocide is preferably present in the composition at a concentration between 0.01 and 10% by weight of the composition, but preferably at least 0.02%, or at least 0.05% by weight of the composition, although preferably not more than 5%, more preferably not more than 1%, still more preferably not more than 0.5%, or still not more than 0.1% by weight of the concentration.

[0064] Quaternary ammonium biocide provides a more complete extermination with longer lasting hygiene.

Compositions

[0065] The compositions as defined in the invention can be applied in various hard surface cleaning compositions, such as concentrated and diluted liquid compositions.

[0066] The concentrated composition includes, among others, a floor cleaning composition that needs to be diluted by consumers through use. For this type of composition, the concentrations mentioned above refer to the diluted concentrations as used by the consumer.

[0067] Diluted liquid compositions include, but are not limited to, ready-to-use compositions, such as liquid abrasive cleaners and toilet cleaning compositions, and spray compositions for glass, kitchen surfaces and bathroom surfaces.

[0068] It is preferred that the time of contact of the product with the surface before a rinse is at least 5 seconds, more preferably at least 10 seconds, even more preferably at least 15 seconds, or at least 20 seconds .

[0069] Permanent compositions can remain for a longer period of time, preferably for at least 5 minutes, more preferably for at least 15 minutes, even more preferably for at least 1 hour, even more preferably for at least 2 hours, or even longer than 5 hours, or even days.

[0070] The pH of the compositions is between a pH of 2 and less than 6, even more preferably at least with a pH of 3.

Method

[0071] Consequently, a method has been provided to provide an antimicrobial effect on hard surfaces, comprising the steps of applying a composition as defined in the invention to the surface, and waiting for at least 5 seconds.

[0072] It is preferable that the composition is not cleaned or rinsed, but can be cleaned after the indicated time.

Examples

[0073] The invention will now be illustrated by means of the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1: EST challenge. This test is not a surface test. It is a Suspension Test.

[0074] The European suspension test (EST) protocol in EN 1276 for antiseptics was followed. The test organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus hirae. Under clean conditions, the test was done with 0.03% BSA (bovine serum albumin), while in dirty conditions a 0.3% BSA was used (see table 2 below). The contact time was 5 min. A log reduction of 5 was required to pass the test.

1) O complexo de polímeros compreendeu PAA (ácido poliacrílico; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) e PEO (óxido de polietileno; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), em uma quantidade total conforme dado na tabela. Tabela 3

Os resultados de teste contra os organismos individuais são dados abaixo. Tabela 4

2) Comparativo Tabela 5

Tabela 6

Tabela 7

[0075] The compositions as used were given in table 1 below.Table 2

1) The polymer complex comprised PAA (polyacrylic acid; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (polyethylene oxide; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table. Table 3

The test results against the individual organisms are given below. Table 4

2) Comparative Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

[0076] The above results show that a very high reduction of bacteria is achieved with the compositions as defined in the invention, while the individual components do not even remotely achieve a similar effect.

Example 2: Lasting Hygiene Challenge.

[0077] In this example, a multiple day test was done.

1)O complexo de polímeros compreende PAA (ácido poliacrílico; Mm 100.000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) e PEO (óxido de polietileno; Mm 100.000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), em uma quantidade total conforme dada na tabela, ou seus componentes individuais.[0078] The following compositions were used (as they are). Table 8

1) The polymer complex comprises PAA (polyacrylic acid; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (polyethylene oxide; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table, or its components individual.

[0079] Day 1 - Clean ceramic tiles of 10 by 10 cm are washed with isopropanol (IPA, 70%) and dried. -10 microliters of a suspension of 108 cfu / ml of E.coli (ATC 10536) was spread over the tile and dried. -1 ml of the test formulations in the table above was spread over the tiles and left for 10 minutes and the tiles were subsequently dried. -The tiles were left overnight under humid conditions.

[0080] Day 2 - The tiles were cleaned with a damp cloth (DM only water) and a dry cloth. -Rinsed with water and left to dry. - Left overnight under humid conditions.

[0081] Day 3 -10 microliters of an E.coli suspension of 108 cfu / ml were spread over the tile and dried. -The tiles were cleaned with a damp cloth (DM water only) and a dry cloth. -10 microliters of an E.coli suspension of 108 cfu / ml were spread over the tile and dried for 10 min. -0.5 ml of a neutralizer (D / E Neutralizer) was spread over the tile and left for 5 min. -The neutralizer was collected from the tiles. -The neutralizing liquid collected was diluted and plated in series on a HiMedia CY Agar plate.

[0082] The test results (n = 3) are given below. Table 9

[0083] The above results show that, even after 2 days, the compositions as defined in the invention still provide an antimicrobial activity on the surface, even if the unique ingredients do not show the same effects.

Example 3: Lasting Hygiene Challenge.

[0084] In this example, a multi-day test was done as in example 2, but uses different compositions.

1)O complexo de polímero compreendeu PAA (ácido poliacrílico; Mm 100.000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) e PEO (óxido de polietileno; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), em uma quantidade total conforme dada na tabela, ou seus componentes individuais.2)Comparativo.[0085] The following compositions were used (as they are). Table 10

1) The polymer complex comprised PAA (polyacrylic acid; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (polyethylene oxide; Mm 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table, or its components individual.2) Comparative.

2) Comparativo.[0086] The test results (n = 3) are given below. Table 11

2) Comparative.

[0087] The above results show that even after 2 days, the compositions as defined in the invention still provide an antimicrobial activity to the surface, although the unique ingredients do not show the same effect. The additional benefit of benzalkonium chloride is also demonstrated.

Claims (9)

1. Hard surface treatment composition, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a complex of polymers comprising: i a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and ii a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides and hydroxyalkyl cellulose, in which polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class and in which polymer B it has a monomeric unit comprising a group that forms hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of polymer A, and b an antimicrobial composition comprising: i essential oil, and ii quaternary ammonium biocide, in which the pH of the hard surface treatment composition is between 2 and less than 6. 2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that polymer A is present in a concentration between 0.001 and 25% by weight of the composition. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the polymer B is present in a concentration between 0.001 and 20% by weight of the composition. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the essential oil is present in a concentration between 0.001 and 10% by weight of the composition. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the composition further comprises a second essential oil, preferably a second and a third essential oil. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the essential oil is selected from amyl salicylate, carvacrol, cymene, for example, p-cimene, dihydroeugenol, eugenol, hexyl eugenol, hexyl salicylate, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, methyl salicylate, tert-butyl-cresol, thymol, vanillin, cedrene, cineol, citral, including geranial and neral, citronelal, citronelol, eucalyptol, also known as 1.8 cineol, paradiidrolinalool, diidromircenol also known as DH mircenol, farnesol, geraniol, hexyl-cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronalol, hydroxycitronelal, isocitral, limonene, preferably d-limonene, linalool, longifolene, menthol, nerol, nerolidiol, pinene, for example , terpinene, for example, a-terpinene and Y — terpinene, terpineol, for example, Y — terpineol and terpin-4-ol and tetrahydromyrcenol also known as THM. 7. Method for providing an antimicrobial effect to a hard surface, characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: a applying a composition, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, to the surface, and b waiting for at least 5 seconds. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the composition is cleaned from the surface or rinsed from the surface after step 'b'. 9.Use of a combination, comprising: a polymer complex comprising: i a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and ii a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and / or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose; and in which polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class and in which polymer B has a monomeric unit comprising a group that forms hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of polymer A, and b an antimicrobial composition comprising: i essential oil, and ii quaternary ammonium biocide, in which the pH of the hard surface treatment composition is between 2 and less than 6, characterized by the fact that it is to provide an antimicrobial effect on hard surfaces.