Multi-phase liquid hard surface cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions

1. A hard surface treatment composition which separates into at least two aqueous phases, an upper aqueous phase and a lower aqueous phase upon standing comprising:

(a) 0.01–10% wt. of a mixture of cationic surfactants comprising at least one dialkyl quatenary ammonium compound and an alkylbenzyl quaternary ammonium compound wherein at least one cationic surfactant has germicidal properties;

(b) 0.1–10% wt. of at least one nonionic surfactant;

(c) 0.1–10% wt. at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formulas

 wherein R is C 8 to C 24 alkyl, and mixtures thereof;

(d) at least one electrolyte;

(e) optionally, one or more constituents for improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; and

(f) the remaining balance to 100% wt., being water,

wherein the volume ratio of the upper aqueous phase to the lower aqueous phase is between 20:80-80:20.

2. The composition according to claim 1 which exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against one or more organisms selected the group consisting of from: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella , and Psuedomonas.

3. The composition according to claim 2 which exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against one or more organisms selected the group consisting of from: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella , and Psuedomonas in an aqueous dilution of 1 part of the composition to 64 parts water.

4. The composition according to claim 2 which exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against one or more organisms selected from the group consisting of: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella , and Psuedomonas in an aqueous dilution of 1 part of the composition to 64 parts water.

5. The composition according to claim 1 wherein in excess of 50% wt. of the (a) mixture of cationic surfactants is found in the upper aqueous phase.

6. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the amount of (d) at least one electrolyte is present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 5.0 wt %.

7. The composition according to claim 1 wherein (a) the mixture of cationic surfactants comprises two cationic surfactants having germicidal properties.

8. The composition according to claim 1 containing (e) at least one constituent for improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions selected from the group consisting of coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, viscosity modifying agents, other surfactants, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, preservatives, and anti-corrosion agents.

9. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the volume ratio of the upper aqueous phase to the lower aqueous phase is between 45:55–55:45.

10. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the (c) at least one amphoteric surfactant present in the composition has irritation mitigating properties.