Abstract: A sanitizing applicator for applying a liquid sanitizer to a surface. The sanitizer may be a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based or chlorine-based sanitizer containing positively charged ions at an effective concentration level for killing a predefined percentage of microbes present on the surface. The applicator includes a breakable internal reservoir for retaining a quantity of the sanitizer, and a positively charged nonwoven fabric covering the reservoir. The fabric is constructed using a positively charged binder to bind together the strands of the fabric, and is optionally treated with a positively or neutrally charged surfactant. The positive charge of the fabric prevents the fabric from neutralizing the positively charged ions in the sanitizer when the breakable internal reservoir is broken and the sanitizer is applied to the fabric.

Abstract: An article for sanitizing a surface with a sanitizing solution while maintaining the concentration level of a sanitizer in the sanitizing solution at an effective concentration level. A substrate that absorbs and holds the sanitizing solution is treated with a sanitizer release polymer composition. The substrate may be a woven, nonwoven, or knit fabric, a foam or sponge, or the like. The sanitizer release polymer composition may include a cationic or nonionic surfactant or binder that is operable to maintain the concentration level of the sanitizer at the effective level during prolonged periods of use.