Abstract: Compositions for cold, hard surface sanitization and sterilization solution having prolonged shelf-life which comprise chlorine dioxide and selected quaternary salts of the generic formula R', R" N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 X in which R' and R" are alkyl radicals each of which has at least 8 carbon atoms and the total carbon atoms of R' and R" equals 18-24 and X is a halide, and used therefor.