Abstract: Use of a long chain alkyl ester as a temporary microbicide at pH-values from about 6 to about 8.5. The long-chain alkyl ester has the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.I, R.sup.II, and R.sup.III are hydrogen or lower alkyl groups and R.sup.IV is an long chain alkyl group having 10-18 carbon atoms, R.sup.V is hydrogen or a group having the formula R.sup.VI N.sup.+ H.sub.3 where R.sup.VI is an alkylene group having 3-4 carbon atoms, A is a monovalent counter ion and n is the number of cationic groups in the ester compound. The ester exhibits a temporary microbicidal effect due to a hydrolytic reaction. As a consequence the toxic effect on human and animals cells and tissues will be low.