Final answer:
If quats are unavailable for wet sanitizing, alternatives like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol-based sanitizers can be used to effectively disinfect surfaces. Consideration should be given to the target microbes, safety, and material compatibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you did not have quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) available for use in a wet sanitizer, there are alternative chemical agents that could be used. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is one common disinfectant that can be effective in a variety of sanitizing solutions. Another option is hydrogen peroxide, which has strong oxidizing properties and thus can be very effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
Alcohol-based sanitizers, typically using either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol, are also effective substitutes for quats and can be used on surfaces to disinfect and sanitize.
Keep in mind that when selecting a sanitizer, it's important to consider the specific microbial properties you're trying to eliminate, as well as any safety, material compatibility, and residue concerns associated with the use of the alternative agent.