Aims: Investigate the effect of detergent treatment on susceptibility of attached Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes to subsequent disinfectant treatment. Methods and Results: Plate counts show that E. coli attached to stainless steel surfaces became significantly more susceptible to benzalkonium chloride (BAC) after treatment with sodium alkyl sulfate (SAS) and fatty alcohol ethoxylate (FAE). No change in susceptibility was observed with Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). L. monocytogenes became significantly less susceptible to BAC after treatment with SAS and SDS yet no change in susceptibility was observed with FAE. Flow cytometry using the fluoresceine propidium iodide revealed significant increases in cell membrane permeability of both organisms by SAS and FAE, although the effect was much greater in E. coli. No change was observed with SDS. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography showed that both organisms became less hydrophobic following treatment with SAS and SDS but FAE had no effect. Conclusions: In E. coli, detergents that increase susceptibility to BAC increase membrane permeability. In L. monocytogenes, detergents that reduce susceptibility to BAC lower cell surface hydrophobicity. Significance and Impact of the Study: Detergents can influence the sensitivity of pathogenic food borne micro-organisms to BAC.