The present invention provides stable oil-in-water emulsions of silanol quaternary ammonium compounds (SQAC) resistant to premature polymerization comprising: a mixture formed from an anhydrous SQAC defined as 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl-N-octadecyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride and an essential oil selected from the group consisting of grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, orange, and mixtures thereof； and a balance of demineralized water to a desired aqueous concentration. The stable oil-in-water emulsions can be produced by mixing an anhydrous SQAC defined as 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl-N-octadecyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride and an essential oil selected from the group consisting of grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, orange, and mixtures thereof, to form a mixture； diluting the mixture to a desired aqueous concentration with demineralized water； and producing a stable and clear oil-in-water microemulsion that provides long-term stabilization from unwanted polymerization.
