Bleaching compositions, laundry and automatic dishwashing detergent compositions comprising multiple-substituted bleach activators which have at least one quaternary nitrogen atom,, are provided. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits though the selection of multiple-substituted quaternary bleach activators having specific leaving groups with a conjugate acid aqueous pK.sub.a above 13 and with advantageous ratios of rate of perhydrolysis to rate of hydrolysis and of rate of perhydrolysis to rate of diacylperoxide production. Included are preferred activator compounds and methods for washing fabrics, hard surfaces, and tableware using the activators.