The present invention provides antimicrobial solutions that in certain cases comprise a biguanide and a glycol ether and, in some cases, optionally also includes combinations of at least one an alcohol, at least one chelator, glycerol, deoxycholate, and/or at least one alkylpolyglucoside. In certain aspects the invention comprises a biguanide and deoxycholate or a combination of chelator, ethanol, and alkylpolyglucoside. Also provided are methods for rapidly killing and/or reducing bacteria, fungi, or virus from surfaces, for example, including surfaces of indwelling medical devices and organic surfaces such as skin and sutures, and inorganic surfaces such as medical equipment, pipelines etc.
