In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.
