The present disclosed subject matter relates to an aqueous cleaning composition consisting essentially of malic acid, citric acid, and water, wherein the ratio of the weight ratio of malic acid to citric acid in the antimicrobial composition is between 1/1 and 50/1, and wherein the concentration of the malic and citric acids mixture in the aqueous cleaning composition is between 1% and 20%. The aqueous cleaning composition provides a minimum 3 log kill of microbes, bacteria, or viruses. The aqueous cleaning composition may optionally further include a pH indicator that provides a visual indication to the user of the effectiveness of the composition. The aqueous cleaning composition may be used to deodorize, clean, sanitize, or disinfect porous or hard surface articles and hard surfaces.
