This invention provides antimicrobial compositions containing methylglyoxal and material with methylglyoxal contained (such as manuka honey). The antimicrobial activity of methylglyoxal, or material with a methylglyoxal presence, is maintained and/or enhanced by mixing methylglyoxal or material with a methylglyoxal presence with cyclodextrin. Methods of preparing such compositions, including powder composition, and methods of using such compositions are also provided.