Provided is a polymer-based antimicrobial composition that is non-toxic, water soluble, and that mitigates the transmission of infectious diseases from surfaces. The composition comprises a cationic polymer, at least one adhesion promoter, optionally organic and/or inorganic particles that are photocatalytically active in visible light, and a carrier, in which the components of the composition are not covalently bound to one another. Also provided is an antimicrobial composition that comprises at least (i) a polyethylenimine-based polymer and a carrier or (ii) an organic and/or inorganic particle that is photocatalytically active in visible light, an adhesion promoter, and a carrier. The antimicrobial compositions can be applied to disinfect a surface and to form residual self-sanitizing films on the surface that are removable.
