Stable, aqueous, iodine-based germicidal compositions are provided which include respective amounts of available iodine, non-ionic surfactant (e.g., polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block copolymers) and an iodine-solubilizing halide ion selected from the group consisting of Cl- and Br- and mixtures thereof. Use of Cl- and/or B- substantially reduces or completely eliminates the need for iodide ion in the compositions for maintaining available iodine in solution. The compositions can be in the form of dilutable concentrates or final use solutions.
