The present invention relates to compositions having durable antimicrobial activity. The compositions include a carbonate/bicarbonate salt of a quaternary ammonium cation, an organic acid, hydrogen peroxide and a cationic polymer. The cationic polymer includes either a (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride monomer or a [2-(acrylolyoxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride monomer. The cationic polymer also includes another monomer selected from a polar, water-soluble monomer, a hydrophobic, silicone-containing monomer or mixtures of both types of monomers in combination with one of the trimethylammonium chloride monomers.