Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions and methods of using the same are provided to enhance stability and increase shelf-life over conventional peracid compositions. Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formulated or treated with amine salts of acetic acid and/or sulfuric acid, ammonium salts, sodium salts of acetic acid and/or sulfuric acid, polymeric amines and/or other stabilizing agents according to the invention. The invention further relates to methods employing such compositions, and methods of making these compositions.