An anti-microbial composition suitable for the treatment of hard surfaces or the skin, comprising (i) an anti-microbial component comprising at least one antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound； (ii) a hydrophilic polymer； (iii) a polar solvent； (iv) at least one non-ionic surfactant and (v) a chelate, wherein the said hydrophilic polymer comprises at least two of the following types of monomer: (1) a monomer having a permanent cationic charge or a monomer that is capable of forming a cationic charge upon protonation； (2) an acidic monomer having an anionic charge or capable of forming an anionic charge； and (3) a neutral monomer. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a hard surface and providing a residual anti-microbial effect and a use/method to reduce or control the formation of microbial colonies on or at a surface using the aforementioned composition, preferably producing a 3 log or more reduction in micro-organisms after 24 hours.
