A surface having a anti-microbial film is disclosed having a dried film on the surface comprising an optically active isomer of a monoester of glycerin and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.22 aliphatic acid having antimicrobial activity. A composition for cleaning and inhibiting microbial growth on surfaces includes an emulsion having at least a cationic soap and the monoester. A method for cleaning and inhibiting microbial growth on surfaces is also disclosed that includes providing a mixture of the soap and the optically active isomer of a monoester of glycerin and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.22 aliphatic acid having antimicrobial activity, making an aqueous mixture of the mixture and applying the solution on the surface to be cleaned. Preferably the monoester includes at least one of monolaurin, monocaprin and monomyristin.