Antimicrobial composition (e.g. ready-to-use and concentrated solutions) having a pH of from about 0 to about 4.5, and comprising a synergistic combination of at least one peroxygen compound, and at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sarcosines and salts thereof having the formula (A):
wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched C8-24 alkyl, R2 is a hydrogen or an alkaline moiety. The solutions are free of percarboxylic acids and precursors thereof, essential oils, bleaching agents, low molecular weight organic diamines, cationic surfactants, C1-C4 aldehydes, ferrous salts, parabens, enzymes, and a poly(alkylene glycol) alkyl ethers containing four or more ether linkages. Dry compositions, uses and methods for sanitization, disinfection and sterilization are also disclosed.