Foamed polyurethane articles, such as a sponges, sheets, tapes or ribbons, blocks or other molded, extruded or cast article which foamed polyurethane articles comprising one or more quaternary ammonium compounds having germicidal properties and are particularly useful in the formation of cleaning articles. Processes for the manufacture of such cleaning articles based on hydrophilic polyurethane foams exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and their use are also described.