Disclosed are hard water-resistant antimicrobial composition for use in cleaning surfaces, wherein the compositions comprise a carboxylic acid, an alkyl sulfate, and a sulfonate. Further disclosed are methods of using the same, wherein the antimicrobial compositions provides an at least a 3-log reduction of a microbial population within 10 minutes of contact with the surface. Beneficially, the compositions are stable in hard water, do not require a rinse step, and leave little or no residue on treated surfaces.