Antimicrobial agents, compositions and products containing the same, and methods of using the compositions and products

A method for providing residual antimicrobial activity to a surface, said method comprising:

• topically applying a composition comprising about 1 to 5 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol to the surface;
• and
• optionally removing any excess amounts of the product from the surface.

A method for preventing or treating a bacterial or fungal infection on a mammalian surface, said method comprising:

• topically applying a composition comprising about 1 to 5 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol to the mammalian surface;
• and
• optionally removing any excess amounts of the product from the mammalian surface.

A method for preventing or reducing odor from the presence of bacteria or fungi on a mammalian surface, said method comprising:

• topically applying a composition comprising about 1 to 5 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol to the mammalian surface;
• and
• optionally removing any excess amounts of the product from the mammalian surface.

A method for providing antimicrobial activity to a film, fiber, molded or extruded article, or composite material made of fibers, polymers, adhesives, and/or gypsum;

• said method comprising:
• incorporating an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol into the film, fiber, molded or extruded article, or composite material during its manufacturing process.