the present invention relates to a method of disinfecting a surface and to an antibacterial composition . essential oils , which are used as antibacterial actives , are also known for their strong odour ; using high amounts of these gives a strong smell to the product that is not always appreciated by the consumer . it is therefore an object of the invention to provide an antibacterial composition , having good anti - bacterial properties , at very low levels of essential oil actives . the present inventors have achieved this using a synergistic combination of select anti - bacterial actives , specific polymers and select hydrotropes .