A liquid antiseptic and cleanser having improved long-term stability includes at least the following principal ingredients: deionized water; silver ion, polypectate, and ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA). Presently preferred embodiments of the technology also include glycerine; 1,2-propanediol (a.k.a. propylene glycol); at least one surfactant from any of the families of alkylsulfates, sulfonates, alkanolamides, betaines, amine oxides, sarcosinates and sulfosuccinates; and a buffering compound sufficient to achieve a pH value within a range of 7.2 to 7.8.