Compositions useful in preventing fungal and bacterial growth in fibrous substrates, e.g., paper, are provided. These compositions also advantageously do not corrode metal substrates that are attached and/or adjacent to the fibrous substrate. The compositions contain didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate and didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate (DDABC), a water-soluble cationic salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, optionally water, and optionally an agent which complexes said water-soluble cationic salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. Also provided are products containing these compositions and methods of using the same.