The present invention includes compositions and methods of making an antimicrobial polymer by mixing sterically hindered N-halo-amines with polymeric materials with a source of halides selected from sodium di-X-isocyanurate, sodium hypohalite, N--X-succinimide, and calcium hypohalite, and mixtures and combinations thereof, wherein X is selected from Cl or Br, and wherein the sterically hindered halo-amines are charged before or after mixing with the polymers, or combinations thereof.