Described herein are various methods and manufacturing methods for making antimicrobial and strengthened, antimicrobial glass articles and substrates. The methods described herein generally include contacting the article with a KNO3-containing molten salt bath set at about 380 C to about 460 C for about 30 minutes to about 24 hours to form a compressive stress layer that extends inward from a surface of the glass substrate to a first depth; and contacting the article comprising the compressive stress layer with a AgNO3-containing molten salt bath set at about 300° C. to about 400° C. for about 5 minutes to about 18 hours to form an antimicrobial region that extends inward from the surface of the glass substrate to a second depth. The methods also include poisoning at least the AgNO3-containing molten salt bath and, in some cases, the KNO3-containing molten salt bath. Poisoning components include Na+ and Li+ ions.