The present invention relates to the use of polypeptides related to a Bacillus licheniformis polypeptide (amino acids 1-85 of SEQ ID NO: 2) as antimicrobial agents, for example in pharmaceutical applications, including veterinary applications, as well as for preservation, cleaning and disinfection of various surfaces, objects and substances. The polypeptides may in particular be used to treat textiles or laundry, e.g., in detergents, for reducing microbes on textile or laundry, and/or for odor reduction. The invention also relates to use of Bacillus strains producing these polypeptides as antimicrobial agents. Examples of microorganism inhibited by Lento are Gram positive bacterial strains, such as Bacillus cereus, and various species of Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus.