A system and method of enhancing the antimicrobial and biofilm-resistant efficacy of surfaces that have cationic polyelectrolytes nonleachably bound thereto in order to impart antimicrobial activity to the surface. The system for enhancing antimicrobial efficacy involves brushing, dipping, wiping, spraying, or storing the surface in a solution containing citrate ion. The method involves treatment of the surface with a solution which enhances the antimicrobial and biofilm-resistant efficacy of the surface, and which prevents a loss of the antimicrobial properties of the surface which may occur over time. Preferably, the enhancement agent is citrate ion and the cationic polyelectrolyte is poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), also known as polyDADMAC. The system is particularly beneficial for surfaces of articles such as contact lenses.