Microorganisms are ubiquitous on cultural heritage objects and historical architectures. Unfortunately, physical and chemical methods are relatively limited in terms of efficient prevention or removal of microbial damage for heritage items in that the available methods are generally inadequate to clean and prevent recolonization on open-air cultural heritage objects. In the field of cultural heritage conservation, the use of antimicrobial nano-materials has gradually become a new and environmentally friendly technology. This paper summarizes the current situation and developmental trends of research on the prevention and control of biodeterioration of cultural heritage objects, reviews the application of chemical biocides, natural antimicrobial agents, essential oil fumigants and new antimicrobial nano-materials in the conservation of cultural relics, analyzes the differences and mechanisms in the effects of various biocides on targeted cultural relics, and lists the potential for application and existing deficiencies of different nano-materials. This paper would not only provide a valuable reference for the management of microbial deterioration in the conservation and restoration of cultural relics, but also promote the research and development of microbial control materials and their application technologies for cultural heritage conservation.