Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for isolating nucleic acids from a sample, comprising: (a) contacting a sample, a lysate of the sample, a supernatant of the lysate, or a portion of the sample, the lysate or the supernatant with one or more first agents (e.g., protein precipitating agents) and one or more second agents (e.g., inhibitor removing agents) to generate a mixture, (b) separating the mixture of step (a) into a solid phase and a liquid phase, wherein the one or more second agents are primarily in the solid phase, and (c) isolating nucleic acids from the liquid phase of step (b). Compositions and kits useful in such methods are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for preparing a lysate using a lytic reagent comprising one or more relatively mild chaotropic agents and one or more phosphates from a sample, especially a complex sample, such as a soil or stool sample.