An aqueous disinfecting solution and dry powdered composition which may be dissolved in water to provide the solution. The solution has a pH of from 0.6 to 7 and comprises (a) hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of from 0.01 to 6% w/w; and (b) at least one component chosen from cyclic carboxylic acids and aromatic alcohols, in a concentration of from 0.01 to 4 w/w %, all based on the total weight of the solution. The cyclic carboxylic acids are preferably 2-furan carboxylic acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid. Furthermore, the solution preferably contains at least one C6-C12 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonate surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. Additional optional ingredients include anionic surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, cation sequestering agents, and buffers.