The present invention provides for a method of generating an aqueous solution comprising chlorine dioxide using a chlorine-containing chemical oxidant; an effector having the capacity to reduce said chlorine-containing chemical oxidant; a chemical reductant; and water, and operating in either batch or continuous-flow modes. In batch mode, the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution can be generated in a sprayer device, a bottle, or a bucket to disinfect objects by spraying and wiping, by pouring, or by immersion, respectively. In continuous-flow mode, the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution can be generated in flow tubes or continuous-stirred tank reactors, then placed inside a suitable sprayer device, bottle, or bucket.