Aqueous solutions comprising: one or more polymeric components selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof; and hydrogen peroxide; wherein the hydrogen peroxide is present in an amount of 100 to 5000 ppm; and methods of stabilizing aqueous solutions containing one or more polymeric components selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof.