An aqueous chlorine dioxide solution which comprises dissolved chlorine dioxide in a concentration of about 10 to 3000 mg/l, pH in the range of about 1 to 6, and a chlorine scavenging means such as sodium chlorite in a ratio in the range of about 1:4 to 1:15 (w/w) sodium chlorite to chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide solution may be stored for use over a period of several days to several months.