Decomposition occurs rapidly in warm temperatures. It should never be used in conjunction with formaldehyde or other acids. Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned of organic material before using chlorine. They are just as efficacious as other disinfectants for sanitation of non-porous hard surfaces and a highly desirable feature is the cleaning ability of the detergent like activity. While they have good bactericidal, viricidal and fungicidal activity, they are not sporicidal.
Residual chemical has little toxicity for animals.
Phenolic Disinfectant s are widely used. Cresol and chloriphenol are useful for disinfecting dirty surfaces because they are not inactivated by organic matter. However, bacterial spores are resistant. The phenolics are generally not compatible with detergents and often a combined product would precipitate in hard water. Phenolics are highly toxic and leave lingering odors.