This invention relates to methods and compositions for producing an antimicrobial solution with a high weight percent (wt %) conversion of chlorite anion to chlorous acid and/or derivatives of chlorous acid with substantially reduced chlorite residual. Furthermore, the invention presents methods for use of the antimicrobial solution thereby substantially improving the utility and cost effectiveness of chlorous acid solutions. Furthermore, the invention further demonstrates a method for use of a novel antimicrobial solution comprising a brominated derivative of chlorous acid that has substantially reduced volatility and provides at least two different modes of oxidation.
