Disinfection method comprising a disinfectant formed by reaction of H2O2 and NO2 in situ with retarded release of the active substance

A method for disinfecting a surface, comprising:

• mixing H2O2, NO2−, and at least one stopping agent at time t0 to obtain an active solution, wherein the initial concentration of NO2− at time t0, [NO2−]0, is between 15 and 300 mM and wherein the stopping agent is a solvent having a boiling temperature below 100° C.,
• providing the active solution to the surface, wherein the at least one stopping agent reduces the reaction rate of H2O2 and NO2−, thereby retarding formation of peroxynitrous acid,
• wherein the retarding effect of the stopping agent decreases as soon as the concentration of the stopping agent is reduced;
• and
• evaporating the at least one stopping agent, thereby allowing the reactants to form peroxynitrous acid and disinfect the surface.