Abstract: Peroxygen compositions of at least one peroxygen compound combined with at least one polyhydric activator compound having at least four carbon atoms, with the carbon atoms having at least one hydroxyl group bonded thereto, or a boron or aluminum derivative thereof. Solutions of at least one activated peroxygen compound prepared by dissolving in a common solvent therefor at least one peroxygen compound and at least one of the polyhydric activator compounds of the invention. Methods for preparing activated peroxygen compounds by dissolving in a common solvent at least one peroxygen compound and at least one of the polyhydric activator compounds of the invention. Methods for cleaning or bleaching substrates in need thereof by contacting the substrate with a solution of at least one activated peroxygen compound prepared by dissolving in a common solvent at least one peroxygen compound with at least one of the polyhydric activator compounds of the invention.