Abstract: The invention provides a reversibly protected colorant or a composition thereof which when mixed with a disinfectant solution imparts color to the disinfectant solution allowing for temporary visualization of a disinfectant, and methods for use in the disinfection, decontamination, and/or cleaning of surfaces, objects. The reversibly protected colorant or composition thereof is added to a disinfectant solution or disinfectant article (e.g., disinfectant wipe, microfiber, rag, towel, cloth, spun-woven wipes, nonwoven wipes, etc.), wherein the reversibly protected colorant or a composition thereof imparts color to the disinfectant solution resulting in a colored disinfectant solution until such protection is removed, thereby releasing the colorant and exposing the colorant to an agent and/or oxidizing conditions that cause the colorant to permanently lose its color.