Abstract: Cleaning and disinfectant compositions are provided particularly for use with hard surfaces. The compositions include hydrogen peroxide and an acid or salt thereof which is resistant to oxidation other than phosphorous based acids. Replacement of phosphorous based acids with acids of the invention results in improved hydrogen peroxide stability while maintaining or increasing the efficacy of cleaning and antimicrobial activity of the compositions. Typically, acids of the invention include substituted or unsubstituted carboxylic acids such as R4—C (R2) (R3) —R1—COOH. Inventive compositions may further include surfactants, a chelating agent or sequestrant, a water soluble or water dispersible solvent, corrosion inhibitors and other adjuvants well known to those skilled in the art. There are further provided methods of use and methods of preparing inventive compositions.