It is mainly used as a disinfectant, biocide, industrial deodorant and detergent. It is found in some modern water purification tablets/filters. It is more efficient than formerly used halazone water disinfectant. In these applications, it is a source of slow release of chlorine in low concentrations at a relatively constant rate. As a disinfectant, it is used to sterilize drinking water, swimming pools, tableware and air, fight against infectious diseases as routine disinfection.
It can be used as a preventive for disinfection and environmental sterilization, in raising silkworm, livestock, poultry and fish, and also can be used to prevent wool from shrinking, bleaching textiles and cleaning industrial circulating water.