Chlorine is a very effective disinfectant and is widely used to sanitize and disinfect water, swimming pools, and surfaces. When chlorine is added to water, it oxidizes and kills bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. It works by attacking the cell walls of the microorganisms and breaking down the molecules, which inactivates them and stops them from reproducing. Chlorine is also used to bleach materials, such as fabrics and paper, as it can break down the molecules that give the material its colour.