Chlorinated lime is a potent antiseptic, disinfectant, and odor eliminator. It releases chlorine gas, which combines with water to form a mixture of hypochlorous and hydrochloric acids. The hypochlorous acid breaks down, releasing oxygen in its elemental form. This free chlorine has a strong attraction for hydrogen atoms in the proteins found in bacteria. The resulting chemical exchange, along with the impact of hydrochloric acid and newly released oxygen, effectively kills the bacteria.