Methods of forming germicidal aromatic dialdehydes by hydrolyzing acetals are disclosed. Compositions and kits including both germicidal aromatic dialdehydes and acetals that are capable of being converted to germicides are disclosed. In one aspect, an acetal may be converted to germicide gradually in a deployed germicidal solution to accommodate for loss of the germicide or otherwise to modify the germicidal efficacy of the deployed germicidal solution.