Absolute cleanliness is the best form of disinfection, but unfortunately it is not always possible in stables. Comparative purity can generally be obtained when there are no subsoil drains, which require frequent flushing with water to keep them even moderately clean.

A perfect disinfectant should be (1) effective in its action;

(2) harmless to the occupants of the stable; (3) and free from disagreeable odour. Boiling water is a safe, efficient, and readily procurable disinfectant. Creolin, of which Jay's Fluid is a good form, and fairly pure carbolic acid serve this purpose in an admirable manner, when diluted with about 20 times their bulk of water. Crude carbolic acid is very cheap, but it dissolves only sparingly in water, which is a drawback that can be removed by mixing it with 4 times its volume of glycerine. A solution of sulphate of iron (the impure kind will do) dissolved in a gallon of water makes a capital disinfectant, and fixes ammonia by converting it into the sulphate. Carbolized sawdust is very useful as a purifying agent, for sprinkling in stables as may be required. It can be prepared by taking a solution of equal quantities of crude carbolic acid and water, and adding as much sawdust as will soak up the fluid. Powdered gypsum (sulphate of lime) sprinkled over dung, urine, and contaminated litter, absorbs the evolved ammonia and thus, not only helps to keep the air of the stable pure, but also retains the valuable ammonia for manurial purposes.