How to dilute cleaning products

Why is it important to dilute chemicals?

The “glug-glug” method: we’re probably all aware of this method of mixing cleaning chemicals and concentrates. I know I’ve been guilty of it.

However, this haphazard combining of chemicals without the right knowledge, care and careful pre-measuring is expensive and it’s dangerous. Add to that, cleaning products do not clean as well when they are improperly diluted, making all that hard work pointless.

More is not always better

In fact, based on my experience, it hardly ever is. Using more product than specified can damage surfaces, void warranties, waste money and put those mixing the cleaning products at risk from chemical fumes due to the high concentration of chemicals. On the other hand, over-diluting may see you or your staff waste time and effort.

Dilution rates are there for a reason

Using cleaning liquids effectively isn’t as simple as splattering some cleaning liquid around and wiping it off. Manufacturers set dilution rates for a reason. Cleaning chemicals are formulated to work best at certain dilution ratios. Ignoring directions could be dangerous, costly as well as give poor results.

It’s a common misunderstanding that adding more chemical to the dilution will create a stronger mix to get a better outcome. This is not a good idea for the environment, your wallet or the health of the person doing the cleaning.

Take a surface disinfectant for example. If the directions specify 1:4 ratio or say 10 mls per litre to kill all the viruses listed on the label, what would you accomplish by adding more product? No more germs will be killed, and your floor or surface could in fact become sticky, and streaky. Conversely, cleaning an area with a product that is too diluted could be a waste of time, effort and endanger others as the germs and bacteria won’t have been removed.

Neither scenario is a good one, so always follow your manufacturer’s dilution specifications.

Read the product labels

Following the correct dilution process can save time, money and ensure no product is wasted.

Managing cleaning concentrates

At Insinc, we sell some reliable options when it comes to dispensing cleaning concentrates. We stock an array of dispensation systems that will dilute a cleaner concentrate with water: or pumps that have set rates they emit with each push

No matter what chemicals you are working with, dilution is key to safety, and performance. Full efficiency, both in terms of manpower and cost, can only be achieved by diluting a solution to its correct ratio.

The best help is the label on the cleaning liquid. It will usually have the recommended concentrations for different surfaces.

If you or your staff are mixing manually, which can still be a viable option, it needs to be undertaken correctly and carefully in a spacious, well-ventilated area and using protective personal equipment (PPE), as necessary.

With pumps to pre-proportioned packs, there’s no reason for cleaners to return to the uncertain, haphazard days of ‘glug-glugging’. Correct dilution has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the performance, efficiency, cost and safety of a cleaning product.

We're here to help with cleaning products

If you are not sure which is the right product for you or would like advice on which cleaning product to use at your business or place of work, email us at any time or call us on 0508 467 462. Feel free to chat about how we can help you can incorporate money, time and energy saving cleaning products at your home or business.