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.
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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 ofdispensation systems that will dilute a cleaner concentrate with water: orpumps that have set ratesthey 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 usingprotective 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.
