The Truth About Dilution: Why It Matters More Than You Think (And How It Saves Your Business Money)

When you hire a commercial cleaning service, you expect sparkling floors, disinfected surfaces, and a fresh, clean space. But what you may not realize is that one of the most critical steps in achieving that clean — and doing it safely and cost-effectively — happens before any mop touches the floor: dilution.

At AB-Clean, we know from experience that getting dilution right is one of the most important (yet overlooked) parts of professional cleaning. Here's why it matters to your business — and how doing it wrong can quietly cost you more than you think.

What Is Dilution in Cleaning?

Dilution is the process of mixing cleaning products with water at specific ratios based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most professional-grade cleaners are highly concentrated, which means they’re designed to be watered down before use.

For example, a product might need to be mixed at a 1:64 ratio — that’s 1 part cleaner to 64 parts water. These aren’t just guidelines; they’re carefully tested instructions that balance effectiveness, safety, and cost.

What Happens If the Ratio Is Off?

Whether the cleaner is too strong or too weak, improper dilution can create real problems for your workspace and your bottom line.

If It’s Too Weak:

• It doesn’t clean effectively. Germs, dirt, and odors linger.

• Surfaces look dull or streaky.

• Your facility ends up needing re-cleaning, wasting time and money.

If It’s Too Strong:

• It can damage surfaces, especially floors, countertops, or equipment.

• Harsh chemicals may irritate skin or eyes for employees and customers.

• Sticky or slippery residue becomes a safety hazard.

• You're wasting product, which means unnecessary supply costs.

How Proper Dilution Saves You Money

At AB-Clean, we believe clean doesn’t have to be costly — and one of the ways we protect your budget is through proper chemical dilution. Here's how it saves your business money:

1. Reduced Product Waste

We don’t overuse product. AB-Clean staff are trained to follow precise dilution ratios, so you're only paying for what’s truly needed.

2. Surface Protection

We use the right strength of cleaners to protect surfaces and finishes. That helps extend the life of your floors, furniture, and fixtures.

3. Faster, More Efficient Cleaning

With proper dilution, our cleaning solutions perform exactly as intended. That means less scrubbing, fewer repeat visits, and more consistent results.

4. Workplace Safety

Correctly diluted chemicals mean fewer risks of slips, strong fumes, or chemical reactions — which helps keep your team safe and reduces liability for you.

How AB-Clean Gets Dilution Right — Every Time

This isn’t a guessing game for us. AB-Clean uses:

• Color-coded spray bottles

• Automatic dilution dispensers

• Wall-mounted mixing systems

• Ongoing staff training

That means you get a team that cleans with precision, professionalism, and consistency — every time.

Final Thoughts: Details That Make a Difference

Dilution might seem like a minor behind-the-scenes task. But at AB-Clean, we treat it like a big deal — because it directly impacts your results, safety, and long-term savings.

If your current cleaning provider isn’t talking about dilution, they might be costing you more than you realize.

Want to work with a team that gets the science and the service right? 

Call us at [281-961-5607] 

or

Visit AB-Clean.org

Jillian Crumley

Administrative Assistant