"A little extra won't hurt" is one of the most expensive habits in cleaning. Professional cleaning chemicals are concentrated and designed to work at a specific dilution. Using more doesn't make them clean better. It often makes things worse.
Why more isn't better
- Residue: excess product leaves a sticky film that attracts dirt, so surfaces get dirty faster.
- Slippery floors: overdosed floor cleaner can leave floors slippery.
- Damage: strong solutions can dull finishes, damage seals and fade fabrics.
- Health: stronger fumes and more skin contact for your staff.
- Cost: doubling the dose doubles your chemical bill.
Read the label
Every concentrate gives a dilution rate, for example 1:50 (one part product to 50 parts water) or "50ml per 5L bucket". Many products have different rates for light and heavy cleaning. Start with the light rate and only increase for heavy soiling.
Measure, don't guess
- Keep a measuring jug or dosing cup with every concentrate.
- Mark fill lines on buckets, for example a line at 5L on an 8L bucket.
- Write the recipe on the storeroom wall: "Ammoclean: X ml per 5L water."
Water first, then chemical
Add water to the bucket or bottle first, then add the chemical. It reduces splashing and foaming, and is safer if a product is strong.
Label every bottle
When you decant into spray bottles, label each one with the product name and dilution. Use a good-quality trigger or spray mist atomiser nozzle so you apply a fine, even mist rather than pouring product on.
Stock up
Ammoclean, Spray Mist Atomiser Nozzles and 8L Plastic Buckets are available from maxproducts.co.za.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Ammoclean All Purpose CleanerShop now →
Spray Mist Atomiser Nozzle 28mmShop now →
8L Plastic BucketShop now →
