In large facilities—from hospitals and universities to industrial plants and office buildings—cleaning crews often rely on concentrated chemicals to manage diverse cleaning tasks. While concentrated products offer cost and storage advantages, using them improperly can lead to waste, damaged surfaces, or inconsistent results. That’s why dilution control is a cornerstone of effective cleaning operations.
Dilution control systems allow for precise mixing of cleaning solutions, ensuring the correct chemical-to-water ratio every time. For facility managers and janitorial teams, these systems help standardize processes, reduce costs, and support safety protocols at scale.
To explore compatible products and systems, visit the Midlab product catalog.
What Is Dilution Control?
Dilution control refers to the process of mixing concentrated cleaning products with water in precise proportions to achieve the intended performance. The goal is to maintain product effectiveness while minimizing waste and reducing safety risks associated with overuse or misapplication.
These systems are commonly used with:
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All-purpose cleaners
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Degreasers
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Glass cleaners
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Disinfectant cleaners (when applicable based on label instructions)
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Floor care chemicals
Many facilities utilize wall-mounted, portable, or bottle-top dilution dispensers to automate and simplify this process.
Benefits of Dilution Control Systems
1. Consistency Across Cleaning Teams
One of the biggest challenges in multi-person cleaning teams is consistency. Without proper dilution, different team members may mix products incorrectly, leading to streaking, residue, or ineffective cleaning.
A dilution control system ensures that every mop bucket, spray bottle, or auto scrubber receives a solution mixed to exact specifications. This reduces training complexity and improves day-to-day performance.
2. Cost Efficiency
Concentrated cleaning products are more economical in bulk, but only when used correctly. Over-dilution wastes product and affects performance; under-dilution can increase chemical consumption and pose surface damage risks.
With a controlled system, facilities:
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Lower chemical consumption
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Reduce packaging waste
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Optimize inventory management
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Stretch budgets over longer periods
Facilities that order large volumes benefit significantly from these savings, especially when using high-performance products like those found in the Maxim product line.
3. Enhanced Safety
Improper chemical mixing can be hazardous. Splashes, fumes, and spills increase the risk of exposure for custodial teams. Automated dilution systems minimize contact with concentrated chemicals, supporting safer workplace practices.
This aligns with facility goals to reduce on-the-job injuries, meet training requirements, and comply with regulatory safety standards.
For broader cleaning industry guidelines, refer to ISSA’s resources, which often include protocols for chemical handling and employee safety.
Types of Dilution Control Systems
There are several types of systems used in commercial cleaning, depending on facility size, product range, and budget.
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Wall-mounted dispensers: Installed near janitorial closets and connected to water lines for filling mop buckets or bottles.
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Portable dilution systems: Mobile units that can be moved between buildings or floors for flexible use.
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Bottle-top dispensers: Attach directly to the product container and dispense pre-measured amounts into a secondary container.
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Auto scrubber dosing systems: Integrated systems for automated floor machines that mix solution on demand.
Choosing the right system depends on your cleaning routines, product types, and available storage space.
Best Practices for Implementation
If your facility is implementing or upgrading a dilution control system, keep the following best practices in mind:
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Label clearly: Ensure all secondary containers are labeled with the correct product name and dilution ratio.
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Train staff: Provide step-by-step guidance on using the system, including safety precautions and maintenance routines.
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Monitor usage: Regularly audit chemical consumption to identify trends or potential misuse.
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Store safely: Keep concentrated products in a designated area, away from food or sensitive equipment.
Midlab’s solutions are compatible with a range of dilution systems and can help you scale cleaning operations without adding unnecessary complexity. For guidance tailored to your building or industry, reach out via the Midlab contact page.
Private Brand Solutions and Dilution
Many facility managers are exploring private brand options for cleaning products. When paired with dilution control systems, private brand concentrates allow for high-volume use with reduced cost and consistent branding across multiple locations.
This is particularly useful for building service contractors (BSCs), school systems, and healthcare networks managing multiple properties.
Final Thoughts
Dilution control is a foundational part of modern commercial cleaning. It supports consistency, cost control, and team safety—especially when managing large operations or multiple facilities. By using the right system and products, cleaning teams can meet their performance goals while reducing waste and improving safety.
Explore dilution-compatible cleaning solutions in the Midlab product catalog, and learn how to optimize your approach with support from a knowledgeable team.
For more insights on industry trends and cleaning best practices, visit ISSA.com.
