It’s a common misconception that using extra cleaning product leads to a safer or more hygienic surface. In fact, exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended concentration can do the opposite — reducing effectiveness, damaging surfaces, and leaving residue that attracts more dirt. Overdosing can also pose health risks, including skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.
On the other hand, under-diluting cleaning products weakens their germ-killing power, allowing harmful microorganisms to remain. Getting the dilution ratio right is essential for both safety and performance.
Why Dilution Ratios Matter
“Dilution ratios lie at the heart of professional hygiene,” says Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional Southern Africa.
“These ratios are carefully tested by manufacturers to ensure the right balance between effectiveness and safety. Overdosing increases costs and risks, while underdosing can create a false sense of hygiene security.”
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health tracked over 300 professional cleaners in daycare centres and found a direct link between frequent exposure to disinfectants and increased respiratory symptoms — particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. This highlights why safe, correctly dosed cleaning solutions are essential in high-touch environments such as schools, restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a sharp rise in poison control calls related to cleaning agent exposure. Most were due to improper use, such as mixing chemicals or applying disinfectants to skin or food surfaces — often driven by fear and misinformation.
Getting the Maths Right
So, what are the correct cleaning ratios? Madkins says the good news is, you don’t need a chemistry degree to figure them out.
“It’s easier than you think, and once you know the right proportions, you get a more effective clean and safer, more sustainable results,” he explains.
If a product label calls for a 1:20 ratio, it means one part product to twenty parts water. Using kitchen utensils makes it simple to measure: for instance, one tablespoon of product mixed with twenty tablespoons of water.
Common Dilution Ratios
| Ratio | Amount of Product | Amount of Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10 | 100 ml (≈ 6½ tablespoons) | 1 litre |
| 1:20 | 50 ml (≈ 3½ tablespoons or ⅕ cup) | 1 litre |
| 1:50 | 20 ml (≈ 4 teaspoons) | 1 litre |
| 1:100 | 10 ml (≈ 2 teaspoons) | 1 litre |
For Unilever Professional products such as Domestos, Handy Andy, and Sunlight Liquid, only small quantities are needed to achieve effective cleaning performance.
Best Practices for Businesses
Madkins advises that companies avoid waste and health risks by:
- Training staff to:
- Understand why dilution accuracy matters.
- Always check product labels for correct ratios.
- Use measuring spoons or cups rather than guessing “by eye.”
- Conducting regular audits to ensure correct application and compliance.
Precision, Safety, and Sustainability
Proper dilution is more than a hygiene standard — it’s a cost-saving and sustainability measure. Using cleaning products accurately reduces waste, protects surfaces, and supports staff well-being.
“You don’t need to be a mathematician,” Madkins concludes. “But every business should think like one when it comes to cleaning with precision.”
