What Is Chemical Dilution Control?

The three predominant methods of using chemicals are ready-to-use, bulk concentrates and dilution control. Each has their place in the cleaning operation and specific benefits.

Ready-to-Use (RTU): RTU is convenient and is particularly good for chemicals that are difficult to concentrate effectively. These include floor finish, high- acid cleaners and metal polish. When other products such as glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner and degreaser are used RTU, they are very costly versus concentrates.

Bulk Concentrates: Products such as degreasers, floor strippers and glass cleaner, etc. are often sold in concentrate form. These are packaged in various sizes (pre-portioned packages, cartridges, gallons, drums, etc.). Instructions are provided for dilution (one ounce per gallon, one packet per mop bucket), and it is up to the user to correctly measure both the chemical and the water. This is commonly known as the “glug-glug” method.

Dilution Control: Concentrated cleaning chemicals are effectively diluted according to manufacturer specs or customer needs by a device that automatically measures out the concentrate and the water at certain proportions. These devices can range from wall-mounted units to hand-held miniature dilution systems.

What To Look For In A System
There are many dilution control systems on the market. They all measure water and chemicals to the right dilution. Some of the other things you might want to look for are:

• Systems that are flexible and can be designed to meet your needs
• Systems that help prevent the worker from coming in contact with the concentrate when changing concentrate refills
• Designs that help make sure the right product is hooked  up to the right control button (color coding, numbers,  pictures, etc.)
• Labels that help insure spray bottles are filled correctly  and used correctly (photos of the product in use, easy- to-read labels, etc.)
• Back flow prevention devices that meet all codes and minimize side effects such as foaming

Dilution control is the best form of cost-effective use of chemical concentrates. Your WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant is always available to help assess your needs and suggest the best system for your particular operation. WAXIE Solution Station offers safety, accuracy, flexibility and cost-control in chemical dilution control dispensing.