Math Principles Essential to the Science of Cleaning
All cleaning product formulas use various ingredients at different percentages. Ingredients have different specific gravity for liquids or bulk density for powders. Recommended dilutions are determined by the concentration of the cleaning product formulas. Ready-to-use gallon costs are determined by the dilution and not the cost of the concentrate. Math determines the proper dilution and the performance of that dilution. The amount of solids in any formula determines its dilution and performance. The type of solid also determines its dilution and performance. Some ingredients do a lot more with less. This principle is seen with extraction rinses. Basically, these formulas are comprised of surfactants and builders, acidic or alkaline. Typical dilutions are 1 to 320 for liquids and 1 to 640 for powders. For instance, solvent-based formulas will weigh as little as odorless mineral spirits' 6.33 pounds per gallon and as high as glycol ether DB's 7.93 pounds per gallon. The weight of a solvent-based formula is not usually an indication of quality, but rather the selection of solvents. Some types of water-based formulas will weigh more if they have more solids, as they typically use a combination of solvents, surfactants, and builders.