A cleaning concentrate only saves you money if you dilute it correctly. Too strong wastes product and can leave streaks or residue. Too weak means cleaning twice. This guide explains how to read a dilution ratio, how much to put in a spray bottle or bucket, and the right mix for every surface.
How to read a dilution ratio
A ratio like 1 : 10 means 1 part concentrate to 10 parts water. It doesn't matter what you measure with, as long as you use the same measure for both. With SOLVIS®, the easiest way is the cap: 1 cap of SOLVIS® to 10 caps of water.
A ratio of 2 : 10 is stronger: 2 parts concentrate to 10 parts water. "Neat" or "undiluted" means using the concentrate straight from the can.
Dilution chart for every surface
| Surface or job | Routine cleaning | Heavy cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | 1 : 10 | 2 : 10 |
| Glass and mirrors | 1 : 20 | 1 : 10 |
| Kitchen surfaces and counters | 1 : 10 | 2 : 10 |
| Stainless steel | 1 : 10 | 2 : 10 |
| Carpets, upholstery and fabric | 1 : 10 | 2 : 10 |
| Vehicles | 1 : 20 | 1 : 10 |
| Degreasing | 2 : 10 | Neat, 2–5 minutes |
| Washrooms | 2 : 10 | Neat, 2 minutes |
| Toilet bowls | Neat | Neat, 2 minutes |
From the SOLVIS® surface-wise cleaning guide. Download the full guide (PDF).
How much to put in a 500 ml spray bottle
- 1 : 20 (glass): about 24 ml of SOLVIS®, topped up with water to 500 ml.
- 1 : 10 (everyday): about 45 ml of SOLVIS®, topped up to 500 ml.
- 2 : 10 (kitchens and bathrooms): about 83 ml of SOLVIS®, topped up to 500 ml.
How much to put in a bucket
For a 10-litre bucket at 1 : 10, add about 900 ml of SOLVIS® and top up with water to 10 litres. For a different bucket size or ratio, use our bucket calculator.
How to apply it
- Mix the concentrate with water in a spray bottle (a foam sprayer works best) or a bucket.
- Apply it evenly as foam.
- Leave it 1–3 minutes, or up to 5 minutes on heavy grease.
- Wipe it off, then rinse with clean water.
Common dilution mistakes
- "More is better." It isn't. Extra concentrate can leave streaks and wastes product. Stick to the chart and go stronger only for heavy dirt.
- Mixing cleaners together. Never mix different cleaning products. With one concentrate, you don't need to.
- Guessing. Measure with the cap or a measuring jug, and label your bottles with the mix.
- Skipping the wait. Give the foam 1–3 minutes to work before you wipe.
For cleaning teams
On a large site, one printed dilution chart keeps everyone consistent. Build a dilution chart for your team with the areas you clean.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 1:10 dilution ratio mean?
It means 1 part concentrate to 10 parts water, for example 1 cap of SOLVIS® to 10 caps of water.
Can I make the mix stronger for tough dirt?
Yes. Use 2 : 10 for heavy cleaning and grease, and use it neat on baked-on grease and toilet bowls.
How long does a mixed solution keep?
Mix what you need for the day for the best results, and keep the concentrate tightly closed in a cool, dry place.