Diluting chemicals

[RiPrete]

Hi, I am a DIYer and I heard about how you can take one cleaner concentrate and dilute it to make multiple cleaners. Does anybody know any of these?


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[Daviddear30]

I use multiple ones that you can dilute. Meguiars detailer line has several.

Most APCs you can dilute and some dressings

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[FUNX650]

•I believe that many of these types
of cleaning products are known as
All Purpose Cleaners (APCs).

-Autogeek’s store has quite an
assortment: Search (https://autogeek.ecomm-search.com/search?catalog=autogeek&submit=Go&_autodone=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fwax-shop-spray-wax.html&keywords=APCs)


Bob

[snowracer21]

While most people who've completed a High School math class know, I figured I'd quickly explain how to calculate the amount for diluting a product by ratio, just incase you don't have your handy ratio print out nearby. Yeah, I'm bored and had a few IPAs, who knows, there might be someone out there who relies on the CG dilution ratio chart.

Calculating chemical dilution amounts by ratio:

1) Identify the proper dilution ratio (ex. 3:1, or 10:1) where the second number is the chemical you're diluting, and the first is what you're diluting it with e.g. water

2) Add the two parts of the ratio together, for example: 3:1 would be 3 + 1 = 4 total parts

3) Divide the number 1, by the sum of your addition problem above. For example: 1/4, or 1 divided by 4

4) The quotient should be a decimal (<1), move the decimal point two places to the right for your percentage. Using the above problem, the quotient would be 0.25, or 25%

5) The percentage is the amount of chemical you're diluting that you'll be adding to the container (spray bottle, wash bucket, etc.)

Example:

-I want to mix my all-purpose cleaner (APC) 3:1, that's three parts water, one part APC in my 32oz spray bottle.

3 + 1 = 4
1 / 4 = 0.25, or 25%

25% of my 32oz spray bottle is 8oz.

I'd add 8oz. of APC, and fill the rest of the bottle (24oz.) with water. Remember, fill up to the measured line, not all the way to the neck of the bottle.

Another example:

I want to mix my all-purpose cleaner (APC) for light-duty interior cleaning, so I'll use 8:1. The higher the first number, the more diluted the chemical.

8 + 1 = 9
1 / 9 = ~11%

11% of 32oz. = ~3.5oz.

Add 3.5oz. of APC to the spray bottle, followed by 28.5oz. of water, for a dilution ratio of 8:1

[RiPrete]

I understand the dilution part, it’s just I’ve heard you can dilute an APC to make a detailing spray or a interior cleaner. I’m just wondering if people know anymore and what the dilution ratio is, I’m new to detailing and I want to start spending less by making my own cleaners and stop paying to ship water.


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[snowracer21]

I understand the dilution part, it’s just I’ve heard you can dilute an APC to make a detailing spray or a interior cleaner. I’m just wondering if people know anymore and what the dilution ratio is, I’m new to detailing and I want to start spending less by making my own cleaners and stop paying to ship water.


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Should have clarified, my post wasn't directed at you, just felt like typing it out for the general forum population.

I personally use Optimum Power Clean. I buy it by the gallon.

I dilute it 3:1 to clean wheels (prior to trying Meg's Wheel Brightener), 3:1 also makes for a great bug-removal product. Spray on the front bumper, wait a few minutes, agitate w/ soft brush and rinse off.

It makes a great general interior cleaner as well, I dilute it 10:1 for these duties.

[RiPrete]

Should have clarified, my post wasn't directed at you, just felt like typing it out for the general forum population.

I personally use Optimum Power Clean. I buy it by the gallon.

I dilute it 3:1 to clean wheels (prior to trying Meg's Wheel Brightener), 3:1 also makes for a great bug-removal product. Spray on the front bumper, wait a few minutes, agitate w/ soft brush and rinse off.

It makes a great general interior cleaner as well, I dilute it 10:1 for these duties.

Sorry if I offended you, I didn’t know how to say that I know how to dilute things without being sassy[emoji23]probably should of said that in the message. Thanks that’s helpful, I’ll definitely use those but also, in your prior message you said 8:1 for interior cleaner but then you said 10:1 for interior cleaner, I’m just wondering is it different for different products your diluting?


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[Hooked Up]

Hi RiPrete, Yes, you have to look at some of the products to determine the ratios needed. If you look at PS products, you will see they have some dilutions for the Wheel cleaner and some of the lesser amounts really is all you need. I am trying to reduce the amount of chemicals I have around and found that Wolfgang Uber Rinseless wash and wax is excellent for a detailer spray. Check it out since you save a lot of money buying it that way and you will use it more often as well. good luck, tom

[UncleDavy]

The dilution ratio of some cleaners will also help you to reduce the pH and make it less alkaline. Most cleaners are alkaline since most stains are acidic. PH neutral is considered anything between 6.0 and 8.0 and it is recommended for any delicate surfaces especially some interiors. Diluting a cleaner can bring down the pH to a safe level. The formula is original pH - (-log(original volume/new volume). Here is an example. Simple Green has a pH in concentrate of between 8.5-9.5. Let’s assume the value is 9.0. If we dilute it 10:1 here is the calculation.
9.0 - (-log(1/11)) = 7.959. This would be a pH neutral cleaner.

[Hooked Up]

UncleDavy, I missed something in your formula and don't remember where I went wrong. I get 7.9 and I am not sure if that is right. Can you tell me what -log is in this equation?? Thanks so much.

[UncleDavy]

You have to use the -log to get a positive value for that part of the equation. The log(1/11) = -1.04139. The -log(1/11) = 1.04139.
9 - 1.04139 = 7.95861.
If you are starting with an acid, you still have to use the -log. The formula for an acid is original chemical pH + (-log(original volume/new volume)).
Diluting the acid will increase the pH and bring it closer to 7. Pure water has a pH value of 7.
Lemon juice has a pH of 3. Diluting it 10:1 will yield:
3 + (-log(1/11)) = 4.04139

[PaulMys]

You have to use the -log to get a positive value for that part of the equation. The log(1/11) = -1.04139. The -log(1/11) = 1.04139.
9 - 1.04139 = 7.95861.
If you are starting with an acid, you still have to use the -log. The formula for an acid is original chemical pH + (-log(original volume/new volume)).
Diluting the acid will increase the pH and bring it closer to 7. Pure water has a pH value of 7.
Lemon juice has a pH of 3. Diluting it 10:1 will yield:
3 + (-log(1/11)) = 4.04139

If any of you guys really want to be impressed, have a few drinks and dinner with UncleDavy. He'll set you straight............:cheers::righton:

[Jayfro]

If any of you guys really want to be impressed, have a few drinks and dinner with UncleDavy. He'll set you straight............:cheers::righton:

I’ve taken 3 sips of a Dos Equis Especial cerveza...after reading that..:I think I need a few more sips...or gulps! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210525/d3e9e532f7de615750be56ae451354b4.jpg


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[Hooked Up]

If any of you guys really want to be impressed, have a few drinks and dinner with UncleDavy. He'll set you straight............:cheers::righton:

You have that right! And fact, I'll buy to learn some of that knowledge he has in his head. thanks so much. tom

[UncleDavy]

The drinks are on me.