People read labels religiously to gauge food nutrient content and get a calorie count. Most people will not take medication without reading the directions and taking the prescribed dosage.

Why then, would anyone neglect to thoroughly read the label and employ the manufacturer's suggested applications for a cleaning product?

Many cleaning professionals erroneously assume that although different products clean many of the same surfaces, there is little or no difference in application. A quick look at the product label, however, can mean the difference between doing a great job or simply an adequate one, especially if a product is not used according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The Right Product for the Job

Choosing the right product for the job is an obvious first step that can make a major clean-up or everyday clean-up job easier. There are all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, aerosols, powders and liquids. The same brand name on different products can add to confusion. Users should not confuse brand authority with product function.

Words of Caution

The Federal Hazardous Substances ACT of 1960 governs cleaning products that are not considered food, drugs or pesticides and the Environmental Protection Agency governs disinfectants and sanitizers. Signal words, such as Caution, Warning and Danger, specific hazard information, corresponding medical advice and phrases such as, "Keep Out of Reach of Children, must appear on product labels. These warnings may apply if the chemical content is prone to explode or is flammable. Users should take note to wear protective gear, if advised.

Dilution

Proper product dilution not only improves but ensures consistent performance, maximizes product efficiency and minimizes waste. Even the most commonly used and least expensive disinfectant, liquid chlorine bleach, can be mishandled. Sodium hypochlorite should be used in at least a 1:10 ratio to water and allowed enough surface contact time to be effective as a disinfectant. A standard time of 10 minutes is the basis of most laboratory testing for kill rates.

At Core Products Co., Inc., we base our manufacturer recommendations for product use on government regulations and extensive product research.

For example, our Green Seal® certified, hydrogen peroxide based HydrOxi Pro® Concentrated Cleaner can be used with a dispenser in two dilutions for light or heavy cleaning: 1 oz./gallon or 10 oz./gallon. For mirrors, stainless steel, light mopping and auto scrubbers, the 1 oz. or "green" dilution is recommended. For heavier jobs requiring degreasing or carpet spotting, the 10 oz./gallon or "red" dilution is recommended. Using the red dilution for mirror cleaning may not yield desired results and it would not be cost effective.

Manufacturer recommendations optimize use of the product for specific results. It is well worth the time to read a product label before tackling the next job. Your safety and the bottom line may hinge on your label knowledge.

Things you learn from reading a label:

1. Product name and manufacturer
2. Chemical content
3. EPA registered disinfectant or multi-purpose cleaner
4. Value added because of concentration
5. Recommended dilution ratios
6. Special warnings or signal words
7. Medical treatment
8. Certifications or recommendations from 3rd parties
9. Biodegradable, natural

Advantages of using the right dilution:

• No product waste
• Most efficient use of product
• No water waste
• Eliminates rework
• Keeps safety first

Core Products Co., Inc. is formulating for our future by transforming the cleaning industry with innovative and safer cleaning solutions. For more information, call 800.825.2673 or visit www.coreproductsco.com.