How to dilute a Car Detailing product

Feb 03, 2022

Wetting Car Detailing products may seem like a very difficult practice at first glance, but in reality it is not, let's see how to make this process very simple and fast

Dilution and mixing are a very important component of successful car detailing , for example you can reduce the strength of a detergent for use on a more delicate surface or simply reduce the shine of a rubber and plastic dressing product. The key is to know how to correctly read the dilution recommendations released by the product manufacturer.

Which products can be diluted?

Virtually any chemical can be diluted in one way or another, but for products like waxes for example, this is rare.

Can you use tap water?

Yes and no, it really depends on the product you are diluting and what its purpose will be. Generally, any product that has a 'visual implication' should only be mixed with distilled water. By visual implication we mean products that have a visual impact on brightness, clarity, etc. For example, a tire black can be mixed with tap water as the substances in it will not alter the final result of your tires. On the other hand, a dilution of a product such as a waterless car wash or window cleaner should (if possible) be diluted with distilled water to reduce the possibility of streaks when the product is used.

DEFINITION 'parts' in a dilution

The term "parts" is used in a simplified dilution ratio that allows the user to calculate a dilution ratio regardless of bottle size.

In a dilution ratio your first number refers to the product, while the second number refers to the "parts" of water that are required.

Practical example, if we are trying to dilute a car wash shampoo with a ratio of 1:4 , we must interpret this ratio indicated in 1 part shampoo and 4 parts water. Since the ratio is a simplified dilution, it is possible to apply this concept to any container that we will use to have the complete dilution. As long as we know the "parts" it is possible to create the dilution in any container of different sizes.

Determine the size of the container

It is important to know the size of the container (100ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre etc.), as this is another element that will help us determine the quantity of product needed for dilution.

How to calculate dilution

The formula to calculate the dilution is very simple and once assimilated, it will make your dilution operation easier.

Practical example

We have a shampoo to dilute 1:4 and the container we will use to have the final dilution is 500ml, so we will do:

the sum of the two dilution ratios indicated:
1+4 = 5

divide the ml of the container by the total obtained by adding the dilution ratios:

500 (ml) /5 = 100ml

so, 100ml will be the amount of shampoo that we will have to use for the 1:4 dilution of shampoo in a 500ml container

So if you have a dilution of a product at 1:20, your reference number will be 21,
If you have 1:10, your reference number will be 11 etc., etc.

How to Calculate the Dilution Ratio of a Foam Lance

There is an important distinction between diluting a product when it is prepared in a bottle or sprayer and when it is used in the tank of a Foam Lance.

PIR (Panel Impact Ratio) : The dilution ratio reported on the label of a product is usually the correct ratio to apply the product directly to the vehicle, without further dilution. This ratio, called PIR, indicates the quantity of product to dilute in water to obtain the desired effectiveness without the need for further modifications.

Dilution with the Foam Lance

When using a Foam lance connected to a pressure washer, the situation changes. The amount of water that passes through the Foam lance and turns into foam is less than that which passes through the pressure washer. To ensure the consistency and effectiveness of the foam, a higher concentration of product is required.

Calculating the Dilution Ratio of the Foam Lance:

Preparation: Set the Foam lance valve to minimum (little foam, lots of air).
Measurement: Fill the Foam Lance tank with 100 ml of water.
Weights: Weigh an empty bucket with a capacity of 10-20 liters.
Dispensing: Use the Foam Lance to fill the bucket until the 100ml in the tank is empty.
Calculation: Weigh the full bucket and subtract the weight of the empty bucket and the 100 ml of water. This value represents the amount of water supplied by the pressure washer.
Determining the Ratio: Multiply this result by 10 and subtract 1 to get the dilution ratio for the Foam Lance.

Example: If you get 1.6 liters from step 5:

Multiply by 10: 1.6 × 10 = 16
Subtract 1: 16 - 1 = 15

The dilution ratio of the Foam Lance is 1:15 (1 part of product to 15 parts of water from the pressure washer).

Application of Dilution Ratio

To calculate exactly how much product to use in the Foam Lance tank, follow the formula:

$Quantity \overset{ˋ}{to} of Product (ml) = Foam Lance Dilution Ratio \times PIR in Decimals \times Capacity \overset{ˋ}{to} of the Tank (L)$ $\text{Product Quantity (ml)} = \text{Foam Lance Dilution Ratio} \times \text{PIR in Decimals} \times \text{Tank Capacity (L)}$ $Quantity to ˋ of Product (ml) = Foam Lance Dilution Ratio \times PIR in Decimals \times Capacity to ˋ of the Tank (L)$

Calculation Examples

Let's say we have the following data:

Foam Lance Dilution Ratio: 1:15 (so 15)
PIR: varies based on examples
Foam Lance Tank Capacity: Varies by Example

Example 1:

PIR: 1:20
Tank Capacity: 500ml (0.5L)
Calculation:
- PIR in decimals: 1/2 $= 0, 05$
- Dilution Ratio × PIR: $15 \times 0, 05 = 0, 75$ $\times 0.05 = 0.75$ $15 \times 0, 05 = 0, 75$
- Multiply by tank capacity: 0 , 75 × 0 , 5 = 0 , 375 = 375 ml of product
  
  Example 2:

PIR: 1:30
Tank Capacity: 600ml (0.6L)
Calculation:
- PIR in decimals: $= 0, 033$
- Dilution Ratio × PIR: $15 \times 0, 033 = 0, 495$ $\times 0.033 = 0.495$ $15 \times 0, 03 = 0, 45$
- Multiply by tank capacity: 0 , 495 × 0 , 6 = 0 , 297 = 297 ml of product

Example 3:

PIR: 1:100
Tank capacity: 1 litre (1000 ml)
Calculation:
- PIR in decimals: $\frac{1}{10} = 0, 1$ $\frac{1}{10} = 0.1$ $1/ 10 = 0,0 1$
- Dilution Ratio × PIR: $15 \times 0.1 = 1.5$ $15 \times 0,0 1 = 0.15$
- Multiply by tank capacity: 0.15 $\times 1 =0.15 = 15 ml of product$

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