How to Calculate Your ROI with Concentrated Cleaning Products

If you’re a building service contractor (BSC), you know the struggle—tight budgets, demanding clients, and a never-ending battle with supply costs. You’ve probably eyed those concentrated cleaning products and wondered, Are these really worth the switch?

The short answer? Yes.
The long answer? Let’s do some math!

Switching to concentrated cleaning products can save you thousands annually, but don’t just take our word for it. Let’s break down the numbers and calculate your return on investment (ROI), so you can see for yourself why it’s time to ditch the bulky jugs and overpriced premixed cleaners.


What is ROI and Why Should You Care?

ROI stands for Return on Investment—basically, how much money you get back for every dollar you spend. As a BSC, you need to know if the products you’re buying are actually worth it.

Translation? If you’re spending less and getting more value, you’re winning. And concentrated cleaning products help you do just that.


Traditional vs. Concentrated Cleaning Products: Where’s the Money Going?

Traditional Cleaning Products: The Hidden Costs

At first glance, a big jug of premixed cleaner might seem convenient. But when you dig into the details, you’ll find hidden costs lurking in every gallon:

Higher cost per use – You’re paying for water, not just cleaning power.
Shipping expenses – Bigger, heavier products mean higher freight costs.
Storage issues – Bulky bottles take up valuable space.
Product waste – Overpouring, spilling, and improper dilution drain your profits.
More frequent reordering – You’re running out of product faster than you realize.

Concentrated Cleaning Products: The Smart Choice

Now, let’s talk about concentrates—the cleaning industry’s best-kept secret.

Lower cost per use – You get more cleaning power from less product.
Cheaper shipping – Smaller packaging = lower freight fees.
Storage-friendly – Less bulk, more room for other supplies.
No waste – Pre-measured packets mean no overuse, no spills.
Faster training – No more guesswork or dilution mistakes from staff.


How to Calculate Your ROI with Concentrates

Still skeptical? Let’s crunch the numbers. Follow this step-by-step guide to see how much you can save.

Step 1: Calculate Your Current Cleaning Costs

Grab your invoices and tally up:

  • The price per gallon of your traditional cleaner
  • Storage and transportation costs
  • Estimated waste due to spills or overuse
  • Employee time spent mixing and refilling

Example:
Let’s say you’re buying a $20/gallon cleaner and use 50 gallons per month.

  • Monthly product cost: $1,000
  • Employee mixing time (10 minutes per shift, 20 employees): $500/month
  • Wasted product (10% due to overuse or spills): $100/month

Total Cost of Traditional Cleaning Products: $1,600/month


Step 2: Compare with Concentrated Cleaning Products

Now, let’s say you switch to a concentrated cleaner that costs $50 per container but makes 10x the amount of usable solution. You now only need 5 containers per month, plus no wasted product.

  • Monthly product cost: $250
  • Employee time (pre-measured packs, no mixing mistakes): $100/month
  • Waste reduction savings: $100/month

Total Cost with Concentrates: $450/month


Step 3: Calculate Your Savings & ROI

Now, plug the numbers into your ROI formula:

You’re saving $1,150 per month—a 255% ROI. 🎉


Savings Scenario

Meet Joe’s Janitorial Services, a mid-sized cleaning business that switched to concentrates.

Before:

  • Buying $5,000 worth of traditional cleaners every quarter.
  • Wasting 10% of product due to spills and mis-measured dilutions.
  • Employees spent two hours per week just mixing solutions.

After switching to concentrated cleaning products:

  • Cleaning costs dropped by 40%.
  • Waste was eliminated entirely.
  • Employee efficiency increased, reducing labor costs.

Joe’s saved over $20,000 in just one year.


Overcoming Common Objections

“Concentrates are too expensive up front.”

✅ Yes, the initial price is higher, but you buy less product over time, making it cheaper in the long run.

“It’s too complicated to switch.”

✅ Most concentrates now come in pre-measured pacs—no guessing, no mess, no hassle.

“My employees won’t like it.”

✅ If your team can pour water, they can mix a concentrate. It’s easier than making coffee.


Making the Switch: Next Steps

Ready to start saving money and working smarter? Here’s how:

1️⃣ Test a Small Batch – Try a single concentrate product and track your costs for a month.
2️⃣ Train Your Team – Show employees how easy it is to mix and use.
3️⃣ Choose the Right Supplier – Look for one that offers dilution systems, support, and training.

💡 Pro Tip: Some suppliers even offer a cost-savings calculator to estimate how much you’ll save before you buy.


Final Thoughts: Why Concentrates Are the Future of Cleaning

If you’re still pouring money into traditional cleaning products, it’s time to switch gears. Concentrated cleaning products give you:

Lower costs
Less waste
More storage space
Faster, more efficient cleaning

And most importantly? A bigger bottom line.

🔹 Want to see the savings for yourself? Try a free sample or demo today!


With a little math and a lot of common sense, you can transform your cleaning business—one cost-effective concentrate at a time. 💰🧼

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