Ready-to-use or concentrated disinfectant? Selection criteria

“Ready-to-use or concentrate?” is an organisational question, not a matter of preference. An undiluted spray is ideal for small surfaces and quick interventions; a concentrate becomes more efficient on large surfaces, where cost per m² and storage volume matter. Here are the criteria and calculations that support the decision.

In short

  • Ready to use: small surfaces, interventions between patients, no risk of dilution errors.
  • Concentrate: large surfaces (floors, walls), lower cost per m², less packaging, but requires correct dosing and trained staff.
  • In both cases, the concentration and contact time in the authorisation are mandatory.

Comparison criteria

CriterionReady to useConcentrate
Typical surfaceSmall: furniture, equipment, high-touch surfacesLarge: floors, walls, entire rooms
Risk of errorMinimal: the product is applied as suppliedPresent: underdosing reduces efficacy, overdosing increases cost and residues
Contact timeOften short (e.g. 1–5 minutes)Varies with the chosen concentration
FlexibilityA single efficacy levelConcentration adapted to the intended effect
Cost per m²Higher on large surfacesLower, especially at high volumes
Storage and transportMore packagingLess volume and packaging waste

How to calculate the dilution

Basic formula: mL of product = concentration (%) × volume of solution (L) × 10.

Desired concentrationWorking solutionProduct required
0.25%10 L25 mL
1%10 L100 mL
2%10 L200 mL
5%10 L500 mL

Pour the water first, then the product, into a clean, labelled container. A dispenser or measuring jug reduces errors.

How to compare cost per m²

Compare the cost per m² treated, not the price per litre. For a concentrate applied at 40 mL of solution per m² (the rate in the Bionet A15 and Biosept Floor authorisation), at 1% you need 0.4 mL of product per m², i.e. 1 L of product for 2,500 m². For a ready-to-use product, calculate the amount actually sprayed per m² in your practice.

Examples from the GM 2000 range

ProductTypeMain use
Hexy SprayReady to useSurfaces and equipment in healthcare facilities; 1-minute action
Bionet SP SanidorReady to useHard, non-porous surfaces; healthcare facilities and food industry (PT4)
Bionet A15ConcentrateLarge surfaces, from 0.25% to 5% depending on the intended effect
Biosept FloorConcentrateFloors and walls, with degreasing effect

Common mistakes

  • Diluting a ready-to-use product: this cancels its demonstrated efficacy.
  • Dosing the concentrate “by eye”.
  • Preparing the solution in unmarked containers or food packaging, which Romanian MoH Order 1761/2021 prohibits.
  • Choosing solely on price per litre.

Frequently asked questions

Can I dilute a ready-to-use disinfectant to save money?

No. Its efficacy was demonstrated undiluted; any dilution means it no longer complies with the authorisation.

How long can I keep a working solution prepared from a concentrate?

Use it within the stability period stated on the product label and replace it when it becomes soiled.

Is rinsing necessary?

It depends on the product and the surface; follow the label and the facility’s procedure, especially on surfaces in contact with food.

GM 2000 products for this application

Hexy Spray

Ready to use, 1-minute action.

View product sheet →

Bionet A15

Concentrate, 0.25%–5%.

View product sheet →

Biosept Floor

Degreasing concentrate for floors and walls.

View product sheet →

References

  • Authorisations of the products cited, available on the product sheets.
  • Romanian Ministry of Health Order no. 1761/2021 approving the Technical Rules on cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation in public and private healthcare facilities, Annex 1.

Article reviewed by the GM 2000 technical team. Last updated: 22.10.2026. Product information is taken from the authorisations issued by the Romanian Ministry of Health; for other applications, refer to the label and the technical data sheet.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Need a protocol tailored to your facility?

The GM 2000 team can recommend the right products and concentrations, with the corresponding authorisations and technical data sheets.

Request a quote

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