At Chris Christensen, we understand the importance of using the right dilution ratios for shampoos and conditioners to maximize effectiveness. Proper dilution of grooming products is key to achieving the best results while minimizing waste. Below, we provide a detailed guide on how to dilute our products correctly.
Why dilute your product?
Product dilution is crucial for two main reasons. First, it allows you to mix only what you need, saving both product and money—a true 2-for-1 benefit. By diluting correctly, you ensure you're not wasting any precious product. Second, proper dilution ensures you achieve the desired results. Using a product at full strength when it should be diluted can lead to ineffective outcomes, and vice versa. Following the recommended dilution ratios guarantees that your grooming routine is both efficient and effective.
How do you dilute?
To properly dilute Chris Christensen products, understanding the concept of "parts" is essential. When a dilution ratio is given, such as 8:1, it means you mix 8 parts of water with 1 part of the product. A "part" is simply a unit of measurement that remains consistent throughout the mixing process. For example, if you use 1 cup as your measurement unit, you would combine 8 cups of water with 1 cup of the product. This ensures the mixture is balanced and effective, providing optimal results for your pet's grooming needs. By following these guidelines, you can achieve professional-quality care at home.
Using Distilled Water for Dilution
For the best results when diluting Chris Christensen products, we recommend using distilled water. Distilled water is free from impurities and minerals that can interfere with the effectiveness of grooming products. By using distilled water, you ensure a consistent and pure mixture, enhancing the performance of shampoos and conditioners. This practice not only maximizes product efficacy but also helps maintain the health and vibrancy of your pet's coat.
Safety First: Fresh Mix, Happy Pets! Ensuring Freshness & Safety
Once you dilute a product, it's crucial to use the mixture within the same day and discard any remaining mixture when you are finished. Adding water introduces bacteria, which can multiply if the mixture is stored too long. This bacterial growth can pose health risks to your pets, leading to potential skin irritations or infections. To ensure the safety and well-being of your animals, always prepare freshly mixed diluted solutions for each grooming session and dispose of any unused portions promptly. This also applies to any leave-in conditioner or brushing spray mixtures mixed at home. We recommend only mixing what you will use in that sitting or a day. Please also see below for amounts to use for the size of pet you are grooming so that you can avoid wasting any precious product.
Shampoo Dilution Ratios
Chris Christensen shampoos are formulated for different levels of dilution depending on the product. Some shampoos are best used at full strength, while others require dilution to work effectively. This graphic provides a detailed guide on how to dilute each shampoo in our range, ensuring you get the best performance from every wash. See below for links to the individual products.
Full Strength:
- Products: Clean Start, Fair Advantage, Happy Eyes, Miracle Repair, Peace and Kindness
- Usage: Use these shampoos undiluted for optimal performance.
4:1 Ratio:
- Products: Clean Start, Day to Day, Ice on Ice, Spectrum One, Spectrum Ten, Miracle Moisture, Thick N Thicker
- Usage: Mix 4 parts water with 1 part shampoo for effective cleaning without overuse.
50:1 Ratio:
- Product: All SmartWash 50 Shampoos
- Usage: This highly concentrated formula requires significant dilution—50 parts water to 1 part shampoo (must be diluted AT LEAST 25:1).
Prewash with Clean Start before using the following at full strength:
Conditioner Dilution Ratios
To get the most out of Chris Christensen conditioners, it’s crucial to follow the correct dilution ratios. Some conditioners are designed to be used at full strength, while others require dilution for optimal results. This graphic outlines which conditioners should be used undiluted and which ones should be mixed with water at an 8:1 ratio, helping you achieve professional-level grooming results.
Full Strength:
- Products: Miracle Repair, Pro-Line Pro-Gro, Smart Style The Cure Brushing & Styling Milk
- Usage: Apply these conditioners directly for deep conditioning benefits.
8:1 Ratio:
- Products: After U Bathe, Day to Day, Ice on Ice, Miracle Moisture, Smart Rinse Hypoallergenic All Coat, Smart Rinse De-Shed, Spectrum One, Spectrum Ten, Thick N Thicker
- Usage: Dilute with 8 parts water to 1 part conditioner for balanced conditioning.
Treatment Products - Use on Dry Coat at Full Strength:
- Products: Colestral, Miracle Cream, Saving Grace, Spectrum Ten Hypro Pac
- Usage: These treatments are designed for direct application on dry coats for intensive care.
Top Cat Dilution Ratios
For our feline friends, proper dilution is just as important. Cats have unique grooming needs, and using the correct dilution ratios for your products is essential to ensure their coats remain healthy and vibrant. This graphic outlines the recommended dilution ratios for Chris Christensen's Top Cat line, helping you achieve the best results. Whether you're using a product at full strength or diluting it up to 8:1, following these guidelines will ensure your cat's grooming routine is both effective and safe. For color-enhancing shampoos like Brilliant Black or Radiant Red, always prewash with the Clarifying Shampoo before applying them at full strength for optimal results.Here's a quick guide on how to use our Top Cat products:
Full Strength:
- Top Cat Pre-Bath Degreaser
- Top Cat Clarifying Shampoo
- Top Cat Facial Wash
- Top Cat Body Boost
- Top Cat Anti-Static Styling Spray
Dilute Up to 8:1:
Prewash with Clarifying Shampoo, then use at Full Strength:
Shampoo and Conditioner Dilution Amounts
Using the correct amount of diluted shampoo and conditioner ensures you are make the most of your products without waste. Here are our recommended amounts based on pet size:
Diluted Shampoo Amounts
Proper dilution of shampoo is key to effective cleaning without wasting product. Using too much shampoo can lead to waste, while using too little may not provide the desired results. This graphic shows the recommended amounts of diluted shampoo to mix based on your pet's size. By following these guidelines, you ensure that your pet’s coat is thoroughly cleaned while maximizing the longevity of your shampoo and minimizing waste.
- Extra Small (Under 4 lbs): Up to 17 oz / 0.5 litre
- Toy (4-8 lbs.): 17 oz / 0.5 litre
- Small (9-16 lbs.): 25 oz / 0.75 litre
- Medium (17-35 lbs.): 34 oz / 1 litre
- Large (36-55 lbs.): 68 oz / 2 litres
- Giant (56+ lbs): 100 oz / 3 litres
Diluted Conditioner Amounts
When conditioning your pet’s coat, it’s important to use the correct amount of diluted conditioner based on their size. Mixing too much or too little can lead to wasted product or ineffective conditioning. This graphic provides a clear breakdown of how much diluted conditioner to use depending on your pet’s weight, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance for a soft, manageable coat while avoiding product waste.
- Tea Cup (Under 4 lbs): Up to 8.5 oz / 0.25 litre
- Toy (4-8 lbs): 8.5 oz / 0.25 litre
- Small (9-16 lbs): 17 oz / 0.5 litre
- Medium (17-35 lbs): Up to 34 oz / 1 litre
- Large (36-55 lbs): 50 oz / 1.5 litres
- Giant (56+ lbs): 68 oz / 2 litres
Conclusion
By following these dilution guidelines, you ensure that your grooming routine is both effective and economical. For more detailed instructions and tips on product use, reach out to us on Facebook and Instagram or contact our customer support team (support@chrischristensen.com or 800-654-7006). Happy grooming!