How to Professionally Formulate Liquid Floor Cleaner

Introduction

Liquid Floor Cleaner – Apple Dream is a multipurpose surface cleaner formulated to clean, disinfect, and leave a lingering fruity scent. It combines ionic and non-ionic surfactants for effective soil removal, Benzalkonium Chloride as a disinfectant, and quick-dry agents to reduce drying time.
This guide provides a lab-ready formulation and manufacturing process that complies with regulatory standards in the EU, ASEAN, and India.


Product Overview & Key Claims

  • Effectively removes dirt, oil, and sticky residues
  • Kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs
  • Fast drying formula – no water marks
  • Pleasant Apple Dream fragrance
  • Suitable for marble, tiles, granite, vinyl, and wood (sealed)

Ingredient Breakdown, Functional Roles, and Recommended Ranges

INCI / Function NameFunctional RoleRecommended Range (% w/w)
AquaSolvent70.0 – 80.0
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES 28–30%)Ionic surfactant (cleaning, foaming)3.0 – 6.0 (as active)
Nonionic Surfactant (Decyl Glucoside, Alcohol Ethoxylate)Soil removal, wetting agent1.0 – 2.0
Benzalkonium Chloride (50% Solution)Antibacterial/Disinfectant0.5 – 1.0 (as solution)
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate or PEG-40Emollient, mildness enhancer0.5 – 1.0
Quick Dry Active (Ethanol or IPA)Fast drying agent5.0 – 8.0
EDTA (Disodium EDTA)Chelating agent0.1 – 0.2
Fragrance (Apple Dream type)Sensory appeal0.3 – 0.5
Color (FD&C or Cosmetic Grade)Product appearance0.01 – 0.1
Preservative (Phenoxyethanol or MIT/CMIT)Microbial protection0.2 – 0.4

Example Lab-Scale Formulation (100 g)

PhaseIngredient% w/wAmount (g)
AAqua (Purified Water)75.075.0
ASodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES 30%)6.06.0
ADecyl Glucoside1.01.0
APEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate0.50.5
ADisodium EDTA0.20.2
ABenzalkonium Chloride (50%)1.01.0
AEthanol (Quick Dry Active)6.06.0
BFragrance (Apple Dream)0.30.3
BColor Solution (Apple Green)0.020.02
BPreservative (Phenoxyethanol)0.30.3
Total100.0100.0

Manufacturing Process

✅ Cold process. Water-soluble formulation. No heating required.

Equipment Needed

  • Stainless steel or plastic mixing vessel (preferably with baffles)
  • Overhead stirrer or paddle mixer
  • pH meter
  • Measuring cylinders and balances

Process Steps

  1. Phase A – Base Preparation
    • Add purified water into the mixing tank.
    • Add Disodium EDTA and stir until dissolved.
    • Slowly add Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), then Decyl Glucoside and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, stirring gently to avoid foaming.
    • Add Benzalkonium Chloride and mix thoroughly.
    • Slowly add Ethanol while mixing continuously.
  2. Phase B – Fragrance & Additives
    • Add fragrance and color (pre-diluted in water or alcohol).
    • Add preservative and stir until uniform.
  3. Final Checks
    • Check pH (target 6.0 – 7.5). Adjust with Citric Acid or Triethanolamine if needed.
    • Confirm clarity, foaming behavior, and stability.
  4. Filling
    • Fill into PET or HDPE bottles with secure flip-top or nozzle caps.

Product Specifications

ParameterSpecification
AppearanceClear to light green liquid
OdorFruity (Apple Dream)
pH (25°C)6.0 – 7.5
Viscosity100 – 200 cP (Brookfield)
Specific Gravity0.98 – 1.02
Stability24 months

Stability Testing Plan

Test TypeConditionsDurationPass Criteria
Physical Stability5°C, 25°C, 40°C3 monthsNo separation, color stable
Freeze-Thaw Test3 cycles (-5°C to 40°C)3 days/cycleNo haziness or sedimentation
pH MonitoringRoom tempMonthly6.0 – 7.5
Fragrance StabilityRoom temp3 monthsNo off-odor
Foaming & CleaningPerformance testingOngoingEffective soil removal & rinse-ability

Safety and Regulatory Notes

ComponentHazards / Regulations
Benzalkonium ChlorideCationic biocide; max level regulated (e.g., India ≤0.1% active)
EthanolFlammable — label accordingly
FragranceMust comply with IFRA standards
SurfactantsShould be biodegradable (per EU Detergents Directive)
PreservativeShould comply with EU Cosmetic Regulation Annex V (MIT/CMIT)

Label Requirements:

  • “For external use only”
  • “Avoid contact with eyes”
  • First-aid instructions
  • Batch no., MFG/EXP, net quantity, and composition disclosure

Packaging Recommendations

FeatureRecommended Specification
Bottle TypeTransparent or semi-opaque PET/HDPE
Cap StyleFlip-top, press-pour, or nozzle type
Label MaterialWaterproof, chemical-resistant
Size Variants500 mL, 1 L, 2 L
SafetyTamper-evident seal optional

Variants & Customization

FeatureCustomization Option
Premium VersionAdd d-limonene or pine oil for extra cleaning
Budget VariantReduce ethanol to 3%, simplify surfactant blend
Disinfecting BoostAdd Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin for synergy
Scent VariantsCitrus Splash, Floral Bloom, Ocean Fresh

Conclusion

Liquid Floor Cleaner – Apple Dream is a modern floor cleaning solution combining cleanliness, disinfection, and fragrance. By balancing surfactants, actives, and aesthetics, this formulation achieves both consumer appeal and effective cleaning. Manufacturers should ensure safety, stability, and label compliance for a successful market-ready product.

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