Why the Cheapest Cleaning Product Often Costs You the Most
- Seldram
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
In a world of tight budgets and constant cost pressures, it’s tempting to reach for the lowest-priced cleaning product on the shelf. After all, cleaning products often look similar; a blue bottle is a blue bottle, right?
But here’s the reality: when it comes to professional cleaning, the cheapest option is rarely the most cost-effective. In fact, choosing low-cost, low-quality products can lead to higher long-term costs, increased waste, and poorer results.
At Seldram Supplies, we help facilities managers and cleaning professionals understand the real value behind their product choices because cleaning efficiently and sustainably is about more than just the price tag.
The False Economy of Cheap Products
Cheap cleaning products are often diluted, low-performing, or made with poor-quality materials. While they might seem like a good deal upfront, they typically lead to:
Higher consumption rates – You need more product to get the same result.
Increased labour time – Staff spend longer cleaning to achieve the desired standard.
Frequent equipment issues – Inferior products can clog dispensers, corrode machinery, or leave residue.
More waste and packaging – Lower concentration means more plastic, transport, and disposal costs.
When you factor in these hidden costs, labour, wastage, downtime, and reputation, a cheap product can end up being two to three times more expensive per use than a higher-quality alternative.
Performance Impacts More Than Price
Let’s take a simple example: paper hand towels.
A low-cost towel might look fine on the surface, but if it’s made from thin or non-absorbent paper, users will grab three or four instead of one. Multiply that across hundreds of users a day, and your “cheap” case of towels doesn’t last long.
By contrast, a premium brand like Northwood’s Raphael range or Lucart’s Eco Natural line is designed for performance and efficiency, delivering the same (or better) hygiene results with less product per use. That’s real cost control.
It’s not just paper. The same principle applies to chemicals, dispensers, and consumables, ranging from mops and cloths to soap and sanitisers. Quality products clean faster, last longer, and reduce the risk of rework.
Labour Is Your Biggest Cost — Not the Product
In most cleaning operations, labour accounts for 70–80% of total costs. If cheaper products increase the time needed to complete a task even by a few minutes, that cost quickly dwarfs any savings made on supplies.
For example:
A poorly concentrated cleaner may need multiple applications.
Inferior floor pads wear down faster, forcing mid-shift replacements.
Low-grade soaps or sanitisers can cause user complaints, leading to extra callouts.
Investing in high-performance, correctly dosed products from trusted brands ensures faster cleaning, reduced downtime, and better user satisfaction, all of which save money where it really matters.
The Environmental Cost of “Cheap”
Low-quality, disposable cleaning products often have a much higher environmental footprint.
They use more packaging and more plastic per use.
They require more deliveries due to shorter lifespans.
They generate more waste, adding to landfill and disposal costs.
Choosing sustainable, high-quality products is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for your Scope 3 emissions reporting and corporate responsibility goals.
Brands like Lucart, Northwood, and BioHygiene (among many others that we work with) are leading the way with:
Closed-loop manufacturing that recycles waste into new materials.
Concentrated formulas that cut plastic and transport emissions.
Refill and return systems that eliminate single-use packaging.
At Seldram, we only partner with brands that deliver performance and purpose, helping you reduce both cost and carbon.
How Premium Products Deliver Better Value
When you break down the total cost of ownership, including performance, longevity, labour, and waste, premium cleaning products consistently outperform cheaper alternatives.
Factor | Cheap Product | Premium Product |
Upfront Cost | Low | Higher |
Usage per Task | High (multiple applications) | Low (more effective) |
Labour Time | Longer | Faster cleaning |
Waste Output | High | Reduced |
Environmental Impact | Higher carbon and plastic | Lower carbon and recyclable |
Total Cost Over Time | High | Lower overall cost |
How to Avoid False Economies
Think long-term, not short-term. Base decisions on cost per use, not unit price.
Ask for performance data. Look for certifications, concentration levels, and usage tests.
Use the right dispenser systems. Controlled dispensing cuts overuse and supports hygiene.
Educate your cleaning teams. Proper dosing and training maximise product efficiency.
Work with a consultative supplier. Partner with companies like Seldram that understand both quality and value.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to cleaning, "cheap" doesn’t necessarily mean "cost-effective."
A few pence saved on a product can quickly translate into pounds lost in inefficiency, waste, and rework.
At Seldram Supplies, we believe in delivering true value: products that perform better, last longer, and support your sustainability goals. Whether it’s Lucart’s circular paper products, BioHygiene’s biotech cleaning solutions, or Numatic’s durable machinery, we help our customers clean smarter, not cheaper.
Because the best investment you can make in cleaning is one that saves you time, money, and impact for years to come.