A Beginner's Guide to Commercial Floor Scrubbers

A commercial floor scrubber is a powerful machine designed to clean large floor areas faster and more thoroughly than a mop or broom. It's a time-saving solution used across a wide range of industries to ensure facilities meet clean standards while reducing labor costs.

 

This guide details the most common types of commercial floor scrubbers, where and why they're used, and the cost savings they can offer your business compared to manual cleaning.

 

What is a floor scrubber?

 

A floor scrubber-not to be confused with a floor sweeper or polisher (although we sell those, too!)-is a cleaning machine that removes dirt, grime, and spills from hard floor surfaces.

 

They use rotating brushes, cleaning pads, and water or detergent for a deep clean, then use a vacuum system to dry the floor while cleaning for increased safety. They're an effective cleaning tool for commercial spaces like warehouses, hospitals, and retail stores, where cleanliness is critical but the floor space is too large for manual cleaning.

 

How do floor scrubbers work?

 

Most commercial floor scrubbers follow a simple three-step cleaning process:

 

Dispensing: The scrubber sprays water (with or without detergent) onto the floor.

Scrubbing: A pad or rotating brush agitates dirt and grime, removing it from the surface.

Vacuuming: A suction motor draws dirty water and debris into a recovery bin. A squeegee mounted on the back of the machine removes any remaining liquid, leaving the floor dry.

 

Types of Commercial Floor Scrubbers

 

There are two main types of commercial floor scrubbers: walk-behind and ride-on.

 

Walk-Behind Scrubbers

Walk-behind scrubbers are operated by pushing the machine from behind. They are most common in medium-sized locations like schools, clinics, or retail stores because they can navigate narrow aisles and obstructions.

They are also easy to store and have a lower upfront cost than sit-down models.

 

Ride-on Scrubbers

These types of commercial floor scrubbers are operated from a seated position and are driven like a small vehicle. They are designed for large, open areas like warehouses, airports, and shopping malls because they have larger water tanks and a wider cleaning area.

They are an ergonomic choice for operators who work long hours or need to cover large surfaces.

 

Benefits of Commercial Floor Scrubbers

 

In addition to the obvious labor cost savings, commercial floor scrubbers provide more efficient, hygienic, and consistent cleaning results than manual cleaning methods. Using a floor scrubber offers the following key benefits:

 

Time Efficiency: Large areas can be cleaned in a fraction of the time-4-8 times faster than manual methods.

Improved Hygiene: Dirt, oil, and bacteria are removed from floors more effectively than mops.

Improved Safety: Floors dry during cleaning, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Consistency: Maintains even cleaning pressure and water distribution for an even, streak-free surface.

 

Who needs a commercial floor scrubber?

 

These deep cleaning machines are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of industries. Here are some of the most common use cases for various types of facilities:

 

Warehouses: Dust, forklifts, and foot traffic create dirt

Grocery and retail stores: Cleanliness impacts customer perception

Schools and campuses: Frequent spills and hallways

Hospitals and clinics: Sterile, dry floors reduce infection risk

Airports and train stations: Continuous cleaning during high traffic

 

How to Choose the Right Floor Scrubber

 

When choosing the right commercial floor scrubber, there are several key considerations:

 

 

Facility Size

 

What is your facility's square footage? Small facilities have different needs than larger facilities over 25,000 square feet. Generally speaking, walk-behind floor scrubbers are best suited for small to medium-sized facilities under 25,000 square feet. Ride-on floor scrubbers are best suited for facilities over 25,000 square feet.

 

Cleaning Environment

 

Consider the operating environment of your floor scrubber. Are there any obstructions or obstructions? Will you be operating indoors, outdoors, or both? Is the area sensitive to noise? These considerations can help narrow down the selection of the appropriate power supply.

 

Runtime

 

Besides budget, the final consideration is your runtime requirements. Corded or battery-powered equipment is great for short shifts, but may not be a good investment for a full 4-6 hour shift.

 

Asking the right questions can help you narrow your options so you can invest in the cleaning machine that best suits your needs.

 

Is a Commercial Floor Scrubber Right for You?

 

Still undecided about whether a commercial floor scrubber is right for your needs? Here are some signs you may have outgrown manual cleaning:

 

You clean floors more than five days a week

Your facility is larger than 10,000 square feet

You pay employees to work overtime

Floors remain dirty after mopping

You want to improve employee safety or morale

 

If two or more of the above statements describe your current situation, a commercial floor scrubber may be a wise investment.