Commercial Floor Cleaning – How to Prepare to Scrub Floors

Commercial floor cleaning machines make it easy and efficient to keep your facility looking nice and safe. They are far superior to traditional mop and bucket cleaning, which only moves dirt and puts a physical strain on workers.

 

New walk-behind and ride-on floor scrubbers are easier and more efficient to use than ever before. The next generation of robotic floor scrubbers and commercial floor cleaning factors are being taken to a whole new level.

 

But that doesn't mean you can jump right into using commercial floor cleaning equipment without doing any prep work. One of the biggest keys to maximizing efficiency and performance in your commercial floor cleaning program is to make sure you properly prepare your floors for scrubbing.

 

 

Here are some simple best practices to take before using an automatic floor scrubber:

 

Maintaining Mats and Equipment

Floor mats are the first thing visitors see when they walk through your door. They also trap dust, dirt, and debris brought in from outside, leaving your floors cleaner. Be sure to roll up and remove all floor mats before using an automatic floor scrubber to clean your floors.

Most automatic floor scrubbers are designed for hard floors and are not designed for carpet or rubber mats. If an automatic floor scrubber hits the edge of the mat, it can damage the machine. Keep the mat clean by removing it before scrubbing and washing it if necessary.

 

Sweep the Floor Properly

Always pre-sweep the floor. Large debris that has accumulated on the floor is obvious, and you will most likely remove it before scrubbing. But there may also be invisible dirt and dust on the floor, so it is best to pre-sweep the cleaning path.

 

Scrubbing dirty, dusty floors can be problematic. The solution in the scrubber reacts with the dirt, turning it into mud that spreads across the floor. The muddy floor must then be re-scrubbed. Small rocks, pebbles, and other debris can grind into the floor, damaging the surface. Debris can also cause damage to commercial floor scrubbers, causing premature wear.

 

Remove Sticky Materials

Watch for any sticky materials on the floor surface, such as gum or dried food. These should be scraped off before using the automatic floor scrubber.

 

While modern automatic commercial floor cleaning equipment is powerful, they are not designed to remove just about anything from the floor. Sticky residue can remain on the floor or spread, causing squeegees to leave streaks.

 

Remove Obstructions from the Cleaning Path

 

Anything that could get in the way of cleaning should be removed from the cleaning path. This includes obstructions such as displays, racks, and furniture.

 

You want to clean the entire floor. You also need to clean efficiently, and obstacles in the way can slow down cleaning.

 

Display Signage on Wet Floors

 

It's always better to be safe than sorry. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of workplace injuries, so extra care needs to be taken to ensure that people are aware that the floor may be wet immediately after scrubbing it.

 

Post warning, caution, or wet floor signs in conspicuous places to ensure that anyone who touches the floor (employees, customers, and visitors) knows to walk carefully while or immediately after cleaning the floor. Make sure signs are posted wherever floor cleaning is taking place.

 

Preparation is Key

 

It should be a regular best practice to spend a little time preparing the floor ahead of time before using an automatic floor scrubber. If you follow these simple practices, you can protect your floors and keep them looking shiny longer while maximizing the life of your commercial floor cleaning equipment.