How to Choose the Right Automatic Floor Scrubber?

For many years, the only and most effective way to clean floors was with an "old-fashioned" mop and bucket. In fact, this method is still widely used today, even though it is not the most efficient or sanitary. There are some negatives to consider when cleaning with a mop and bucket. First, the cleaning solution quickly becomes contaminated as the mop comes into contact with the dirty floor and is constantly immersed in the cleaning solution. Before long, dirty water will be all over the floor. In addition, mopping does not clean the grout on tile floors, and baseboards also tend to accumulate dirt from the mop. Mopping tends to "wipe" as it cleans, without providing any real pressure to deeply clean the surface, and mopping large areas is very time-consuming. After realizing all the shortcomings of mopping, most businesses have turned to automatic floor scrubbers. Automatic floor scrubbers are a great way to clean effectively and efficiently. In this article, we will detail how to choose the right floor scrubber based on the size of the area you need to clean. In addition, do you need a ride-on or push-type, disc or cylinder type?

 

Size

 

There are many factors to consider when deciding which size floor scrubber to buy.

 

1. The area that needs to be cleaned. Primary and secondary areas.

2. Storage areas

3. Size of loading/unloading locations/doorways/elevators

 

When determining the area, there is more to consider than just the largest area that needs to be cleaned. To maximize your investment, you may also want to consider some of the smaller spaces. For example, a school may be looking to purchase a machine to clean a gymnasium or hallways. The larger the scrubbing path, the faster they can be completed. However, you may want to consider if this machine will need to be used in the cafeteria, classrooms, or even locker rooms. You may want to consider purchasing a slightly smaller machine for these areas, or perhaps two machines, one with a wider scrubbing deck and another smaller one for cleaning these secondary locations throughout the facility.

 

Another factor is where the machine will be stored. Does the storage area have enough space, entrances, and exits? You will want to check the spec sheet to determine the width/length/height of the scrubber you purchase.

 

Just as important as the storage area is where the equipment will be filled and dumped. Most of the time, this work will take place in a janitor's closet. Can the machine fit through the closet door? Is the hose long enough, or can the scrubber get close enough to the water source to fill it?

 

Likewise, will the scrubber I'm looking at fit through the doorway that leads to the area that needs to be cleaned? Most 32-inch machines will not fit through a 36-inch door unless the squeegee assembly is removed, as the squeegee width needs to be wider than the scrubbing path to pick up any mud during the scrubbing process. You can address this issue by purchasing a smaller machine or requesting a scrubber with a "narrow path" squeegee assembly.

 

Therefore, the key is to purchase a scrubber with the largest scrubbing path possible, while considering all the variables associated with the machine's use.

 

Ride-on or Walk-behind

 

Sometimes, people assume that ride-on scrubbers can only be used on large areas. But the truth is, ride-on machines are the most efficient and safest way to clean floors, no matter how big or small. In fact, ride-on scrubbers take up less space to operate than walk-behind scrubbers. Think about it, you sit within the footprint of the machine. Therefore, you can safely scrub smaller areas because you're not in the way. These machines are available in sizes as small as 20 inches.

 

Most ride-on machines have a single drive wheel at the front of the machine. This allows for a very tight turning radius. Basically, you only need an area slightly wider than the length of the machine to turn it nearly 180 degrees and scrub your way out of an aisle or room.

 

You may still decide to buy a walk-behind floor scrubber because of price or other factors. However, there may be more reasons to buy a ride-on floor scrubber than you previously thought.

 

 

Disc or Cylindrical

 

There are many factors to consider when deciding the type of scrubbing deck you need.

 

Basically, disc scrubbers are better suited for more situations than cylindrical scrubbers. They offer greater brush pressure and more aggressive scrubbing action. You can also use a disc floor scrubber with a pad or a brush. This gives you almost unlimited flexibility in terms of floor type and cleaning routine.

 

Two places where a cylindrical scrubbing method might be more appropriate are tile floor tiles and warehouse environments where there is only dust and small debris on the floor. Cylindrical floor scrubbers usually have a small debris tray behind the deck. This allows you to pick up small dust and items on the floor. This saves time sweeping in front of the machine.

 

For most other applications, we recommend using a disc brush. With the increased pressure of the brush, you can clean floors more efficiently and remove stains better with more aggressive methods.

 

Choosing the right scrubber for your business takes time, research, and effort. But making the right decision will benefit your business for years to come.