4 Common i-mop Problems and How to Easily Avoid Them

If you’re in the market for a new floor scrubber in Australia or New Zealand, it’s important to know what can potentially go wrong with the unit, and how to avoid the most common problems. The good news is that as one of the world’s most popular floor cleaning machines, the i-mop 's design is very well proven, durable, and as you’ll discover – easy to maintain.

This means that the most common i-mop problems are often easy to diagnose and fix, and are even easier to avoid with some simple preventative maintenance. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most common problems that impact the performance of your floor scrubber, what causes these issues, and what you can do to avoid these problems entirely.

Not Releasing Water

One of the most common i-mop issues that can impact the performance of your i-mop is, thankfully, a simple one to address. If the unit is struggling to release water while cleaning, it is typically the result of three easily fixed issues.

- The most common cause of a water blockage for floor scrubbers is the unit’s gauze filter, squeegee or the squeegee connector being clogged by debris.

- The i-mop's solenoid can also be blocked by foreign objects, or even strong chemicals that are not recommended for the unit and aren’t rinsed from the machine after use.

- Finally, another common cause of water blockages is a clogged filter within the water tank, which is easy to diagnose and even easier to fix.

Solution & Prevention Methods

Fixing an i-mop floor scrubber that is not releasing water while cleaning is often a simple, five-minute task. To stop this happening, check and rinse these points regularly after use. You can see demonstration of this cleaning process in a video by clicking here.

If the blockage is being caused by an issue with the solenoid getting stuck, cleaning the area is a simple, straight-forward task that doesn’t require you to remove the solenoid unit. You can view a demonstration of the solenoid cleaning process here.

A great preventative measure here is to only use low-foam, mild alkaline or neutral cleaning agents with a pH level above 3 and below 11. After use, rinsing the machine for at least 30-seconds dramatically reduces the chances of the solenoid becoming stuck.

The i-mop is Not Picking Up Water Effectively

Another issue that can arise is the i-mop failing to pick up water effectively while you’re cleaning. This can be caused by several easy-to-remedy issues that impact the floor scrubber’s ability to suck water from the surface, which include:

- Squeegee connector blocked by debris

- Ball float filter is clogged

- Hose line being blocked

- Plastic deflector blocked by debris

- Wearing of the squeegee blade or alignment issues

- Squeegee castor wheels wearing down

Solution and Prevention Methods

Check to see if your i-mop 's squeegee connector, ball float filter, hose line or the plastic deflector are blocked by foreign objects that can cause performance issues. From here, a simple fix comes in the form of removing any blockages while rinsing with clean areas in those specific areas.

You should also make sure that you’re sweeping or vacuuming the floor before using your i-mop floor cleaning machine, to avoid foreign objects entering the unit. For a helpful video guide on how to diagnose and clean those problem areas, click here.

If the squeegee rubbers look to be worn down or are misaligned, they may need to be rotated to ensure a perfect fit, or in severe cases, replaced. For an in-depth guide on how to rotate the i-mop's squeegee blades, click here.

The final fix for a loss of suction can be the result of the castor wheels being worn down by certain surfaces, which can cause a pressure imbalance that impacts performance. A simple visual inspection will give you an idea of whether the wheels need to be replaced.

Noisy or Faulty Vacuum Motor

If you’ve noticed the i-mop ’s vacuum motor is running at excessive speeds or under stress, it’s likely that moisture has entered the motor. Vacuum motors don’t like water, and if water enters the vac motor, it may cause the bearings to seize, making the motor very noisy – or won’t work at all.

The most common causes of moisture entering the vacuum motor are:

- Use of foaming chemicals

- Recovery tank overflowing from failing to empty

- Laying the machine on its side while transporting, with water in the recovery tank

- Lowering the handle below 45 degrees while operating, causing waste water to flow back towards the vac motor inlet

- Don’t lower the i-mop more than 32 degrees.

Solution & Prevention Methods

To stop this from happening, and ensure that your i-mop’s vac motor is operating at peak performance, you should always:

- Empty the recovery tank while refilling or before storing the i-mop to prevent overflowing

- Use a low-foaming chemical solution with a pH between 3-11, such as the i-dose system

- Maintain an upright position while operating, ensuring the handle doesn’t slip below 32 degrees

- Ensure both tanks are empty when transporting the i-mop

If you do notice water coming out of the i-mop , you’ll soon realise that you’ve forgotten to empty the machine. The best thing to do here is to stop and empty the tank immediately, and then continue to use your i-mop for around 10 minutes. This gives your i-mop's motor a chance to dry itself out, minimizing the chance of long-term motor damage.

Read more in our article on everything you need to know about the i-mop warranty and maintenance.

Floor Scrubber Does Not Turn On

If you’ve noticed that the battery packs are showing 100% capacity, but nothing happens when you plug them into your floor scrubber, the packs may have entered a state of deep sleep.

This is a fairly uncommon issue, but is something you should be aware of. This problem can arise when the battery packs have not been used in some time, or if they have not been charged after use.

The good news is that the i-power batteries can be rebooted by qualified i-team technicians. Store your batteries on the charger.

Solution & Prevention Methods

The best way to ensure your batteries are operating at peak capacity is to charge them after each and after use, especially if you don’t plan on using your floor scrubber for an extended period.

This maintains the health of the battery cells and ensures that it’s ready to clean when you are.

If you’ve noticed a common thread when it comes to remedying the most common i-mop problems, you’re absolutely right. The most common issues impacting floor scrubbers can be easily avoided with common sense and simple, regular cleaning and maintenance.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found some value in our guide to what can go wrong with your i-mop , and you’ve picked up some simple preventative maintenance tips to keep your i-mop in tip-top shape. If you'd like to see the i-mop in action, remember that you can Book a FREE demo by filling out this form.

People Also Ask: FAQ's

What is the most common mistake in mopping?

According to cleaning experts, the most significant and potentially costly mopping mistake is using too much water on moisture-sensitive floors, such as hardwoods and laminates. "Excess water can warp your hardwood floors and cause your laminates to bubble," warns Melissa Homer, Chief Cleaning Officer for Microfiber Wholesale.

How to avoid water marks when mopping?

To maintain clean mop water, change it frequently, and ensure your mop is clean before you start. If possible, use distilled water, and after mopping, dry the floor with a clean, dry mop pad or towel to prevent streaks.

Does boiling water help mopping?

Many people believe that mopping with boiling water is necessary for thoroughly cleaning floors. However, this is a myth. Instead of improving the cleanliness, the high temperature of the water can actually have a negative effect. Additionally, never use boiling water in your floor scrubber machines—it’s important to use room temperature clean tap water to avoid damaging the equipment.

How do I keep my floor shiny after mopping?

Clean the Floor: Start by thoroughly cleaning the floor, as dirt and debris can dull the shine.

Buff the Floor: After damp mopping, use a dry microfiber mop or cloth to buff the floor. Gently work in large circles to polish each section.

Use a Commercial Polish: Apply a commercial hardwood floor polish to enhance the shine and protect the surface.

Use a Floor Scrubber: Most floor scrubbers come with a polishing pad that can buff and shine certain floor types. Regularly follow this cleaning procedure to maintain a shiny floor.

Protect the Finish: Use rugs and furniture pads to protect the floor from scratches and wear.

Refinish the Hardwood: If the floor’s finish is worn, consider refinishing it to restore its original shine.

References:

https://kingscleaningco.com.au/blogs/news/5-common-cleaning-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them

https://www.maidforyou.com.au/blog/how-to-mop/