An In-Depth Guide: How Long Should Floor Scrubber Pads Last

A common accessory for a floor scrubber or auto scrubber is the use of floor pads (sometimes called floor scrubbing pads), which are available in various grades or colours for different applications.

Key Insights

Floor Pads are generally ready to be replaced once they have worn to less then 10mm thick
The correct chemicals, floor texture, and after care are main factors for increasing the floor pad lifespan
Users should ensure they remove the pad from scrubber after use and rinse off any excess chemical

Scrubbing machine pads are designed as a consumable item, meaning they will deteriorate over time and require replacing. But fortunately, they have an approximate lifespan which you can forecast depending on the type of flooring, and the length of time your floor scrubber is used each day. There are also some tell-tale signs that your floor pad is ready for replacement.

How can I tell if my scrubbing machine pad is ready to be replaced?

You will be able to tell when your floor scrubbing pad is ready to be replaced by checking for indications of wear. As a general rule, once pads have worn to less than 10mm thick, they are ready to be replaced. This prevents the pad driver rubbing against the floor and causing damage to the surface.

If you are using a diamond encrusted pad such as Twister or Cyclone Pad, once the top-coloured layer has worn off, it is ready to be replaced.

Floor Scrubber Machines lined up on a show room floor

What Impacts the Lifespan of scrubbing Pads for Floors?

There are 3 major factors that affect the life of a scrubbing pad.

1) Using the correct chemicals

The correct use of chemicals will ensure your floor pads do not deteriorate unnecessarily over time. Overuse of chemicals, using chemicals that are too strong or at a higher dilution rate than recommended will all degrade the lifespan of floor scrubbing pads.

2) Texture of the floor

Certain floor textures will wear down a pad significantly faster than others. To learn more about choosing the right pad or brush for your floor, click here .

3) Care

Scrubbing machine pads that are washed after use will last longer. Washing them out will not only rinse out chemical residue that may breakdown the integrity/strength of the floor pad, it will also improve future cleaning results.

How can I increase the lifespan of my Floor Scrubbing Pad?

The major factors that influence the lifespan of a scrubbing pad include:

- Using the correct pad for each type of flooring, this will prevent unnecessary wear

- Ensuring you are using the correct chemicals for your environment and flooring

- Remove pads from the floor scrubber and rinse out after use to remove soiling build-up

- Do not use the pads at a higher RPM than they are designed for

Taking care of my scrubbing machine pad

Taking care of your scrubbing machine pad correctly is a simple task that will make a huge difference to its overall lifespan and quality. Always remove the pad from the scrubber after use, remove any chemical residue by rinsing the pad with fresh water and avoid overloading the pad with excessive pressure or RPMs.

Read how to choose the right orbital floor scrubber: i-scrub 30e vs i-scrub 30b.

Get the Best Results with i-Mop Floor Scrubbing Pads

If you own an i-mop , speak to your delegated i-team partner or representative to help you forecast the lifespan of your floor pads and brushes. They will also be able to tell you the best appropriate pads for different surface types.

As a general guide, if you use your i-mop XL for 1 hour per day (or 1000m2) on a smooth floor, you could use approximately 19 sets of Green Twister pads per year, depending on the application. Twister Pads will last approximately 40% longer than a standard pad depending on how smooth or rough the surface is.

For more information on the types of i-mop Floor Pads available click here .

To understand the differences between Floor Pads and Brushes click here .

Common Questions Answered

1. How long should a floor scrubber typically last?

Answer: The lifespan of a floor scrubber generally ranges from 5 to 10 years. The actual longevity depends on factors like usage frequency, maintenance practices, and the operating environment. Machines used daily in large commercial spaces will naturally wear out faster than those used periodically in smaller areas.

2. What factors can shorten the lifespan of a floor scrubber?

Answer: Lack of regular maintenance, improper storage, and using the machine in harsh environments can reduce its lifespan. Frequent exposure to chemicals, rough handling, and failing to replace worn components, like brushes and squeegee blades, can lead to faster deterioration of the machine.

3. How can proper maintenance extend the life of your floor scrubber?

Answer: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the scrubber after each use, checking and replacing worn parts, and performing scheduled inspections, can significantly extend the machine's life. Ensuring the battery is charged correctly, storing the scrubber in a dry, safe environment, and using the right cleaning solutions will also help maintain its longevity.