Cylindrical Scrubber vs Disc Floor Scrubber Dryer: What's the Difference?

In the competitive world of commercial and industrial floor cleaning, it's easy to feel confused by all the different scrubber options available. Three innovative machines that stand out for their unique features and applications include the i-mop , the Rotowash, and the Multiwash . All devices have revolutionized how professionals approach the task of keeping floors pristine, yet they cater to different needs and environments.

We've created this article to help you compare the distinct features of these commercial floor cleaners. Despite their similar sizes, they operate and function in entirely different ways. Read the article below to understand the differences between each machine and where they are best suited, to help you decide what is best for your individual environment.

How Do Cylindrical Floor Scrubbers Work?

Cylindrical scrubbers consist of two cylindrical brushes rotating in opposite directions at speeds ranging from 600 to 800 RPM. The water is dispensed via a spray jet at the front of the machine, or gravity released on top of the brushes. As the brushes move, they dislodge loose dirt and debris, collecting them in a tray, which the operator empties after cleaning, eliminating the necessity for pre-sweeping prior to scrubbing.

How do Disc Floor Scrubbers Work?

Disc scrubbers are typically either battery-powered or electric and are fitted with either a pad for floor polishing or a bristled brush for deeper cleaning.

During operation, water is dispensed onto the brushes, the brushes (or pad) then rotate to clean the surface. Some machines also have the ability to suction the remaining dirty water from the floor such as the i-mop.

The i-mop

The i-mop is a disc scrubber designed with efficiency and maneuverability in mind. It is an ideal option for almost all hard floors including timber, vinyl, concrete and natural stone. The i-mop comes in three different sizes depending on your commercial cleaning needs, this includes the i-mop lite, the i-mop XL and the i-mop XXL.

Read: Why won't my floor tiles stay clean?

Here are a few of the benefits of the i-mop:

- Versatility with Floor Pads: Unlike the Rotowash, the i-mop offers the flexibility to utilise various floor pads and brushes. The range of different pads and brushes means that the i-mop can be used on almost all hard flooring types but also for stripping, buffing and polishing.

- Efficient Cleaning Ability: The i-mop utilises a suction mechanism designed to suck up water as it cleans. This not only ensures a drier floor immediately after cleaning but also makes the i-mop significantly more efficient than machines without such technology. Its ability to operate by scrubbing and extracting in one go, reduces cleaning time and effort making it up to 60% faster than conventional mopping.

- Maneuverability for Tight Spaces: The i-mop is easy to maneuver because of its 360 degree swivel head. It's also light weight and compact in size so it can clean tight and congested spaces such as bathrooms, under tables, and around chairs easily.

- User-Friendly and Safe: Lithium Ion battery operation eliminates the hassle of dealing with cords, making the the i-mop safe and easy to use around the clock. Its ergonomical design minimizes operator strain, making floor cleaning less of a chore and more of a swift, hassle-free task.

- Challenges and Considerations: While the i-mop is a fantastic tool for cleaning a wide range of hard floors it does not have the capability to clean carpets.

The Rotowash

The Rotowash stands out for its versatility across both hard and soft flooring types. It has a cylindrical brush system which can clean carpets, vinyl, tiles, concrete, and even unique surfaces like escalators. The Multiwash is another machine that also works similarly to the Rotowash.

Take a look to see some of their benefits below:

- Cylindrical Brush Technology: The cylindrical brushes dive deep into grooves and grout lines, making it particularly suitable for rough floors like epoxy or heavily grooved surfaces. While it lacks pad options, the different grades of brushes available ensure that it can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks.

- Low Maintenance Advantage: Without the need for squeegee rubbers, which wear out quickly on rough surfaces, these cylindrical machines offer a low-maintenance solution for businesses. This reduces downtime and extends the machine's lifespan.

- Suitability for Various Environments: Whether it's cleaning carpets or hard floors, the Rotowash and Multiwash’s ability to adapt to different surfaces makes them a versatile tool in any cleaning arsenal. The cylindrical brushes ensure thorough cleaning, making it suitable for environments where deep cleaning is paramount.

- Challenges and Considerations: Despite its strengths, the Rotowash does have its drawbacks. It is more time-consuming than the i-mop due to its lack of an efficient extraction mechanism. The process of cleaning and picking up water requires a back-and-forth motion, which can be less efficient in high-traffic areas. Additionally, without a robust extraction method, some residue may remain, necessitating additional drying time or manual intervention. 

Best Suited Environments

i-mop: Best for establishments that prioritize quick, efficient cleaning of hard floors with minimal downtime. Ideal for spaces like restaurants, schools, and hospitals, where safety and hygiene are paramount, and maneuverability is needed to clean around obstacles.

Rotowash: Excellently suited for facilities with a variety of floor types, including carpeted areas and special surfaces like escalators. Its deep-cleaning capabilities make it ideal for settings that require thorough cleaning over speed, such as hotels, office buildings, and retail establishments with diverse flooring needs.

Conclusion

Choosing between these commercial floor cleaning machines comes down to your specific cleaning requirements for your commercial cleaning equipment and the types of surfaces that need maintenance. The i-mop excels in hard floor cleaning with its efficient, user-friendly design, while the Rotowash offers versatility and deep cleaning across both hard and soft surfaces. Understanding the unique benefits of each can help businesses optimize their cleaning processes, ensuring that their floors are not only clean but also maintained in a way that extends their lifespan and enhances their appearance.

Read this article to learn more about the best ways to clean gym floors.

We hope this article has given you some guidance on finding the best floor scrubber for your needs. 

Want to see the i-mop in action? Book your FREE demo today or contact one of our team members about your cleaning needs.

In this video we look at the i-mop and the multiwash floor scrubbers and how to best clean a gym floor.