How Does a Floor Scrubber Work?

Whether you're a cleaner trying to maintain a hygienic space for your clients or a business owner aiming to create a safe and appealing environment, keeping your floors clean is essential. In this guide, we'll look into how floor scrubbers work and why they're a game-changer for floor cleaning.

Why Floor Cleaning Matters

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of floor scrubbers, let's understand why floor cleaning is so important. Clean floors not only look good but also contribute to a healthy and safe space. Dirty and slippery floors can lead to accidents, and they can negatively impact the overall impression of your home or business.

The Role of Floor Scrubbers

Floor scrubbers play a vital role in maintaining clean and safe floors. They are specialized machines designed to efficiently clean a variety of floor surfaces. Whether you have hard floors like tile and concrete, carpeted floors, or specialty floors like wood and rubber, most of the good quality floor scrubbers would be up to the task.

Types of Floor Scrubbers

There are several types of floor scrubbers available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Let's take a closer look at the most common types:

- Cylindrical Scrubbers

These scrubbers use cylindrical brushes or pads that rotate in opposite directions, providing efficient cleaning for both hard and soft floors.

- Flexible Upright Disc Scrubbers:

These machines feature flexible disc brushes that adapt to the floor's contours, ensuring thorough cleaning.

- Walk-behind Disc Scrubbers:

Similar to cylindrical scrubbers, these machines use disc brushes or pads to clean floors and are great for larger areas.

- Ride-On Scrubbers:

These larger machines allow the operator to ride on them, covering more ground quickly and efficiently.

Take a look at our other article that goes further in depth into the different floor scrubbers available here .

Battery-Powered vs. Corded Scrubbers

Floor scrubbers can be powered by batteries or connected to an electrical outlet via a cord. Battery-powered scrubbers offer greater mobility, while corded ones provide continuous power. Your choice depends on your specific needs and the size of the area you're cleaning.

Components of a Floor Scrubber

Understanding the key components of a floor scrubber is essential to comprehend how it works. Let's break down the essential parts:

- Scrubbing Brushes or Pads:

These are responsible for agitating and scrubbing the floor to remove dirt and stains.

- Squeegees:

Squeegees collect the dirty water and solution left behind after scrubbing, leaving the floor dry and clean.

- Solution Tank:

This tank stores the cleaning solution that is dispensed onto the floor during the cleaning process.

- Recovery Tank:

The recovery tank stores the dirty water and debris sucked up from the floor.

- Controls and Operation Panel:

The operator uses the controls and operation panel to start, stop, and adjust the scrubbing process.

The Cleaning Process

Now, let's delve into the step-by-step cleaning process that floor scrubbers follow:

1. Dispensing Cleaning Solution:

The cleaning solution is released from the solution tank onto the floor. This solution helps break down dirt and stains.

2. Agitating and Scrubbing:

The scrubbing brushes or pads agitate and scrub the floor, loosening and lifting dirt and grime.

3. Suction and Water Recovery:

Squeegees collect the dirty water and solution, depositing it into the recovery tank, leaving the floor dry and clean.

Ever heard of the Sinners Circle? Watch the video below to find out more about the 4 factors that control how effective your floor cleaning will be.

How Floor Scrubbers Handle Different Floor Types

Floor scrubbers are versatile and can handle various types of floors with ease. It's important to note that there are several types of brushes and pads available which can be used depending on the floor surface and the result you are after:

- Hard Floors (Tile, Concrete):

Floor scrubbers excel at cleaning hard surfaces, such as tile and concrete, by effectively removing dirt and grime from the grout lines and surface. 

- Carpeted Floors:

Some floor scrubbers come with carpet-cleaning attachments, making them suitable for deep cleaning carpets and removing stains.

- Specialty Floors (Wood, Rubber):

Floor scrubbers can be adjusted to clean delicate specialty floors like wood and rubber without causing damage. We recommend reaching out to your supplier to ensure you use the correct brushes, pads and even technique if you have any queries.

Read a full article here on the best pads and brushes to use on different flooring types.

Benefits of Using a Floor Scrubber

Using a floor scrubber offers numerous advantages, including:

- Time and Labor Savings:

Floor scrubbers are efficient and reduce the time and effort required for cleaning, especially in large areas.

- Improved Cleaning Efficiency:

They provide a deeper and more thorough clean compared to manual methods.

- Health and Safety Considerations:

Clean floors contribute to a safer environment by reducing slip and fall hazards and minimizing the spread of germs.

- Water and chemical Savings:

One often overlooked but significant benefit of using a floor scrubber is the reduction in water and chemical usage. These machines are designed to minimise the use of cleaning solutions, reducing waste and environmental impact.

We’ve written a full article on the Benefits of Using a Floor Scrubber which you can read here .

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure your floor scrubber operates efficiently and has a long lifespan. Here are some maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

Cleaning and Replacing Brushes/Pads:

Regularly clean and inspect the brushes or pads for wear and tear, replacing them when necessary.

Emptying and Cleaning the Recovery Tank:

Empty and clean the recovery tank after each use to prevent odor and bacterial growth.

Battery Maintenance (for Battery-Powered Scrubbers):

If you have a battery-powered scrubber, maintain the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best machines can encounter problems from time to time. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

- Loss of Suction:

Check for clogs in the suction lines and ensure the squeegees are properly adjusted.

- Uneven Cleaning:

Adjust the brush pressure or check for damaged brushes or pads.

- Excessive Water Usage:

Ensure the solution flow rate is properly adjusted and that there are no leaks.

We've created a video for you to watch on the Top 5 Floor Scrubber Problems and How To Avoid them below.

Tips for Effective Floor Scrubber Use

To make the most out of your floor scrubber, follow these tips:

- Proper Machine Operation:

Familiarize yourself with the machine's controls and operating procedures to achieve optimal results.

- Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution:

Select the appropriate cleaning solution for your floor type and the level of dirt and stains.

- Safety Precautions:

Always wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety guidelines while operating the machine.

Read: How to choose the right floor scrubber.

Choosing the Right Floor Scrubber for Your Needs

When selecting a floor scrubber, consider the following factors:

- Sizing and Capacity:

Choose a machine that matches the size of the area you need to clean.

- Budget Considerations:

Determine your budget and explore options that fit within your financial constraints.

- Brand and Model Options:

Research different brands and models to find the one that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how a floor scrubber works can greatly benefit your cleaning efforts, whether you're a homeowner or a business owner. By choosing the right type of scrubber, following proper maintenance routines, and implementing effective cleaning strategies, you can enjoy clean and safe floors while saving time and effort. Remember that clean floors not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also contribute to a healthier and safer environment for everyone. Start scrubbing and enjoy the transformative power of this amazing cleaning tool!

If your in the market for a floor scrubber take a look at our range here . Or if you have any questions that our team can help you with, please contact us here .