When faced with cleaning concrete full of debris, dust, grease, oil, marks, or other stains, it is foolhardy to try and do it yourself, armed with just a mop and bucket. Auto scrubbers or automatic floor scrubbers can do the task more efficiently, quickly, and easily.
Not to mention, these machines are highly effective, so they require less water and pose fewer risks of slips or falls for the user.
WHAT IS AN AUTO SCRUBBER?
Automatic floor scrubbing machines have either a disk or a cylindrical scrubbing head, and they use inexpensive pads or brushes to wash or strip the surface of dust and wax.
Floor scrubbers with cylindrical scrub brushes are heavy-duty, with up to three times the speed of a disk brush. Such scrubbers also wet sweep solid debris, eliminating the need to pre-spray the surface.
Newer types of small blade and agile scrubbers may be required to reach edges and corners where larger machines cannot.
WHY USE AN AUTO SCRUBBER?
Without an automatic floor scrubbing machine, your floors will be dirtier, your employees will run a higher risk of injury, and you will spend more money on wasted water and cleaning solutions.
Automatic floor scrubbing machines regulate all these things to ensure your floors are as clean as possible and your money is not being flushed down the drain with wasted water.
WHAT DOES AN AUTO SCRUBBER DO?
Imagine you need to clean a large floor space, like in a warehouse or a big mall. Doing it with a mop and bucket would be extremely time-consuming and inefficient. That’s where an auto scrubber comes in.
This machine simplifies the process by doing everything in one go – it dispenses a cleaning solution, scrubs the floor with rotating brushes or pads, and then vacuums up the dirty water, leaving the floor clean and dry.
Auto scrubbers are versatile and can be customized with various attachments to enhance their cleaning capabilities.
For example, you can add squeegees or adjust the vacuum systems for different types of flooring, whether smooth or textured. This makes auto scrubbers ideal for efficiently and effectively maintaining cleanliness and safety in large commercial spaces.
HOW DO YOU USE AN AUTO SCRUBBER?
Regardless of the type or size, floor scrubbers have automated systems that dispense the cleaning solution to the surface and then vacuum it. All the user needs to do is pass the machine over the surface and press the button.
The machine dispenses the liquid, scrubs the floor, and vacuums the residue into a separate recovery tank.
Here’s how you do it step by step:
- Prepare the Machine: First, fill the clean water tank with the right cleaning solution. Check to make sure everything is in good working order.
- Set Up the Scrubber: Adjust the brush or pad to the correct height for the type of floor you’re cleaning.
- Operate the Scrubber: Turn on the machine and guide it across the floor, ensuring it covers the area evenly. It will dispense the cleaning solution, scrub the floor, and vacuum the dirty water as you move along.
- Empty the Dirty Water Tank: After cleaning, empty and rinse the dirty water tank to avoid residue build-up.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Check and maintain regularly the scrubber’s brushes, pads, and other parts to keep them in good shape.
Following these steps will help your auto scrubber work efficiently and give you the best cleaning results. Understanding how your specific machine works can also help you get the most out of it in different cleaning situations.
BENEFITS OF AUTO FLOOR SCRUBBERS
Auto floor scrubbers bring a lot of advantages to both commercial and industrial cleaning.
Here’s why they’re so great:
- Increased Efficiency: They can clean large areas quickly and effectively, so you’ll spend less time on floor maintenance. This is especially handy in busy areas where you need to clean frequently.
- Improved Cleaning Quality: The strong scrubbing action and consistent application of the cleaning solution ensure a thorough, even clean. They can handle stubborn stains and dirt that traditional methods might miss.
- Cost Savings: Auto scrubbers cut labor costs and reduce the need for multiple cleaning passes, saving you money over time. They also use cleaning solutions and water more efficiently, which helps with cost savings, too.
- Enhanced Safety: Since auto scrubbers leave floors dry and slip-free, they help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. This is especially important in places where wet floors can be hazardous.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Many modern auto scrubbers use less water and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, making them a green choice for floor maintenance. These eco-friendly features help reduce the environmental impact of cleaning operations.
TYPES OF AUTO SCRUBBERS
When choosing an auto scrubber, it’s essential to understand the different types available to find the one that best suits your needs.
Here are the main types:
Walk-Behind Scrubbers
These are ideal for medium-sized areas and operate by walking behind the machine.
For example, the Onyx DX26T Dual Head Battery AutoScrubber is a powerful walk-behind model perfect for schools, small warehouses, and retail stores. It features dual scrubbing heads and a battery-powered design for efficient, uninterrupted cleaning.
The Tennant T600/T600e offers robust performance and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks in industrial environments.
Ride-On Scrubbers
These are larger machines, and the operator sits on and drives the scrubber, making them perfect for large areas such as airports, warehouses, and shopping malls.
The Pacific RS28 Rider Orbital Disk Auto Scrubber is an excellent example. It combines the convenience of a ride-on model with the power of orbital scrubbing, making it ideal for extensive cleaning tasks.
Compact Scrubbers
These are smaller machines designed for tight spaces and corners. They’re perfect for places with many obstacles, like office buildings or small shops.
The Tennant T2 Walk-Behind Compact Floor Scrubber is a great option for maneuvering tight spaces while delivering effective cleaning performance.
Another compact model, the Clarke 20 Focus II L20 Disc Auto Scrubber, is known for its ease of use and efficient cleaning in small to medium-sized areas.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AUTO SCRUBBER
Selecting the right auto scrubber depends on several factors, including the size of the area you need to clean, the type of flooring, and your budget.
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Area Size
- For large areas, a ride-on scrubber like the Pacific RS28 Rider Orbital Disk Auto Scrubber is more efficient.
- If you have medium-sized spaces, a walk-behind model such as the Onyx DX26T Dual Head Battery AutoScrubber is ideal.
- The Tennant T2 Walk-Behind Compact Floor Scrubber excels at maneuvering and cleaning efficiently in extremely tight spaces or smaller areas.
Floor Type
Consider the type of floor you need to clean. Some scrubbers are better suited for smooth surfaces, while others are designed for textured or uneven floors.
- The Pacific S-28/32 AutoScrubber offers versatile cleaning capabilities, making it suitable for various floor types, from smooth concrete to tile.
- The Tennant T600/T600e is particularly effective on tough industrial floors, providing powerful scrubbing action.
Frequency of Use
If you need to clean frequently, investing in a durable, high-capacity machine can save time and effort.
- Models like the Pacific RS28 and the Onyx DX26T are built for regular, heavy-duty use.
- The Clarke 20 Focus II L20 Disc Auto Scrubber is reliable for frequent use in smaller areas.
Budget
While larger machines may have a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run by reducing labor and cleaning time. Evaluate each model’s cost-effectiveness, considering both initial investment and long-term savings.
The Tennant T2 and the Clarke 20 Focus II offer budget-friendly options without compromising performance.
By understanding the different types of auto scrubbers and how to choose the right one, you can make an informed decision that meets your cleaning needs efficiently and effectively.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON AUTO SCRUBBERS
Adding auto floor scrubbers to your cleaning routine makes your floors look great and boosts safety and efficiency in the workplace. With their advanced features and user-friendly design, auto scrubbers are a smart investment that leads to cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective floor maintenance.