How to Use a Floor Scrubber Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Maintaining clean floors, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential to keep your space looking its best. Using a commercial floor scrubber is one of the best ways to achieve this.
In this guide, we'll show you how to operate a floor scrubber machine, provide tips for different floor types, and share practical advice to make sure your cleaning routine is efficient and effective.
1. Prepare the Floor for Scrubbing
Before you start using the floor scrubber, you need to get the area ready.
- Dust mop the floor to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a microfiber mop for smaller particles that can interfere with scrubbing.
- Make sure to choose a cleaning solution suitable for the type of flooring you're working on.
2. Choose the Right Pad or Brush
Selecting the proper pad or brush is crucial for effectively cleaning the floor. Here’s what to consider:
- For tile floors or surfaces needing a deep clean, use a tougher pad.
- For concrete or cement floors, use a heavy duty brush.
- If you're cleaning hardwood floors, opt for a soft pad to avoid damaging the surface.
- High-traffic areas may need more aggressive scrubbing, while delicate floors require a gentle touch.
3. Fill the Floor Scrubber with Solution
Your commercial floor scrubber needs to be filled with the right cleaning products. Follow these steps:
- Open the tank and fill it with water.
- Add a floor cleaner or cleaning solution based on the floor type.
- Check the scrubber's instructions for the proper cleaning solution-to-water ratio.
- We recommend using neutral pH low foaming detergent, or adding defoamer into the sewage tank, as too much foam will damage the vacuum motor.
- Inspect the squeegee. The squeegee blades should be positioned with one-third in contact with the floor and tilted forward at approximately a 30-degree angle. This setup achieves optimal water suction
4. How to Operate a Floor Scrubber
Now that everything is ready, it's time to start scrubbing the floor. Here’s a simple process:
- Turn on the machine and lower the pad or brush.
- Move the scrubber in a straight line to cover the floor evenly.
- If you're using automatic floor scrubbers, it may handle much of the work for you, but manual machines will require steady guidance.
- Keep an eye on the recovery tank. When it’s full, empty it to avoid overflow.
5. Pay Attention to Floor Type
Different floors need different care. Whether you’re scrubbing tile floors or hardwood floors, ensure you’re using the appropriate technique and cleaning solution for the job.
- For tile floors, scrubbing may take longer, but using a stronger pad will help achieve a deep clean.
- For hardwood floors, avoid excessive water and choose a gentler scrubbing method to prevent wear and tear.
- For concrete floors, heavy duty or soft disc brushes is a great choice
- Adjust the water flow based on the condition and type of the floor. The dirtier or rougher the floor, the more water is needed. For relatively clean or smoother floors, less water is required.
6. Final Buff and Mop
Once you're done scrubbing, follow these steps to finish:
- Use buffing machines for an extra shine, especially on hard floors.
- Go over the floor with a mop and bucket to pick up any leftover residue.
- A final sweep with a microfiber mop ensures your floors look spotless.
7. Maintaining Your Floor Scrubber
Properly maintaining your floor scrubber will extend its life and keep it working efficiently. After each use:
- Clean the recovery tank thoroughly.
- Rinse off the pad or brush to remove dirt.
- Check and clean the vacuum hose and squeegee blades
- Check for any wear and tear and replace parts as necessary.
The Bottom Line
Using a floor scrubber machine can help you achieve clean floors with ease, especially in high traffic areas. By following these steps, using the right cleaning products, and understanding how to operate your scrubber based on floor type, you’ll keep your space looking fresh and clean.