How Does a Floor Scrubber Work?

From factory floor cleaning to commercial freezer floor cleaning, businesses need an efficient approach to cleaning expansive flooring without compromising on the quality of results. 

The truth is, a push broom paired with an industrial mop just isn’t going to get the job done. It’s worth investing in a more sophisticated piece of equipment so you can work smarter rather than harder. That’s where floor scrubber machines come into play.

So how does a floor scrubber work, and is it really going to pay back an ROI? These machines can vary from walk-behind to ride-on models depending on the scale of your facility. Either way, their operation remains more or less the same.

They put down a cleaning solution on the floor, scrubbing it into the surface to bring up dirt, grime, and other stains before sucking up the dirty water into a separate recovery tank. They dry the floor simultaneously, leaving behind a sparkling-clean floor in every pass.

We’ll take a closer look at the operation of these machines and show you why they’re worth every penny. You can take the next step towards elevating your cleaning process here at SweepScrub, the #1 choice for a commercial floor scrubber for sale from trusted brands!

Why Floor Cleaning is a Must

Before we dive into the inner-workings of a floor scrubber it’s worth a conversation on the need for consistent floor cleaning in the first place. Schools, businesses, and public spaces all share the same need for a productive approach to cleaning, but why?

Sure, it keeps dirt, bacteria, and allergens from accumulating on the floors. Is this really worth investing thousandsof dollars in though? Absolutely.

Not only does it reduce the risk of illness and promote overall hygeine, but this may be a matter of compliance in certain settings - like hospitals and other healthcare facilities, restaurants, and more.

There are safety implications as well. Clean floors are less conducive to causing slips and falls. In contrast, accumulated dust, spills, and debris are prone to slipperiness that can lead to lawsuits.

Regular cleaning goes beyond risk reduction, it keeps the floor surface in optimal condition, avoiding wear and tear that can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Just think about the cost of complete flooring replacement and floor scrubber prices pale in comparison.

For business, cleaning the floor improves employee morale while creating better experiences for customers. Dirty or neglected floors can leave a negative impression, potentially affecting a business’s reputation or decreasing morale in the workplace.

It’s clear that cleaning cannot be taken lightly. So let us introduce a game changer in commercial floor cleaning: the floor scrubber machine.

What is a Floor Scrubber?

This powerful cleaning machine is relied on for a variety of hard flooring surfaces, offering a level of cleaning not possible through traditional manual methods like brooms and mops.

These are the gold standard in cleaning for commercial, industrial, and large public spaces as they can remove dirt, grime, stains, and debris in a fraction of the time you’d otherwise spend on the task. 

They use rotating brushes or pads that actively scrub the floor while simultaneously applying water and cleaning solution. The machine cleans and lifts away dirt as it moves, leaving the floor much cleaner in less time.

You’ll encounter a wide range of styles when looking for floor scrubbing machines, from walk-behind models for smaller areas and ride-on models for larger spaces, giving operators the flexibility to choose the machine that best fits their needs.

Let’s take a closer look at exactly what makes these better than the alternative cleaning solutions, though - how does a floor scrubber work?

How Does a Floor Scrubber Work?

A floor scrubber does something that no other machine is capable of doing: washing, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying all in a single pass. This saves a ton of time and effort while achieving superior cleaning results. Here’s how it works:

Filling the Water and Solution Tank

Floor scrubbers have two separate tasks, each of which serves an important purpose. There’s a clean water and a recovery tank. The process of using your machine begins with filling the clean water tank and choosing the right cleaning solution/detergent.

It's important to use the right solution for the type of floor you're cleaning, as improper detergents can cause damage or leave residues. 

This is something you’ll need to do some research into, or you can connect with our customer service team for a personalized recommendation. We have tips on how to clean commercial tile floors, how to clean concrete floors, and how to clean rubber gym floor for specific insights.

Operating the Scrubber

With your scrubber ready to work it’s time to power on your machine. Whether it’s a walk-behind or ride-on model the machine will typically have a control panel where the operator can adjust the speed and solution flow.

The scrubber is then moved systematically over the floor, using either disc or cylindrical brushes or floor scrubber pads to scrub dirt and grime from the surface. We have a separate resource on the differences between a floor scrubber brush vs pad if you’d like to learn more.

Either way, the action of scrubbing agitates and loosens dirt, allowing it to be more easily removed than with a mop. The specific pads/brushes you use will depend on the type of flooring, just like the cleaning solution itself.

Squeegee and Vacuum System for Picking Up Dirty Water

Behind the scrubbing brushes, you’ll find a built-in squeegee equipped with a vacuum system. This dynamic duo works in synergy to collect the dirty water from the floor while leaving the surface safe and dry.

This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of slips and falls from wet surfaces. The dirty water is collected in a recovery tank so it can be disposed of when the job is finished.

Floor Scrubber Settings and Adjustments

Different floor types and levels of soil require different scrubber settings. Most machines let you adjust the brush pressure, solution flow, and speed for customized cleaning in various environments. 

It’s important to find the right balance between effective cleaning and protecting the floor surface. After all, the last thing you want is to inadvertently cause more harm than good.

Differences in Operating Walk-Behind vs Ride-on Models

The actual operation of a floor scrubber will depend on the type of model being used. 

So, what is a walk behind scrubber? These work for smaller areas or spaces where precision maneuvering is needed. They offer greater control but take more physical effort to operate.

In contrast, ride-on models are designed for larger spaces and allow operators to cover greater areas quickly, making them ideal for warehouses, large retail stores, and schools. You get to more or less kick your feet up and relax while the scrubber does the hard work.

The key difference is where the operater is and their role in the cleaning process. Walk-behind machines are pushed, while ride-on models are driven.

Floor Types and Compatibility

Remember, the type of floor dictates the abrasiveness of the brush/pad used and the chemical cleaning solution employed. That being said floor scrubbers work on a variety of surfaces, from tile to concrete, vinyl, sealed wood, and more.

Some models can even work on uneven or textured surfaces. Many organizations use floor scrubbers out in their parking lots, they’re not just for cleaning interior floor surfaces.

See Firsthand How Floor Scrubbers Work - Improve Cleaning Results and Efficiency With SweepScrub!

With an understanding of how floor scrubbers work it’s apparent this is one of the best investments you can make in your business. But reaping all the benefits these machines have to offer is contingent on choosing the best floor scrubber.

While there are tons of brands on the market and even more models and styles available, SweepScrub is here to simplify things for you. We’ve curated the #1 selection online from only the most sought-after manufacturers, all backed by world-class customer service. 

Why Source Your Commercial Floor Cleaning Equipment Here?

SweepScrub is your partner in grime, whether you need a commercial walk-behind floor scrubber machine or industrial ride-on floor scrubber machine. Discover brands like Tennant, Clarke, and Advance, all known for their performance, reliability, and durability.

You’ll also enjoy competitive pricing so you can stretch your budget further. You gain access to hassle-free financing options to justify the investment, too. We carry an extensive range of refurbished models if you want top-quality at a more affordable price point.

But what really keeps our customers coming back for more is our commitment to exceeding expectations in the customer service department. Whether you need help picking a machine, understanding how to use a commercial floor scrubber, or need assistance troubleshooting a machine malfunction, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Tips on Choosing the Optimal Floor Scrubber Machine

While we encourage you to get in touch with our team directly so we can talk over your needs one-on-one and offer some personalized recommendations, here are some quick tips on choosing the perfect scrubber:

• Consider the Floor Type: Polished concrete floors require a different approach than tile or vinyl flooring. The machine you choose must be compatible with your floor types.
• Size and Maneuverability: Tight spaces and smaller areas call for a compact, walk-behind model. Larger spaces like warehouses or gymnasiums need a ride-on scrubber for peak productivity. Take the cleaning path into account as well, as this influences efficiency and practicality.
• Ease of Use and Maintenance: Scrubbers with intuitive controls and easy maintenance features reduce training time and minimize the risk of operator errors, all while making your life easier.
• Water and Detergent Efficiency: A scrubber that optimizes water and cleaning solution use, not only saves costs but also keeps your cleaning practices eco-friendly.

When in doubt, reach out. We even have a floor sweeper scrubber collection, which combines the power of a floor sweeper machine and scrubber for the best of both worlds. Take the next step towards elevating cleaning efficiency and performance today!

Final Thoughts on How Floor Scrubbers Work

So, how does a floor scrubber work? Hopefully, this guide has left you with a solid grasp on the inner-workings of these machines and the benefits they bring to your business.

From filling the solution tanks to using the vacuum system to remove dirty water, these machines make cleaning faster, more efficient, and more effective.

Our blog has tons of other resources, whether you want to learn how to clean school floors, how to clean commercial kitchen floor, how to clean a warehouse floor, or anything in between. Browse our most popular blog posts below:

• How long does a floor scrubber last
• Why is my floor scrubber not working
• How to change pads on floor scrubber
• How to charge floor scrubber
• What are sweepers and scrubbers used for

 

• Floor scrubber vs buffer

Otherwise, the only thing left to do is invest in unparalleled cleaning power and productivity at SweepScrub. Discover your ideal floor scrubber today at SweepScrub!