How to Clean a Floor Scrubber

Your floor scrubber works relentlessly to keep your facility in pristine condition. It’s only right you give it a bit of TLC every so often to keep it in tip-top shape! 

Learning how to clean a floor scrubber can make a world of difference in your machine’s performance along with its lifespan. Putting in a bit of work every so often will save you more expensive and time-consuming repairs/replacements down the line.

There are quite a few moving pieces on your scrubber, and each needs attention. From the solution and recovery tanks to the pads/brushes, squeegees, and more - we’ll walk you through a comprehensive floor scrubber cleaning regimen below.

You’ll also gain other maintenance tips so you can protect your investment and keep your machine working its best for years to come. Just remember, when it’s time for fresh pads, brushes, or any other parts - or even a new machine - SweepScrub is your one-stop shop!

As the #1 choice for commercial floor scrubbers for sale, we’ve got the top models from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry - along with all the parts and supplies you need for the most efficient, effective cleaning process!

Is Cleaning Floor Scrubbers Really Necessary?

Keeping your floor scrubber clean isn’t a recommendation - it’s a must. Neglecting this aspect of maintenance will cost you time and money down the road with issues that could have been avoided with a quick cleaning process after each use.

So before we get into how to clean a floor scrubber, here’s why you shouldn’t take it lightly…

Preventing Performance Decline

What are sweepers and scrubbers used for? Simple - cleaning the floor!They do so faster and more effectively than traditional methods like sweeping and mopping, but there’s a catch: they only work well when you keep them clean.

Using a dirty floor scrubber with built-up debris in the brushes, clogged filters, or residue in the tanks can lead to reduced cleaning power, streaks, and missed spots. So if you find your floor scrubber leaving streaks, this is probably why. 

Prolonging Machine Lifespan

Think about how much a floor scrubber cost you - it’s worth investing a bit of time and energy into maintenance to prolong its useful life! 

That being said, how long does a floor scrubber last on average? It all depends on the make/model, usage, and maintenance - but in the best-case scenario, you can get decades of use from your machine. 

This is contingent on keeping it clean, of course. You can do a lot to reduce unnecessary strain on the brushes, squeegee, and motor, ultimately extending the life of your investment.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Cleaning equipment that isn’t maintained can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Think about it - you’re basically putting down the mess you cleaned up back on the floor the next time you use it. What’s the point?

Regular scrubber sanitization prevents contaminants from spreading to other areas of your facility. This is important for anyone, but especially for those cleaning commercial kitchen floors, school floor cleaning, cleaning a commercial freezer floor, and other industries like healthcare.

How to Clean a Floor Scrubber: Step-by-Step Guide

It’s clear that learning how to clean a floor scrubber is just as important as knowing how to use a commercial floor scrubber. So, allow us to walk you through the step-by-step process you can employ every time you finish using your scrubber. 

Turn Off and Disconnect the Machine’s Battery

Safety first - turn off your machine and ideally, disconnect the battery or power source to prevent accidental activation while cleaning components. 

Gather Necessary Cleaning Tools

The specific tools and supplies you use for cleaning your machine are somewhat flexible. We suggest a soft brush, microfiber cloths, mild detergent, water, and a bucket. Gather all these tools in advance and have them on hand so you don’t have to stop mid-clean.

Drain the Recovery Tank

Next, empty the dirty water from the recovery tank into an appropriate drain. Yes, even if the system isn’t completely full and you intend to use it again the next day - it must be emptied.

Residual water left sitting can lead to bad odors, mold growth, and clogs. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water after draining to remove any debris or buildup.

Flush and Rinse the Solution Tank

Dump out any leftover cleaning solution from the solution tank. Then, fill it with clean water and flush it through the system to prevent solution residue from hardening and clogging the lines. 

Cleaning the Brushes or Pads

Perhaps the most important step for maintaining impressive cleaning results after each use is to regularly clean your floor scrubber brushes vs pads. These take on the brunt of the cleaning job and will accumulate all sorts of gunk.

Remove the brushes or pads from the machine and rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, or cleaning solution residue. This is also a good opportunity to assess wear and tear, as damaged brushes or pads should be replaced to avoid subpar cleaning results. 

At any rate, make sure you let the pads air dry completely before reattaching them. We have tips on how to change pads on floor scrubber in our blog if you find that yours are past their prime.

Wiping Down the Squeegee and Vacuum System

The other component that comes in direct contact with the floor is your machine’s squeegee system. Even though it’s technically contacting a clean surface, residual dirt and debris can still accumulate on it and in turn compromise performance.

We recommend detaching the squeegee so you can clean it with a damp cloth. Similar to the pads/brushes, this also gives you a chance to inspect for any cracks or damage that could be holding your machine back.

Removing the squeegee will also give you better access to view the vacuum intake area. This component is responsible for picking up the dirty water, and it needs to fire on all cylinders so that only clean floors are left behind. Clear out any blockages that could interfere with suction.

Clearing the Filter and Vacuum System

Further to that point, take the time to regularly clean out the machine’s filter and vacuum system. A clogged filter can be the downfall of your entire cleaning process.

Remove the filter, rinse it under running water, and ensure it’s completely dry before reinserting. For the vacuum system, check for any debris that could obstruct airflow and remove it carefully.

More Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Machine in Tip-Top Shape

There you have it, how to clean floor scrubber machines! It’s pretty simple, and truly only takes a few more minutes of your time. Yet, it makes a massive difference in overall performance and longevity. 

But cleaning your machine is just one piece of the maintenance puzzle. Before wrapping this guide up here are a few more things you should know about caring for your scrubber.

Before Using the Machine

It’s worth coming up with a pre-cleaning workflow that you can fall back on every time you pull your scrubber out of storage. This can include:

• Check Fluid Levels: Confirm the solution and recovery tanks are clean and filled with the correct fluids. Using fresh water and the right detergent improves performance and prevents clogs. We have a great selection of chemicals if you’re not sure where to start.
• Inspect Brushes or Pads: Make sure brushes or pads are securely attached, clean, and in good condition. Worn pads/brushes can scratch floors or lead to uneven cleaning.
• Conduct a Quick Visual Inspection: Look over the machine for visible issues like loose parts, damaged squeegees, or leaks. The last thing you want is to start cleaning only to discover the issue and have to stop halfway through the job.

After Using the Machine

Similarly, you should follow a comprehensive post-cleaning regimen so that you can get the most out of every cleaning solution. Here’s an overview of what needs to be done:

• Thoroughly Clean All Components: Follow our tips on how to clean a floor scrubber above. Pay extra attention to removing dirt, debris, and leftover cleaning solution from tanks, brushes, and squeegees.
• Empty Tanks Immediately: Never leave water or solution sitting in the tanks as this can lead to residue buildup, mold, and unpleasant odors.
• Inspect for Wear and Tear: Assess the machine for any new damage or signs of deterioration, such as cracks in the squeegee or leaks in hoses. This way you can get a replacement part ordered ASAP and avoid downtime in your regular cleaning process.

Inspecting and Replacing Worn Parts

On the note of replacing worn parts, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of regularly inspecting brushes, pads, filters, and squeegees for damage or excessive wear. 

These only last so long, and keeping replacements on hand prevents costly and frustrating interruptions to your cleaning schedule. 

We have allthe spare parts and components you could need for any machine here at SweepScrub, whether you use a commercial walk-behind floor scrubber, industrial ride-on floor scrubber, or floor sweeper scrubber machine for that matter.

Battery Care

One of the most expensive components to replace on your machine is the battery, so do your due diligence on how to best care for yours. It will depend on the technology in question, be it lead acid, AGM, or gel.

A common mistake we see users make is leaving their machine on the charger overnight. Overcharging (and undercharging, for that matter) can reduce battery life. So can letting the machine die completely.

We didn’t touch on this in our overview of how to clean floor scrubber machines, but dust and debris can accumulate on battery terminals, leading to poor performance. Give these a wipe down every so often. 

Similarly, check for signs of battery wear, such as reduced runtime or difficulty holding a charge, and replace batteries as necessary. Our blog has more insights on how to charge floor scrubber correctly if you want the full scoop.

Storage Recommendations

Where you store your machine when not in use can impact its longevity. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these can damage parts and shorten component lifespan.

Keep the scrubber in an upright position to avoid damaging the squeegee or brushes. Lock wheels if possible to prevent movement. Ideally, you’d also cover the machine when not in use to protect it from dust and accidental scratches during storage.

Closing Thoughts on How to Clean Floor Scrubber Machines

Knowing how to clean a floor scrubber can make a dramatic difference in the performance and longevity of your machine. We hope this overview leaves you with a solid grasp of what you need to do before and after each use.

Our blog has more resources on how to choose a floor scrubber, cleaning warehouse floors, how to clean commercial tile floors, water damage restoration cost, how to clean concrete floors, renting a floor scrubber, how to clean rubber gym floor, floor scrubber troubleshooting, factory floor cleaning, floor scrubber vs buffer, floor sweeper repair, how does a floor scrubber work, and more.

But don’t forget, whether you’re looking for the best commercial floor scrubber for a school, a gym floor scrubber, the best walk behind floor sweepers, or anything in between, SweepScrub is your one-stop shop.

We’ve curated an extensive collection of machines - new and refurbished -  from the most sought-after manufacturers in the cleaning industry. That includes Tennant, Advance, Clarke, and even our own economical private label line.

You can even source all the spare parts and consumables you need to keep your cleaning process as effective and efficient as possible, too. Our customer service team is always available to help you find exactly what you need. 

So, simplify floor scrubber care and keep your machine running like new. Discover unbeatable deals on scrubber supplies at SweepScrub, or upgrade your arsenal with something bigger and better today!