What is a Walk Behind Scrubber?

You know your business needs a fast, effective cleaning method, as time is money. Mopping just doesn’t cut it from an efficiency standpoint, and it can leave much to be desired in terms of results too. This is why you may want to consider a walk behind floor scrubber.

What is a walk behind scrubber, though? And is this commercial cleaning solution what you need to elevate your operation’s productivity? You’ve come to the right place.

These machines are designed for power, agility, and speed, making them a great investment for businesses with large flooring surfaces that need constant cleaning. However, the choice between this style and its ride-on counterpart depends on your facility's size and cleaning needs.

We’ll help you weigh your options below and show you some of the most trusted commercial walk behind floor scrubber brands and models you have at your disposal here at SweepScrub: your one-stop-shop for commercial cleaning.

Shop with us to gain access to our expertly curated catalog, friendly service, and industry experience. You can browse our full selection today or get in touch for a personalized recommendation, whether it’s a walk behind scrubber or something else entirely!

What is a Walk Behind Scrubber?

First things first…what is a walk behind scrubber? This is a compact, maneuverable floor cleaning machine designed for commercial and industrial use. 

Unlike traditional mops, which rely on manual labor and often leave behind dirt and residue, these machines clean well, and most importantly, they clean fast. They’re equipped with rotating brushes or pads and a system that dispenses cleaning solution, scrubs the floor, and then vacuums up the dirty water, all in a single pass.

Walk behind scrubbers are ideal for maintaining cleanliness in medium-sized areas such as retail stores, schools, hospitals, gyms, and office buildings. Their design allows for easy navigation around obstacles and tight corners, ensuring thorough cleaning coverage. 

Walk behind scrubbers vary in size, power, and features, with options ranging from battery-operated models to those powered by electricity or fuel. 

We’ll get into some of these styles in just a moment, but we need to find out if this is even the right cleaning solution for your specific needs first. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of these commercial floor scrubber machines.

Pros and Cons of This Floor Scrubber Style

There’s no question that these floor scrubbers are a powerful, efficient solution for a number of different use cases. However, there are other types of scrubbers you have at your disposal as well, and it’s important to find out which best aligns with your specific needs. 

Advantages

So, what is a walk behind scrubber good for? These machines deliver an impeccable clean, combining sweeping, scrubbing, and drying processes into one swift action. This significantly reduces cleaning times compared to manual methods.

They also have an intuitive, user-friendly design. Operators can learn to use them quickly, minimizing training time and allowing for immediate deployment into the cleaning routine. The actual cleaning process will be far more seamless and enjoyable for the operator, too.

Another distinct advantage is the versatility these scrubbers have to offer. Can you use a floor scrubber on a gym floor? Yep. What about a hospital waiting room? Absolutely! Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, schools, and many other businesses/organizations rely on the walk behind scrubber as their weapon of choice.

But, one of the biggest reasons to choose a walk-behind scrubber, especially in comparison to the more robust ride-on scrubber, is the budget side of things. Yes, these are a substantial investment - but they pale in comparison to ride-on floor scrubbers.

Disadvantages

While there is certainly a place for walk-behind scrubbers, it is not in expansive facilities that would be better suited to an industrial ride on floor scrubber. Although more efficient than mopping, walk behind scrubbers still require manual operation, which can be physically demanding over extended periods.

But, that’s really the only drawback to consider. They may not be the best fit for very large or multi-level areas where a ride-on scrubber could accomplish the job faster and with less operator fatigue.

Is This the Right Floor Scrubber For Your Operation?

So, should you go with a walk-behind or ride-on floor scrubber? Ultimately, only you can answer that question based on your budget and cleaning needs. 

Walk behind scrubbers are ideal for medium-sized areas where their efficiency, effectiveness, and maneuverability can be put on display. They offer an optimal balance between performance and size for businesses with smaller spaces or tight areas. 

However, in settings with expansive square footage or multi-story buildings, a ride-on scrubber might be more appropriate due to its larger coverage capacity and reduced operator strain. 

Assessing your facility's size, layout, and cleaning requirements will guide you to the most suitable choice. When in doubt, reach out. The experts at SweepScrub are on standby ready to talk over your specific needs and give you a more personalized recommendation.

But, if you are leaning toward the walk-behind style, great! We’ll share some advice on picking the ride model for your unique cleaning considerations below. 

Tips on Choosing the Right Walk Behind Floor Scrubber

Just as with the best industrial floor sweeper, picking the ideal walk-behind floor scrubber requires a careful analysis of your cleaning needs, and then, a comparison of the different options on the market that align with those requirements. 

We’ll cover all this below, and a third consideration that so many businesses overlook - finding a reliable retailer to actually buy the machine from!

Assessing Your Cleaning Needs

It’s easy to get bogged down by features and innovations, but there are really just 3 things you need to consider: the size of the area you’ll be cleaning, the type of dirt or debris present, and the flooring material. 

Smaller spaces with light to moderate dirt accumulation, such as boutique stores or small offices, can be effectively cleaned with a compact scrubber. You may only need a 12” brush and a small tank, which could mean the Carke MA10 12e upright floor scrubber is a perfect pairing.

In contrast, larger spaces like supermarkets or warehouses, where the floor accumulates more dirt and debris, may require a scrubber with a larger cleaning path and more robust features. 

In these cases, you may be better suited with a wider brush, from 16”, 24”, or even up to 36”. You’ll find that investing in a larger tank also saves you time from having to refill the unit, with options as large as 32 gallons. Something like the Tennant 600e may be worth the investment. 

Floor type is crucial as different surfaces react differently to cleaning methods. For example, non-abrasive pads are suitable for delicate flooring to prevent damage, while tougher, abrasive brushes can be used on concrete or industrial vinyl to remove stubborn dirt.

Comparing Models and Features

Once you have a clear understanding of your cleaning needs, compare the different models and features available. Here are some things you need to assess when weighing your options:

• Cleaning Path Width: Determines how much floor area can be cleaned in one pass. A wider path means faster cleaning but can be less maneuverable in tight spaces.
• Tank Capacity: Larger tanks require fewer refills, increasing productivity, especially in larger areas.
• Power Source: Electric scrubbers are quiet and emission-free for indoor use, whereas battery-powered models offer greater mobility without the constraint of power cords.
• Brush Types: Various brushes and pads are designed for specific floor types and dirt conditions, so choose one that matches your floor's cleaning requirements.

Look for scrubbers with user-friendly controls, easy maintenance, and reliable performance. Features like adjustable pressure settings, water conservation systems, and ergonomic designs can enhance user experience and cleaning efficiency. 

Finding a Reliable Retailer

You’ll rarely purchase a machine directly from the manufacturer. Instead, you’ll need to find a retailer you can trust to not only sell you a reliable piece of equipment but also deliver an exceptional experience every step of the way. From helping you pick the right unit to offering post-purchase support in the rare instance something goes wrong, you need a provider that is always there for you.

In vetting the different suppliers you should consider the specific brands and models they carry. Ideally, you’d have access to the most sought-after machines on the market - from brands like Clarke, Tennant, Nilfisk, Powr-Flite, and Advance. Better yet, you’d get to choose between new and refurbished machines depending on your budget.

The retailer should also be well-versed in the machines they’re selling so that you can lean on their expertise to pick the perfect machine. You can usually get a sense of this by talking with someone on the phone.

When in doubt, look to reviews and accolades. These are your way of enjoying peace of mind knowing you’re spending your money with a brand that will have your back if you experience an issue. 

Invest in Unparalleled Cleaning Efficiency With a Walk Behind Scrubber at Sweep Scrub!

While there’s a lot to consider, and there are even more options at your disposal, you can rest assured you’re setting yourself up for success when you shop with SweepScrub for a walk-behind floor scrubber. Here’s what separates us from the rest…

Why Shop With Us?

We’ve earned the trust of more than 3.5 million customers and counting by consistently curating a selection of the best products and backing them up with unparalleled customer service. 

You gain access to 500,000 unique products here in our catalog, each of which is thoughtfully added after careful consideration. We only source from the most well-respected brands in the industry, so you can always shop with peace of mind.

Whether you’re looking for help picking the right machine, need guidance on floor scrubber troubleshooting, or are searching for the right replacement part, our customer service team is available to help. Get in touch via email, live chat, or phone.

Some of Our Top Brands and Models

We know that our vast inventory of machines can get overwhelming, which is why we wanted to quickly highlight 3 standout models:

• ADVANCE SC100: A powerful and efficient alternative to traditional methods for small space cleaning. Its upright vacuum style ensures easy operation with minimal training. Single-pass cleaning means floors are not only clean but immediately dry and safe. Designed for convenience and durability, it features a lightweight design, adjustable solution flow settings, and a strong aluminum frame, perfect for various commercial environments.
• VIPER AS430C: This robust 17-inch auto scrubber, is ideal for extensive cleaning with its 13-gallon capacity and 65-foot power cord. Its heavy-duty construction and rounded squeegee make it perfect for high-demand commercial use, providing efficient one-pass cleaning and easy maneuverability. This model stands out for its durability and efficiency in cleaning small to medium-sized areas.
• TENNANT T600e: Impressive capacity and versatility for larger or more challenging cleaning tasks. With its 32-gallon solution tank and various cleaning heads, this scrubber can tackle extensive areas without frequent refills. Its durable construction and smart design, including the Smart-Fill™ automatic battery watering system, ensure reliability and ease of use, making it an excellent investment for demanding environments.

We know you came here to learn all about walk-behind floor scrubbers, but we also offer ride-on units along with industrial floor sweeper scrubber machines. Whether you need a gym floor scrubber or something for your retail storefront, you can count on us to provide the efficient, effective solution you need!

Making the Most of Your New Walk Behind Floor Scrubber

Before we wrap up our beginner’s guide on walk-behind floor scrubbers we want to leave you with a few parting tips on making the most of your investment, from productive use to routine maintenance.

Optimizing Your Cleaning Routine

Integrating these machines into your cleaning routine is simple, but you should still take the time to learn the ins and outs of your specific model. Here is an overview of the general process of operating one of these scrubbers:

• Preparation is Key: Remove large debris and obstacles from the floor before starting to prevent clogging or damaging the scrubber. Check the machine’s components, like brushes and squeegees, to ensure they’re in good condition.
• Correct Chemical Use: Always utilize the recommended cleaning solutions for your specific machine and floor type. This prevents damage to surfaces and ensures optimal cleaning performance.
• Efficient Cleaning Patterns: Plan your cleaning route to cover the area methodically, reducing overlap and ensuring complete coverage. Start from the furthest point and work towards the exit to avoid walking on cleaned areas.
• Regular Checks: Periodically check the scrubber’s water and solution levels, and refill as necessary to maintain consistent cleaning quality throughout the task.
• Post-Cleaning Care: After each use, empty and rinse the recovery tank, clean the brushes or pads, and wipe down the machine. This prevents build-up and extends the life of your equipment.

Routine Maintenance

A bit of routine maintenance goes a long way in ensuring the longevity of your machine, helping you get the best ROI from this investment. 

As we just mentioned, check moving parts like brushes, squeegees, and wheels regularly to replace them before they completely fail. Being proactive will prevent costly downtime. 

Besides the daily emptying and rinsing of tanks, conduct a thorough cleaning of all machine parts regularly to prevent grime and residue accumulation, which can lead to inefficiencies or damage.

Your machine may need regular servicing as well, which could include filter changes, battery replacement, etc. Again, the specific protocols will vary from machine to machine, so do your due diligence. 

One thing that’s fairly universal with these machines, though, is the need for property battery care. Maintain proper charging practices and battery hygiene to ensure peak performance and longevity. Avoid letting the battery deplete entirely and clean the terminals as part of regular maintenance.

Remember, a walk-behind floor scrubber is an investment in your operation’s cleanliness and productivity - don’t overlook the role of routine maintenance to keep it working as intended! 

Wrapping Up Our Beginner’s Guide on Walk Behind Floor Scrubbers

So, what is a walk behind floor scrubber? As we bring this guide to a close, these machines optimize cleaning efficacy and efficiency, reducing labor costs and empowering you to maintain a hygienic working environment. 

With careful selection, routine maintenance, and proper operation, they offer long-lasting benefits and enhanced cleanliness. 

Ready to experience these benefits firsthand? Shop SweepScrub’s comprehensive range and rely on our expert advice for quality cleaning equipment. The perfect walk behind scrubber for your business is just a few clicks away!