by
Lawton Brothers
| Feb 14, 2023
An automatic floor scrubber is a huge investment, so prolonging the lifespan of your machine is always the best course of action for a return on that investment. Routine maintenance is essential for a well-functioning machine that can truly clean your floors. It reduces the likelihood of downtime for repairs and subsequently the costs associated with those repairs.
First and foremost, it’s important to thoroughly read your equipment manual. Every machine works just a little bit differently and it’s vital to know the ins and outs of your specific scrubber. The manual will include specific instructions for maintenance and operation that will help you in the long run.
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
Before using your machine, check the batteries and ensure that they are free of corrosion, there are no loose connections, and that they are charged. Inspect the drain and hose – there should be no debris or cracks in the drain hose or vacuum hose. Leftover debris can be removed by flushing the hose with clean water via the port inside the tank. If there are any cracks or leaks, the hose will need to be replaced. Finally, check your debris tray. Most automatic scrubbers will have a built-in tray to capture smaller items like wrappers, food particles, or random debris that was missed during sweeping. Although the tray should be emptied at the end of every cleaning procedure, it’s best to double-check at the start of every cleaning as leftover debris can cause foul smells and mold.
Post-Cleaning Procedure
Following your cleaning procedure, there are a few steps to take to make sure your machine is ready for its next use. First, you will need to drain your solution and recovery tanks. There are two separate compartments on your auto floor scrubber – one for fresh cleaning solution to be dispensed from and one for collecting dirty solution from the floor. Both of these tanks must be emptied after each use as chemicals or debris that are left in the tanks can lead to grime or sludge buildup that will diminish water flow. Even a clean solution will cause this, and any chemicals left in the solution tank for too long will be rendered ineffective for cleaning. After draining these tanks, rinse them thoroughly and wipe down the dirty water tank to ensure there is no dirt or grime buildup that can cause odors. Store your clean tanks with the lids open to allow air to circulate and reduce the likelihood of mold, mildew, and odors.
Next, you’ll want to clean the squeegee assembly. The squeegee is what helps the auto scrubber remove liquid from the floors during cleaning. The squeegee will naturally accrue dirt and grime over time, leaving behind streaks or spots on the floor, much like old or dirty windshield wipers. Remove the rubber squeegee, washing and wiping it dry before reinstalling it. Leave the squeegee in a raised position to avoid causing the blade to become uneven or damaged.
Moving forward, turn your focus to the floor pad or brush. Since these pieces are used to scrub the floor free of dirt and grime, they will need to be removed and cleaned after every use. Dirt or debris can become lodged in the pad or brush bristles and prevent the scrubber from providing a full clean. Thoroughly washing the pad/brush will reduce the chance of bacteria growth, odor, and cross-contamination. If the pad is torn or the brush has excessive wear, it is best to replace them as soon as possible. In most cases, you should not reinstall the floor pad or brush if it will be touching the ground.
Finally, charge the batteries for your unit. This should be done only at the end of your whole cleaning procedure or if the batteries have less than the recommended charge (usually 20%). Many auto floor scrubbers will have on-board chargers that will allow you to charge the machine at any 120-volt outlet. Be sure not to overcharge the batteries or undercharge them (using the batteries on less than 20% charge will shorten the lifespan of your battery).
Tips from the Pros
At Lawton Brothers, we have a team of trained and certified staff with over 76 years of experience in Central Florida. Let Lawton Brothers help you with a cleaning audit. Call us for a free consultation today! We can walk you through any questions you have about the best practices for your facility or our wide selection of products, equipment, and services. Give us a call today at: 800.432.0813 and see how Lawton Brothers can help you.