Thorough floor cleanings are a normal part of business and industrial cleaning. It is something we include in our commercial cleaning services. But we also know that a lot of companies prefer to handle floors themselves. They have invested in a walk-behind floor scrubber, and they want to leave the task to the maintenance staff.
That being the case, we can still help by offering some of our most useful tips for operating a walk-behind floor scrubber. You will find them below. Should you ever need to outsource commercial cleaning services, keep All Pro Cleaning Systems in mind.
1. Clear and Sweep the Floor
This first tip seems obvious, but you would be surprised by how many people with little experience pull out their walk-behind floor scrubbers and get to it without any preparation. Not only does the machine not do as good a job as they expect, but their work is also constantly interrupted by having to move things. Clearing and sweeping the floor before you start solves both problems.
By clearing the floor of impediments before you start, you will find it easier to get into a rhythm. Finding your rhythm will improve your efficiency and help you get the job done more quickly. As for sweeping, getting as much loose dirt and debris off the floor before you start scrubbing reduces the amount of work the machine needs to do.
2. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
It is tempting to assume that any general-purpose cleaner will get the job done. That may be true if you are using a string mop and a bucket. When it comes to walk-behind scrubbers, though, machines can be very fussy with certain types of cleaners. Choose a cleaning solution recommended by the machine’s manufacturer. You don’t necessarily have to use the exact same brand every time, but strength and content should be similar.
3. Write Down Adjustments to the Settings
It usually takes a couple of jobs to get the settings exactly where you want them. And even at that, you might make adjustments from time to time. One of the easiest and most effective ways you can help yourself in this regard is to write any and all adjustments you make to the settings. If you adjust brush pressure, write down the change and the date you did it. Same thing if you adjust the water flow rate.
Writing things down can help you recognize patterns that will tell you which adjustments improve the machine’s performance as opposed to those that hurt it. It also gives you a reference point for returning to previous settings if you need to make adjustments for exceptional circumstances.
4. Empty the Waste Tank Frequently
It’s important to empty the waste tank as frequently as necessary to prevent it from completely filling. A full tank means you’re not cleaning anymore. You are just redistributing dirt. After a few times using your walk-behind floor scrubber, you’ll get a feel for when it’s time to empty the tank.
5. Clean After Every Use
Perhaps the second most important tip we can offer, after writing down adjustments, is to clean the machine after every use. Walk-behind floor scrubbers are a lot like string mops. If you don’t clean them after use, they will start to stink. As time goes on, a floor scrubber that isn’t cleaned won’t do such a good job scrubbing your floors.
If you are new to the whole walk-behind floor scrubber thing, relax and be patient. Getting used to the machine will take time. Once you master it, though, tackling your facility’s floors shouldn’t be a problem.
