How exactly does a scrubber work?

Introduction: the technique behind professional floor cleaning

A scrubber works through an integrated system of water tanks, brushes and vacuum motors. Water and detergent are applied to the floor through nozzles, then rotating brushes loosen the dirt. A squeegee with suction function then picks up the dirty water, leaving the floor clean and dry. This automatic floor cleaning Enables professional results for large areas.

Scrubbers are the backbone of modern industrial cleaning. These machines combine multiple cleaning steps in one efficient motion, allowing you to clean large areas quickly and thoroughly.

Understanding scrubber operation helps you choose the right machine and use it optimally. Different floor types require specific brushes and settings, while the right maintenance technique significantly extends the life of your machine.

Professional floor cleaning goes beyond soap and water. The technical components must work together perfectly to effectively loosen and pick up dirt without leaving water or residue on the floor.

What are the main components of a scrubber?

A scrubber consists of five scrubber parts which together make the cleaning process possible: water tanks, brush system, vacuum motor, squeegee and control system.

The water tanks are divided into clean and dirty water tanks. The clean water tank contains water mixed with cleaning agent, while the dirty water tank collects the dirty water sucked up. This separation prevents dirty water from being reused for cleaning.

The brush system is the heart of the machine. Rotating brushes or pads loosen dirt by mechanical friction. The brush pressure is often adjustable, allowing you to adjust it to different floor types and dirt levels.

The vacuum motor creates the vacuum needed to suck up the dirty water. This motor works together with the squeegee - a rubber strip that directs the water to the suction opening and pulls the floor dry.

How does the scrubbing process work step by step?

The scrubbing process begins with the application of water and detergent via nozzles or a dispensing system. This liquid is distributed evenly across the floor, right in front of the brushes.

The rotating brushes then loosen the dirt by mechanical friction. Depending on the type of machine, the brushes rotate at speeds between 150 and 300 rpm. This motion, combined with the right brush pressure, ensures that even stubborn dirt is loosened.

Directly behind the brushes follows the squeegee with suction function. This rubber strip leads the dirty water to the suction opening, where it is sucked up by the vacuum motor and transported to the holding tank.

The entire process is done in one motion: spray, scrub and vacuum. This leaves the floor instantly dry and clean, without the need for manual re-drying.

Why are different brush types important for performance?

Different brush materials are necessary because each floor type and contamination type requires a specific approach. Soft brushes protect sensitive surfaces, while hard brushes are effective against stubborn dirt.

Nylon brushes are versatile and suitable for most floor types. They offer a good balance of cleaning power and floor protection. For delicate surfaces such as polished stone, soft microfiber pads are the best choice.

Polypropylene brushes are harder and ideal for rough surfaces such as concrete or textured tile. These brushes can penetrate deeper into pores and remove stubborn dirt effectively.

Disc brushes work differently than cylinder brushes. Disc brushes rotate horizontally and are suitable for smooth floors, while cylinder brushes rotate vertically and perform better on uneven surfaces.

How does the vacuum function ensure dry floors?

The vacuum system works by creating negative pressure that sucks the dirty water through the squeegee into the holding tank. The suction must be strong enough to absorb all the water, but not so strong that the squeegee clamps to the floor.

The squeegee consists of front and back strip. The front strip directs the water, while the back strip pulls the floor dry. The proper adjustment of these strips determines how well the floor dries.

The suction hose connects the squeegee to the holding tank. A clogged hose significantly reduces suction power, therefore regular checking and cleaning is necessary.

Modern machines have a float switch in the holding tank. This automatically shuts off the suction motor when the tank is full, preventing overflow.

Conclusion: optimal use through understanding of operation

By understanding how your scrubber works, you can get better results and extend the life of your machine. The right combination of brushes, detergent and settings makes the difference between superficial cleaning and thorough floor cleaning.

Regular maintenance of all components keeps your machine in top condition. Daily emptying of tanks, checking squeegee strips and timely replacement of brushes prevents breakdowns and reduced performance.

At Metech, we are happy to help you choose the right scrubber for your situation. Our advisors can demonstrate on-site how different machines perform on your floors, so you can make an informed choice that perfectly suits your cleaning needs. For more information please contact us.