How do I use a scrubber?

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You use a scrubber by prepping the machine with water and detergent, selecting the right brush, moving systematically across the floor with overlapping lanes, and emptying the tanks and cleaning parts after use. Professional floor cleaning with a scrubber ensures hygienic and safe working environments by effectively removing dirt, grease and bacteria.

What is a scrubber and why is its use important?

A scrubber is a professional cleaning machine that combines water, detergent and rotary brushes to thoroughly clean floors. The machine sprays cleaning solution onto the floor, scrubs with brushes or pads and immediately vacuums back the dirty water.

There are different types of scrubbers for different applications:

  • Walk-behind scrubbers - Compact machines that you operate on foot, ideal for smaller spaces
  • Ride-on scrubbers - Larger machines that you can sit on, suitable for large areas
  • Battery scrubbers - Offer maximum freedom of movement without a cord
  • Electric scrubbers - Constant power supply for continuous operations

Professional floor cleaning with an industrial scrubber is important because manual mopping does not provide sufficient depth cleaning. Scrubbers remove stubborn dirt, grease and bacteria more effectively and provide a safe, slip-free work environment.

How do you prepare a scrubber for use?

Good preparation determines the success of your scrubbing. Always start with a thorough check of all components before you start floor scrubbing.

Follow these preparation steps:

  1. Check the water tanks - Fill the clean water tank with warm water and add the appropriate detergent according to the dosing instructions
  2. Inspect the battery - Check the charge level and make sure the battery is fully charged for optimal performance
  3. Select brush or pad - Choose the right brush for your floor type: soft brushes for sensitive surfaces, hard brushes for tough floors
  4. Perform security checks - Test emergency stop, check wheels and make sure all parts are secure
  5. Clean up the floor - Remove loose objects and wipe away coarse dirt

Also check that the holding tank is empty and all hoses are properly connected. Proper preparation prevents malfunctions while working.

What steps do you follow when actually scrubbing the floor?

The actual scrubbing process requires a systematic approach for optimal results. Always start at the farthest corner of the room and work toward the exit to avoid walking across wet floors.

Follow this scrubber manual steps:

  1. Set the correct speed - Start slowly for heavily soiled areas, increase speed for lighter cleaning
  2. Use the right movement pattern - Move in straight, overlapping strips of about 5-10 cm overlap
  3. Maintain constant pressure - Let the machine do the work, don't force down too hard
  4. Navigate around obstacles - Switch to manual mode at tables, pillars and other obstacles
  5. Monitor the tanks - Keep an eye on the water tanks and replace in a timely manner
Floor Type Recommended speed Brush type
Tile floor Medium Standard brush
Concrete Slow Hard brush
Vinyl Medium-fast Soft brush

Make sure the floor is dry immediately after scrubbing. If water streaks remain, check the squeegee and replace the rubbers if necessary.

How do you maintain a scrubber after use?

Good scrubber maintenance after each use session significantly extends the life of your machine and prevents repairs. Never ignore the maintenance steps after scrubbing.

Perform these maintenance steps after each use:

  • Empty all tanks thoroughly - Rinse both the clean and dirty water tank with clean water
  • Clean brushes and pads - Remove hairs, threads and dirt from brushes
  • Check the squeegee - Clean the squeegee and replace damaged rubbers
  • Charge the battery - Connect the machine to the charger, do not interrupt the charging process with gel batteries
  • Store dry - Provide a dry storage area to prevent moisture damage

For battery maintenance, lead-acid batteries require monthly maintenance with demineralized water, gel batteries are maintenance-free but require full charging, and lithium batteries offer the most flexibility with intermediate charging.

What common mistakes should you avoid when using a scrubber?

Many users make the same mistakes that reduce effectiveness and can damage the machine. Using scrubber requires attention to detail and avoiding these common mistakes.

Avoid these typical mistakes:

  • Wrong detergent dosage - Too much soap causes foaming, too little for poor cleaning results
  • Movement too fast - Haste reduces cleaning time and effectiveness
  • Insufficient floor preparation - Coarse dirt can damage brushes
  • Ignoring maintenance - Dirty tanks and brushes spread bacteria
  • Wrong brush choice - Hard brushes on soft floors cause damage
  • Battery fully discharged - Significantly shortens the life of lead-acid batteries

Also be careful not to force the machine over thresholds or against walls. This can cause damage to both the machine and the building.

Key tips for optimal scrubber use

Successful scrubber use combines proper technique, regular maintenance and choosing the right machine for your specific situation. These key points determine whether your investment will pay off in clean floors and satisfaction.

The key success factors are:

  • Choose the right machine - Walk-behind for small spaces, ride-on for large areas
  • Invest in quality - Reliable brands such as Tennant, Nilfisk and Hako offer better performance
  • Schedule regular maintenance - Weekly, monthly and annual checks prevent failures
  • Train your staff - Good instructions prevent misuse and damage

Get professional help when in doubt about the right machine choice or technical problems. We offer on-site demonstrations, maintenance contracts and technical support. Our experienced team will help you find the perfect scrubber to find your specific cleaning needs, complete with training and aftercare for optimal results. For more information about our services, please feel free to contact us.

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