Which scrubber is best for my business?

The best scrubber for your business depends on your floor area, floor type and specific needs. Walk-behind models are suitable for smaller areas up to 1,000 square feet, while sit-on scrubbers are ideal for larger areas. Consider working width, tank capacity, battery life and the right brush type for your specific floor to make the right choice.

Why is the right scrubber important for your business?

A professional floor cleaning machine provides more than just clean floors. It contributes to a safe work environment by preventing slippery, greasy surfaces that can lead to accidents.

The corporate image benefits directly from well-maintained floors. Customers and visitors form a first impression within seconds, with clean floors exuding professionalism and quality. In contrast, dirty or neglected floors send a negative message.

Choosing the wrong scrubber can have adverse consequences. Machines that are not suitable for your floor type or are too small for the surface will lead to inefficient work and increased labor costs. In addition, they can cause damage to valuable floor coverings.

The right machine ensures optimal maintenance, longer life of your floors and increased productivity of your cleaning staff.

What are the different types of scrubbers?

Walk-behind scrubbers are the most common choice for smaller to medium-sized surfaces. These machines walk you behind and they offer excellent control over the scrubbing process. They are suitable for areas up to about 1,000 square feet.

Sit-on scrubbers are designed for large areas such as warehouses, production areas and shopping malls. With working widths up to 154 cm, they can clean up to 17,560 square meters per hour, making them highly efficient for extensive floor areas.

Compact models are specially designed for tight spaces such as restrooms, kitchens and narrow hallways. These machines have a smaller working width but retain the cleaning power of larger models.

Sweep-scrub combinations combine sweeping and scrubbing in one pass. They first remove small dirt and debris, then wet clean the floor and immediately vacuum dry again. This makes them ideal for industrial environments where there is a lot of dirt.

How do you determine the right size scrubber for your space?

The floor space largely determines which machine you need. For areas under 500 square meters, a compact walk-behind machine with a working width of 35-45 cm is usually sufficient.

For areas between 500-2,000 square meters, choose a standard walk-behind model with 50-60 cm working width. For larger areas over 2,000 square meters, sit-on models with working widths of 65-154 cm are the most efficient choice.

Space layout also plays a role. Many obstacles such as pillars, machinery or furniture require a more maneuverable, smaller machine. Open spaces, on the other hand, benefit from wider machines that can work in straight lines.

Passage widths are often a limiting factor. Measure the narrowest passage the machine must pass through and choose a model that fits comfortably with room for maneuvering.

Daily cleaning frequency also influences your choice. For daily use, a slightly larger machine pays off by saving time, while for weekly use, a smaller machine may be sufficient.

Which floor types require which scrubber specifications?

Concrete floors are robust and can handle more aggressive cleaning. Use hard brushes and higher pressure to remove dried-in dirt and stains. Note that coated concrete floors should be handled more gently.

Tile floors require medium hard brushes or pads. Joints need extra attention, so choose machines that can also clean well in corners and along edges. Porous tiles may need more cleaning pressure.

Epoxy floors are slippery and can be damaged if handled too harshly. Use soft pads or brushes and moderate pressure. These floors are easy to keep clean, though, because of their non-porous surface.

Natural stone such as marble or granite requires specialized cleaning. Use only pH-neutral agents and soft brushes to prevent etching and scratching. Suction should be high enough to absorb all liquid immediately.

Industrial floors in production halls often have to deal with oil, grease and chemicals. Choose machines with powerful motors, high suction pressure and brushes that can withstand harsh cleaning agents.

What are the key technical specifications to look out for?

The working width determines how much area you can clean at a time. Wider machines work faster but are less maneuverable. Choose the width that fits your space and efficiency needs.

Water tank capacity affects how long you can work uninterrupted. Larger tanks mean less frequent refilling and emptying, but also a heavier machine. Match capacity to your cleaning area.

Battery life is critical to productivity. Lead-acid batteries are affordable but require maintenance. Gel batteries are maintenance-free, while lithium batteries can be flexibly recharged on an interim basis.

Suction power determines how well the machine absorbs dirty water. Insufficient suction leaves streaks and increases drying time. Always test the suction performance on your specific floor type.

Brush pressure should be adjustable for different floor types. Too little pressure does not clean effectively, while too much pressure can damage floors. Look for machines with easily adjustable pressure settings.

Maneuverability is especially important in tight spaces. Pay attention to turning radius, weight and steering. A machine that is difficult to handle reduces productivity and increases the risk of damage.

Which scrubber best suits your needs?

Start by defining your minimum requirements: floor area, floor type and frequency of use. These factors will determine the type of machine you need and form the basis for your selection.

Consider both new and used alternatives, depending on your specific situation and preferences. Both options have their advantages and can deliver excellent results.

Consider the total ownership aspects, not just the purchase. Consider maintenance needs, energy consumption, replacement parts and the life of the machine. A high-quality machine may be the best choice in the long run.

Lease or rental options offer flexibility, especially if you have seasonal or temporary cleaning needs. This can also help you test different models before making a final decision.

Seek professional advice when in doubt between different options. At Metech, we are happy to help you make the right choice through an on-site demonstration so you can test the machine in your specific situation before making a decision. View our complete range of professional scrubbers or contact us directly for personalized advice.