When choosing between the many industrial sweepers and scrubbers on the market, it's important to understand the capabilities of each device. Read further to learn more about each type of industrial cleaning machine and how to choose the best one for your warehouse.
Walk-behind washing machine
Also known as "walk-in" scrubbers, these machines are designed to replace the typical mop and bucket method. Push scrubbers can actually increase productivity by reducing worker fatigue. Cleaning crews don't have to bend over to mop, they can stay upright and are able to cover more area than manual cleaning would allow. Generally speaking, walk-behind floor scrubbers cost less than ride-on floor scrubbers.
Ride-on models offer the same benefits as push-on floor scrubbers, but they excel in one thing: efficiency. Professionally speaking, using a driving machine can speed up cleaning by up to 60% because it reduces the amount of pushing the operator has to do. While this machine is undoubtedly efficient, it does cost more than a push scrubber. However, research shows that the initial upfront cost of a ride-on scrubber can be reduced in as little as three months.
non-contact cleaning machine
Contactless machines are meant to be used without operator assistance. They use cold water to scrub and dry the space for cleaning, which speeds up the drying time. Faster drying times also help prevent the spread of bacteria, which means you get more hygienic results.
Sweeper
The sweeper doubles as a carpet extractor, removing dirt from short carpet surfaces to clean the area. Since sweepers can be used on carpets and hard floors, investing in one can be cost-effective and extremely beneficial to warehouse employee productivity.
floor buffer
These machines technically belong to the family of floor scrubbers. However, they are specifically aimed at floors made of linoleum (a flooring material that is usually, but not always, compatible with other modern floor scrubbers). This piece of equipment will polish your floors until they shine like new.
How to determine what's right for your warehouse
Since the price of industrial cleaning equipment is really high, it is considered a major investment and should not be taken lightly. When choosing the best machine for your warehouse, it's important to keep the following in mind:
ground type
When choosing the automatic floor scrubber that makes the most sense for your business, you must consider the type of material your floor is made of. There are many different types of brushes that can be used with your scrubber. For example, a scrubber with a disc-shaped brush should be used in places such as parking lots, where stubborn floor stains (oil, tire marks, etc.) are common.
If your floor is concrete, be sure to choose a stiff-bristled brush so it can scrub the floor surface effectively. Also, it's wise to steer clear of metal brushes, as they can leave fibers on the concrete that eventually rust.
If you find that your floor surface is uneven, choose a scrubber with a cylindrical brush. This eliminates the need to sweep before scrubbing, and can even completely eliminate the need to buy an extra machine dedicated to sweeping, ultimately saving you money.
Area size
Just as you must consider the material of your warehouse floor, you must also consider the amount of space that must be cleaned. When deciding which machine to buy, it's important to keep the size of the machine consistent with the surface area of the floor. For example, if you have narrow sidewalks and don't have a lot of room to spare, a bulky machine might not be a good choice for your business.
In addition, the level of cleaning power provided by your equipment should also be suitable for floor space needs. For example, using a cleaning machine intended for domestic use (as opposed to industrial use) may result in a reduction in the useful life of the device due to overuse. This can negatively impact your budget when it comes to repairing and replacing machines.
When shopping for industrial sweepers and scrubbers, it's important to understand that compatibility trumps price. While an important consideration, lower up-front costs don't always translate into long-term savings. Make sure you are considering all available options and choose the best option based on the floor type and surface area of your warehouse.