Some Cleaning Chemicals And Floor Equipment Don't Mix

In a prior article I related the story of the well intentioned worker who mixed increasing amounts in his autoscrubber in an attempt to clean a floor with finish on it. As a side note, it should be said that he may have ruined an expensive piece of equipment since the insides of the autoscrubber was contaminated with a stripper product that could continue to damage floors until it is completely removed from the unit.

Most workers would agree that one would never use a stripper mop to clean a floor no matter how many times it was rinsed out. There would always be the risk of residual stripper damaging any floor finish. This is the same concept as mixing stripper in an autoscrubber machine to strip a floor and then using it for daily maintenance on other floors. There is a very high risk of the other floors being damaged resulting in more work, not less.

If an autoscrubber has been contaminated (accidently or on purpose), the solution tank should be thoroughly rinsed out and then filled with a neutralizing product (a mild acid type neutralizer) and then flushed and rinsed repeatedly until the tank has been thoroughly purged of any contaminant. This should also apply to hoses, brushes, pads and anything else that could possibly be contaminated. Any contaminated solution can have an immediate impact on the shine and durability of the floor finish. 

Remember that although floor finish appears to be hard, it actually is a very thin layer of protection that is sensitive to high or low pH products. Use only neutral type detergents for regular maintenance to minimize damage. 

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.