Training and Budgeting for Maximum Impact

 Training and Budgeting 

Guaranteeing frontline workers know exactly how to use machines correctly is imperative to getting the most value out of the purchase.  

“Training is the crux of the biscuit,” says Hulin. “Autoscrubbers are simple, but you must use the right pad and know how to safely fill the machine. Also, it’s important to drain the tank every time or you will stink up your supply closet.” 

Hulin also warns against running degreasing chemicals or stripping agents through the machine. If this happens, machines should be well-rinsed before the next use, as chemical residuals can contaminate the next floor that is cleaned. 

To make sure the frontline teams capitalize on productivity advantages of incorporating equipment, training should extend to swing machines, too.  

“There are techniques that one must learn before using a swing buffer,” says Wood. “The rotation of a buffer can either move the water to the wall or away from the wall, so letting workers know which direction to go when they get next to a wall is very important. For the best results, I would take cleaners out into the field and show them how to use the equipment and then let them practice.” 

 Building a Budget 

Incorporating equipment can offer a lot of benefits, but adding machines can be tough on the budget.  

“The prices for microscrubbers range from $2,500 to $4,500. That price point will hold some people back,” says Wood. “Upright scrubbers, which look like vacuum cleaners with a cleaning path between 12-14 inches, run between $1,150 and $4,500.”  

While that is a lot of money up front, the return on investment (ROI) on these machines is fast; particularly when considering how much more efficient and productive they are compared to mopping. 

“It’s about value versus worth,” says Hulin. “The worth is what you paid for the machine. The value is about how much you use it. The more you use a machine like this, the more value it has. Yes, it’s expensive, but so is a computer or a car. Technology like this makes cleaning easier and more effective.” 

Even with its high price tag, some BSCs find value in adding a small autoscrubber to an arsenal that already has a larger model. Wood has one customer that is tasked with cleaning a large resort/casino. To accommodate for both larger and small rooms, they utilize multiple walk-behind units; one bigger and one smaller. Ultimately, having multiple options depends on the building type and what work is required, and, of course, the level of clean the department is going after.  

“The industry itself is moving to higher levels of technology, and this impacts the smaller floorcare market,” explains Horton. “Vacuums are better prepared to filter while vacuuming, particularly in sensitive areas. Scrubbers use water more efficiently, and polishing is done more effectively in smaller areas. The entire building health profile is better cared for by using effective, efficient and sustainable equipment.” 

Sometimes, there’s value to be found when thinking big but going small.  

Amy Milshtein is a freelancer based in Portland, Oregon. She is a frequent contributor to Contracting Profits. 

 

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Building a Cleaning Arsenal for Jobs Big and Small