Advantages of Compact Floor Care Equipment

Just as no two facilities are exactly alike, so it goes when it comes to the makeup of frontline teams. A manager must maintain adequate staffing, and provide the tools and resources that are needed by workers of different ages, strengths, and weaknesses. As such, the commercial cleaning industry is constantly evolving and adapting, with new technologies and equipment emerging to address the unique challenges faced by facility cleaning managers.  

One area that has seen significant advancements is the development of smaller, more maneuverable cleaning machines. These compact tools offer numerous benefits, particularly for frontline workers, navigating facility layouts, and overall operational efficiency. 

These are the benefits Steve Eichman, facilities manager for the West Milwaukee/West Allis School District, Wisconsin, is hoping to see. He kicked off a new school year with a seasoned team and some new tools to help cleaners work smarter, if not harder. As his staff ages, it’s crucial to consider the wear-and-tear that heavy machine operation can impart on the body. For older staff, lugging bulky equipment all over may increase fatigue and increase the chance of accidents and injuries. Thus, they’ve elected to acquire a new, smaller floor scrubber to help with a unique challenge that has presented itself.  

“We went smaller for a couple of reasons,” says Eichman. “We had an existing building that was renovated to house the district offices. Downstairs, there’s a long hallway and some sections that aren’t very wide.” 

 The more narrow profile of the new equipment, and lighter build allows for faster cleaning, and helps with other challenging spots in the facility.  

It doesn’t just help staff tackle that hallway, though. Because the machines are relatively portable, it makes them useful on multiple levels. 

“We keep another one upstairs to help with the four unisex restrooms and break room that aren’t carpeted,” Eichman explains. “To move a little scrubber in and out is easier, and it is much cleaner than grabbing a bucket and mop.”  

Smaller cleaning machines are often more portable than their larger counterparts. This means that they can be easily moved between different areas of the facility, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Additionally, compact machines can be stored in smaller spaces, saving valuable storage space. 

Mind and Body 

Traditionally, commercial cleaning has and will remain a physically demanding job, often involving heavy equipment and repetitive tasks — there’s not much working around that fact. 

Particularly for aging employees or those with physical limitations, these smaller machines can make a huge and impactful difference. Logically, they are often lighter and easier to maneuver, allowing workers to perform their tasks without excessive exertion. This can benefit the frontline worker in unexpected ways; not only improving employee satisfaction by making tasks, transportation and maintenance a little bit easier, but it also helps reduce the chance for workplace injuries, especially those caused primarily by the wear-and-tear of lugging heavy equipment up and down stairs, into and out of elevators, and maneuvering through tight corridors and corners. 

Eichman found, a bit unexpectedly, that older employees — as well as frontline workers with less brute strength — actually appreciate the consideration of being asked to operate smaller-sized machines, and often can complete tasks faster and more effectively due to the reduced physical strain. Sometimes, the smaller tools are even mandated. The sense of empowerment that comes through working around obstacles is satisfying for many. 

“Some of our staff may have restrictions. Something like, they may not be allowed to lift more than 10 lbs. If you’ve got a mop bucket full of water, that’s even too heavy. These machines allow them to still work without violating restrictions,” he says.  

Increased Adaptability 

Long-running corridors, sharp turns, heavy doors dividing sections of buildings, and other unique obstacles combine to make each cleaning program a unique puzzle to solve. Like most older buildings, there are often architectural quirks and features that throw a wrench into even the simplest-seeming configuration. Compact floor scrubbers can easily navigate tight corners, under furniture, and through narrow doorways. This versatility ensures that no area of the facility is neglected, leading to a cleaner and more hygienic environment. 

Even though there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, smaller machines do provide some versatility — meaning frontline workers have options when it comes to tackling critical tasks. 

“It may not be the best tool for 300-foot hallways, but it’s great in a space that’s 32 inches wide. If you take a traditional machine and try to get through there, it’s not going to work very well,” says Eichman. “With this smaller machine, you take a couple more passes, but it’s self-propelled.”  

He adds that the worker just gets it going, walks behind it, and doesn’t endure the strain of maneuvering a machine back-and-forth just to get a little extra coverage. He insists that it’s much easier on the body. Smaller machines are easier to maneuver because they often have a lower weight, which also means they exert less pressure on floors and surfaces. This can help to reduce wear and tear, extending the life of both the equipment and the flooring itself. In the long run, this can lead to significant cost savings. 

Smaller cleaning machines are also often quieter than larger models, reducing noise pollution and creating a more pleasant working environment. Additionally, many compact machines are designed to be more energy-efficient, consuming less power and reducing the facility's environmental footprint. The extra maneuverability, efficiency, and reduced noise levels combine to allow frontline staff to work more effectively and efficiently, a critical benefit in day cleaning environments.  

Compact machines can play a key role when it comes to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more productive workplace. Eichman is excited to start school with smaller equipment that doesn’t sacrifice power and emphasizes quality. It is a key step in the direction of a happier future. 

Jackson Silvanik is the managing editor of Facility Cleaning Decisions, Contracting Profits and Sanitary Maintenance magazines, as well as CleanLink.com.