10 Floor Scrubber Maintenance Tips for Longer Lasting Machines

Contributed by Janitorial Manager

Floor scrubbers cost thousands of dollars and are an essential cleaning tool that many cleaning operations depend on each day. But if these machines are not properly maintained, cleaning teams could be in for some trouble. Downtime, headaches, costly repair, or even outright replacement are all things that teams could be faced with. But if equipment is well-maintained, it will last longer, work better, and produce the quality results that are expected. 

Here are 10 do-it-yourself maintenance tips to help keep floor scrubbers at peak performance and last longer: 

1. Read the owner’s manual. There will be specific floor scrubber maintenance and operation guidelines in the manual for each machine. Different brands and styles will require different approaches, so one of the best things cleaning teams can do is read the manual and find out what the recommendations are for the machine.  

2. Check the battery. Again, check the owner’s manual for the specifics, but also look for signs of battery corrosion or leakage. 

3. Check pads, brushes and squeegee. Worn-out or dirty brushes and pads aren’t going to work the way they should. The same goes for squeegees. Clean these after each use and replace them as needed.  

4. Clean and check tanks, hoses and filters. After each use, empty and clean the solution and recovery tanks, and make sure the filters and hoses are clean and clear. At the same time, check hoses and seals for any cracks or signs of wear.  

5. Clean the floor scrubber. While it may not hurt the floor scrubber to have a few scuffs here and there, it’s part of an operation’s overall presentation. Give it a good wipe down to remove any dirt, grime or other marks.  

6. Recharge the battery. Because different batteries have differing requirements, users may or may not need to recharge the battery after each use.  

In addition to these daily tasks, there are some monthly floor scrubber maintenance items to consider:  

7. Lubricate hinges and wheels. Use an approved lubricant on any wheel housings, as well as any chains and pivot points.  

8. Clean and deodorize tanks and supply lines. Follow the owner’s manual for the specific instructions, but don’t skip this. Dirty tanks can give off unpleasant odors. 

Users can also extend the floor scrubber’s life by following these preparation and usage tips:

9. Clean the floor. Before using a floor scrubber, give the floor a quick sweep or dry mop to pull up any larger debris and dirt. Watch for any sharp edges or loose tiles that could damage the equipment. 

10. Be easy on the machine. A floor scrubber will do plenty of hard work, but one way to make it last longer is to go easy on it. Try not to jostle it around more than necessary. 

The bottom line: Keep cleaning tools and equipment clean and they will work better, last longer, and prevent unexpected costs.