Shiny floors may be a priority to a retail establishment that is trying to attract customers. However, to a hospital that is trying to create a healthy environment, commonly touched surfaces, desktops, and restrooms should take priority over shiny floors. And during an outbreak, the requirements should increase further. Or, an office building inhabited by healthy office workers may not require the level or frequency of cleaning that a nursing home occupied by an immune-compromised elderly population does. There are a number of factors that go into determining the “optimum extent” of cleaning requirement which vary from facility to facility, from space to space and even from season to season.
Choosing the right size of equipment is critical to being satisfied with your purchase decision. While there are many variables that determine the right answer, there are a few critical factors to consider:
Space: The first factor to help determine the appropriate machine, is an understanding of the physical realities of the space you are cleaning. This includes evaluating the total square footage that needs to be cleaned, as well as being aware of unique attributes of the area such as layout. Is the space open, unrestricted and collocated, or is it closed, restricted and disbursed?
Schedule: Next, you need to consider the operational realities of cleaning your space. These include factors such as the frequency of cleaning, the amount of time available to clean, timing of shift changes, and etc. Each of these, in addition to the design of your space, can impact your ideal solution. Understanding the necessary coverage required and your desired cleaning schedule will help you fine tune your machine size requirements.
Storage: The last consideration is logistical realities. Even if you have done your due diligence for space and scheduling requirements, missing the storage component can derail your earlier wisdom. Be sure you determine a location to house your equipment that offers convenience for draining, filling and storage when not in use.
Maintenance of machines
Following are the scrubber drier care tips to help preserve the equipment:
• Clean the machine using a mild cleaning agent. Your equipment is a reflection of your professionalism and should always look its best.
• Inspect the squeegee blades. Excessive use and rough winter conditions can damage the squeegee or cause it to need adjustment.
• Examine the pad holder, pad drivers, and connections. Clean, rinse, and allow them to air dry. Although the holders and drivers are designed for years of use, wear and tear can take a toll on them.
• Make sure cylindrical brush pads are clean and properly shaped. If they have been stored with the brushes down, there is a possibility the brushes will have flat areas that can hamper proper floor cleaning.
• Empty the tanks and clean the filters and screens. Since this does not always happen after each use as is recommended, be sure to include this activity in the scrubber cleanup.
• Check the batteries. Use a battery hydrometer to check lead acid batteries, and check sealed batteries using a load test. In both cases, it might be advisable to have a professionally trained technician test the batteries.
• Store the machine properly. Leave the recovery tank lid cover open when the machine is not in use. This allows the tank to dry out, preventing the growth of bacteria and malodour.
To efficiently maintain a facility, choosing the right size of cleaning equipment is a necessity.
Baladhandayutham
Head – Product training
Roots Multiclean Ltd
