In today’s cleaning industry, efficiency, sustainability and consistent quality are no longer optional — they are essential. Advanced cleaning machines, from ride-on scrubber dryers to smart dosing systems, are transforming how organisations manage hygiene across sectors. By reducing labour time, saving resources and ensuring uniform cleaning standards, modern equipment not only improves performance but also delivers measurable cost savings and long-term profitability, says Sahil Jain, Managing Director, columbus Cleaning Machines Pvt. Ltd.
Advanced cleaning technology is not just about speed — it ensures consistent quality, reduces resource consumption and pays back its investment in under two years.
— Sahil Jain
How does investing in advanced cleaning equipment reduce overall cleaning time and labour costs?
The implementation of ride-on scrubber dryers provides a reduction of over 50 per cent of working time compared to standard walk-behind scrubber dryers. The faster working speed enables time saving and labour cost savings. The extra costs for the purchase of a ride-on scrubber dryer will be balanced within two years, with return on investment achievable in 18 to 20 months. Using ride-on scrubbers instead of walk-behind scrubbers leads to higher cost effectiveness.
Comparison between Walk-Behind and Ride-On Scrubber Dryers:
• Working Width: 55 cm (walk-behind) vs 66 cm (ride-on)
• Cleaning Speed: 2.5 km/h vs 4–6 km/h
• Practical Coverage Area: 1500 m²/h vs 2770 m²/h
• Increased Efficiency (Surface): +1270 m² with ride-on
• Time Saving per Hour: 32 minutes (54%)
• Time Saving per Year: 640 hours
On a medium-sized area of 30,000 sqm:
• Walk-behind machines (5 units + 5 operators): ₹1,65,000 per month
• Ride-on machines (3 units + 3 operators): ₹1,35,000 per month — an 18 per cent saving
Higher the area, higher the savings.
How does modern cleaning technology improve cleaning quality and consistency?
Modern cleaning technology provides a level of quality and consistency that is difficult to achieve with manual labour. Automated machines are programmed to follow precise patterns and apply the correct amount of pressure, detergent and water, ensuring a uniform clean across all surfaces. This eliminates the risk of human error, such as skipping a spot or applying too much or too little cleaning solution.
columbus machines come with HACCP compliant tanks and advanced features like microfibre technology and specialised brushes and squeegees that capture microscopic dirt particles and allergens, leading to a deeper and more hygienic clean. This is particularly important in sensitive environments like hospitals and food processing facilities, where a high standard of cleanliness is non-negotiable.
“We want to push forward, not just lead the way. We therefore focus our attention on the essentials: What are the innovations that solve real problems? How do we implement them without making the machines more frail? And last but not least, the supreme discipline of engineering: How can we simplify existing solutions to such an extent that our machines become even more robust and sustainable?”
How does automated or smart cleaning equipment impact energy, water and chemical usage costs?
Sustainability is a key feature of all modern cleaning equipment. Less material consumption thanks to purist engineering, targeted use of recyclable materials, intelligent metering systems, energy-efficient, smooth-running gearboxes with minimum three-years warranty – these are just some of the parameters through which we are continually optimising the sustainability of our products. The most important, however, is and remains the durability of our machines. Because only what lasts a long time can really be green.
Water-saving features, such as smart-dosing systems, Quick-Stop, splash guard and the special columbus-patented Water-Stop brushes can reduce water consumption by a significant margin. Similarly, chemical-dosing systems ensure that the precise amount of cleaning solution is used for each task, preventing wastage and reducing the overall cost of chemicals. This not only benefits the environment and surface but also leads to substantial long-term savings.
Energy-efficient motors, low-noise operation and timed cleaning cycles reduce power consumption. These optimisations directly contribute to lower utility bills and chemical procurement costs — further enhancing the bottom line while supporting environmental goals.
What role does equipment durability and low maintenance play in long-term profitability?
The initial investment in advanced cleaning equipment might seem high, but its durability and low maintenance requirements make it a profitable long-term asset. High-quality machines are built with robust materials that can withstand rigorous daily use, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements. This minimises downtime and ensures that cleaning operations run smoothly without interruption. Moreover, all our machines are designed for easy maintenance, with modular parts that are simple to replace. This reduces maintenance costs and the need for specialised technicians. The combination of durability and low maintenance ensures a longer lifespan for the equipment, providing a greater return on investment and contributing significantly to the company’s long-term profitability.