In terms of cleanliness, what has been the norm for international MNCs for years, is now being adapted even by MSMEs besides corporates in India. There is a growing understanding of the need to maintain clean shopfloors. Sahil Jain, Managing Director, columbus Cleaning Machines Pvt. Ltd, elaborates on how the impact of maintaining clean spaces could help in the elimination of visual and distractive clutter; enable efficient access to materials; create positive mental impact for a sense of calm and productive mood and maintain a professional attitude
Selecting the right cleaning machine depends on factors like floor type, debris type, area size, and budget. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in industrial cleaning.” – Sahil Jain
Cleaning machines used in shopfloors
In industrial shopfloors, the type of floor cleaning machine needed depends on factors like the floor material, the type of dirt or debris present, and the size of the space. Here’s a breakdown of cleaning machines commonly used in industrial settings and the tasks they are best suited for:
1. Floor Sweepers: Sweepers are used to collect and remove dry debris such as dust, dirt, metal shavings, and small trash. They are ideal for quickly covering large, open spaces or concrete and asphalt floors.
2. Scrubber Dryers (Walk-Behind or Ride-On): Scrubbers use water, detergent, and rotating brushes to deep-clean floors, breaking down dirt and grime. They are excellent for sticky messes, oils, grease, and other substances that require deeper cleaning. Essential in factories or production areas where floors are exposed to oils, grease, food production residue, or manufacturing byproducts. Ideal for concrete, tile, or sealed floors.
3. Industrial Vacuum Cleaners: Designed to capture fine dust and debris that sweeping or scrubbing machines might miss, especially in areas with limited access for scrubbers. Some models handle both dry and wet debris, making them versatile. Perfect for environments with fine powders (like wood dust, metal dust, or chemical powders) or in areas that require a high level of cleanliness, such as clean rooms, electronics factories, or hazardous material zones. HEPA-filtered vacuums are particularly effective in industries where air quality is crucial.
4. Pressure Washers: High-pressure water jets blast away dirt, grease, and other tough contaminants. They’re ideal for cleaning stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas. However, they are not suitable for areas with a high risk of water damage, such as certain machinery, electrical systems, or environments with hazardous substances. They can also damage sensitive flooring, such as epoxy-coated floors commonly found in pharmaceutical companies or wooden flooring.
Best machines for specific needs
Selecting the right cleaning machine depends on factors like floor type, debris type, area size, and budget. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in industrial cleaning. Solutions are tailored to match specific client requirements.
A range of accessories, including batteries, brushes, and squeegees, are available for scrubbers, along with specialized kits for industrial vacuums—such as HEPA filters, H-class filters, pre-filters, and anti-static kits—ensuring compatibility with diverse cleaning needs.
Operational cost efficiency is prioritized through high-capacity ride-on machines equipped with 100L tanks and 390Ah battery options, providing up to 8 hours of runtime on a single charge. This setup helps reduce both capital expenditure and labor costs.
Improved efficiency and reduced costs
A recent project in a railway wagon manufacturing facility led to a 30% reduction in cleaning costs. By optimizing machine selection, the facility transitioned from three machines with three operators to two high-efficiency ARA100 ride-ons, maintaining cleanliness and safety while lowering operational expenses.
In the metals industry, specialized equipment is available to collect liquids such as oil and coolant along with metal chips, efficiently separating them for reuse or resale—minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery.
In a non-woven fabric board manufacturing unit, airborne fabric fluffs from cutting and processing posed both a health risk and cleanliness challenge. A customized industrial vacuum system was integrated into the production line, effectively capturing lint at the source and improving workplace safety and hygiene.
An advanced airflow management system in the latest sweepers enhances dust control by integrating vacuum motors in the side brushes to capture airborne particles during sweeping. The ride-on models feature a self-leveling main brush to adjust for uneven factory or paver block flooring. Machines use an overthrow principle for maximizing hopper capacity, improving productivity, and reducing downtime.
Machines are designed with the lowest noise levels while providing the highest coverage area, brush, and suction pressures to ensure superior cleaning performance. A robust build with a steel chassis and high-quality components extends machine lifespan, reducing breakdowns and maintenance costs. This not only lowers overall ownership costs but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing plastic waste.
Maintenance, Operations, Effectiveness
A streamlined design focuses on essential components, eliminating unnecessary complexity for improved functionality and maintenance. Scrubber dryers feature just two operation buttons — one for water/brush and another for suction. Large ride-on machines have swivel recovery tanks for quick access to vital components and batteries. Simple electrical wiring and basic mechanical operations enhance ease of maintenance.
Each machine is supplied with easy-to-understand operation and maintenance manuals, along with self-help troubleshooting videos. A language-free, symbol-oriented maintenance card is included for daily and weekly upkeep, complemented by stickers on machine parts for easy reference. A yellow circle indicates daily cleaning, while a yellow square marks weekly maintenance tasks.
A highly capable team of technicians is always available for support, ensuring machines operate at peak efficiency with minimal downtime.
