So your machine works for a long time, cost-effectively and efficiently

Floor cleaning machines are indispensable tools for efficient cleaning in commercial and industrial environments.

However, as with any technical device, their performance and longevity depend heavily on proper operation and regular maintenance.

In this article, you will learn how to use and maintain your floor cleaning machine optimally.

Construction methods of floor cleaning machines

Floor cleaning machines can be divided into different types:

1. Scrubber-driers:
   • Suitable for cleaning hard floors
   • Working with rotating or cylindrical brushes and a suction device that collects the dirty water
   • Available as hand-guided or mobile versions
     
2. Sweepers:
   • Designed to remove loose dirt such as dust, sand or small debris
   • Equipped with sweeping rollers and a collection container
   • Hand-guided, available as walk-behind or ride-on version
     
3. Combined machines:
   • Combine sweeping and wet cleaning functions in one device
   • Particularly effective in areas with heavy soiling
     
4. Polishing machines:
   • Are used to polish hard floors and create a shine
   • Working with high speeds and special polishing pads
     
5. Steam cleaner:
   • Use hot steam for cleaning and disinfection
   • Ideal for sensitive or hard-to-reach areas

Functionality

Floor cleaning machines combine mechanical and chemical cleaning processes:

• Mechanical cleaning:
  • Rotating or oscillating brushes/pads remove dirt from the floor surface
• Dry cleaning:
  • Chemical cleaning agents are applied to the floor to loosen stubborn dirt
• thermal cleaning:
  • Hot steam is applied to the surfaces to loosen stubborn dirt and kill germs, bacteria or viruses
• Suction function:
  • Dirty water is picked up by a vacuum system and collected in a tank
• Drying:
  • Some machines offer additional drying methods such as heating or airflow

Dangers during use

Improper use of floor cleaning machines can lead to accidents or damage. For this reason, they may only be used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (always observe the safety instructions in the operating instructions).

The most common dangers include

1. Danger of slipping:
   • Insufficient suction or excessive use of water/cleaning agents can leave slippery surfaces
2. Electrical risks:
   • Damaged cables or improper handling of electrical appliances can lead to short circuits or electric shocks
3. Fire/explosion risks:
   • Batteries from larger machines (with lead-acid batteries) emit explosive gases during the charging process – therefore ensure good ventilation and sufficient distance from flammable materials when charging (if necessary, EX zone according to VEXAT (regulations for explosive atmospheres)).
4. Mechanical hazards:
   • Moving parts such as brushes or rollers pose a risk of injury
5. Tipping over:
   • Improper loading or use on uneven surfaces can cause the machine to tip over
6. Poor ergonomics:
   • Working for long periods without taking ergonomic principles into account can lead to muscle and joint complaints

Maintenance tasks

Regular maintenance is essential to extend the service life of the machines and maintain their performance.

The most important tasks include:

1. Daily inspection (see operating instructions):
   • Visual inspection for damage or leaks
   • Checking brushes, pads and rollers for wear and tear
   • Checking the suction device and tanks

2. Cleaning after use (see operating instructions):
   • Emptying and cleaning the tanks for fresh and waste water
   • Cleaning of existing filters (air or water) and strainers (waste water)
   • Removing dirt residue from brushes and rollers

3. Regular maintenance (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions – usually once a year):
   • Lubrication of moving parts
   • Replacing worn brushes, pads or rollers
   • Check and replace the batteries if necessary

4. Technical inspections (if self-propelled work equipment in accordance with the Work Equipment Ordinance (AM-VO) – inspection interval: 12 months):
   • Checking the
     • Electronics
     • Commissioning lock (key)
     • Optical and acoustic signaling and warning devices
     • Emergency stop device
     • Power supply
     • Lighting
     • Drive unit and brakes

5. Documentation:
   • Keeping a maintenance and inspection log to fulfill legal requirements and track the device service history

Resume

Floor cleaning machines are effective and practical tools for maintaining and cleaning large areas.

Safe operation and careful maintenance are crucial to maintaining the performance of the devices and minimizing risks.

By observing these aspects, high cleaning quality and reliability can be guaranteed and the economic service life of the machines can be considerably extended.

As you can see, correct maintenance and inspections are essential for the reliability and efficiency of buildings and systems. Our MyBuilding24 app helps you to keep track of all maintenance tasks easily and reliably so that you don’t overlook this important maintenance and reminds you in good time when it needs to be carried out.

If you want to keep your properties, systems, machines and devices in top condition and have your inspection and maintenance obligations under control, then use our My Building24 APP or follow this link and register today – https://mybuilding24.com/de/ – to keep your building running efficiently and reliably for a long time to come.