A floor scrubber is a powerful cleaning machine; it plays an important role in cleaning floors in commercial and industrial environments. However, like many machines, floor scrubbers can also malfunction. In severe cases, they may even stop working, which can disrupt your cleaning schedules and increase maintenance costs.
Do not worry! In this blog, we will help you identify the causes, along with proven fixes, to get your machine working efficiently again.
What is a floor scrubber?
A floor scrubber is specialized cleaning equipment designed to scrub, wash, and dry floor surfaces effectively. Unlike traditional mops, floor cleaners simultaneously clean and absorb water, leaving floors dry immediately after cleaning. Here are the two main types of floor scrubbers:
Walk-behind scrubbers: Hand-operated by one person walking behind the equipment, ideal for cleaning small or medium-sized rooms.
Ride-on scrubbers: It is a larger floor cleaning machine that the operators can sit on to clean the floor. Suitable for expansive commercial or industrial tile floors.
7 Reasons Floor Scrubbers Fail and Solutions
Battery or Power Problems
If you want a floor scrubber to operate, it needs power to keep it going. Therefore, if your floor cleaning machine goes wrong, it may the power goes wrong.
Low or dead battery charge, old or worn-out batteries, using the wrong battery type, and improper charging habits will influence battery performance, then will make a difference to the floor scrubber.
Solution:
Therefore, in order to maximize run time and performance, you need to charge the battery fully before starting the floor cleaning machine. In addition, replace them with the correct type and voltage for your floor scrubber. Knowing your equipment and using the correct battery and charger.
LVTONF offers a V6 Ride-On Floor Scrubber, which is equipped with two 100AH batteries and a 60L capacity water tank, which can clean continuously for 3-4 hours
Clogged Squeegee or Worn-out Squeegee Blade
Have you noticed that things tend to wear out after prolonged use? The rubber strip on the squeegee is an easily wear part, so if you use it for a long time, it will be worn out.
Factors such as floor roughness and frequency of use can cause the edges of the squeegee blades to wear or deform, making it impossible to form an effective seal with the floor.
In addition, if you take a close look at the clogged pipes in your home, you’ll find that most are blocked by hair. Similarly, long-term inhalation of hair will form an accumulation in the suction pipe, affecting the suction power.
Other factors like paper scraps, dirt, and other debris will influence the suction pipe.
Solution:
Regular cleaning: From my experience, I advise you to remove the squeegee after each use to clean the dirt and entanglement on the rubber strip.
Inspection and replacement: Cultivating a good habit, like regular inspection, will help you understand your machine. If you discover obvious gaps, remember to change them in time.
Clear the suction pipe: If you check that the suction pipe is blocked, don’t panic, and there’s no need to replace it. You can use slender tools or high-pressure water to clean it.
Worn-Out Brushes or Pads
The brushes or pads are one of the parts of the floor scrubber that directly used to contact the ground.
Like most items, if you use them frequently, they will be worn out to some extent.
In addition, incorrect brushes or pads also influence the operation of the floor scrubber.
Solution:
The regular inspection is important. It is good advice that you clean the entanglement and dirt on the brushes or gaskets after each use.
If your brushes or pads become shorter to some extent, it is time to consider using a new one.
Use the proper brushes or pads according to different types of floors. For example, hard-bristle brushes are suitable for hard floors, while soft pads are more suitable for wooden floors.
Clogged Recovery Tanks
The recovery tank is the key component for collecting sewage. If you don’t clean the sewage tank for a long time, the dirt will settle and clump inside, and even breed bacteria, causing a foul odor. Eventually, this leads to blockages that prevent water and cleaning solution from flowing properly.
Solution:
It is very important that the sewage tank be emptied immediately after each use and rinsed with clean water.
Vacuum Motor Failure
The machine also needs to take a rest. In other words, if you use the floor scubber beyond its designed operating hours, it may cause the motor to overheat and internal components like bearings or brushes to degrade, reducing suction power.
It is important to maintain the floor cleaning equipment well. Otherwise, the poor maintenance will influence some components. For example, exposure to moisture or harsh cleaning chemicals can corrode motor parts.
Solution:
You can follow the working time limit in the instruction manual and avoid long-term continuous use.
If rust is present, clean affected areas with a dry cloth and consider applying a rust inhibitor. Ensure the motor is dry before use.
If the motor is severely damaged or burnt out, contact a certified technician for repair or replacement.
Incorrect Cleaning Solution
Using non-dedicated cleaning solutions or improper cleaning solution ratios not only compromises cleaning effectiveness but may also damage the machine’s internal tubing and spray nozzles.
For example, Certain strong acids or strong alkali cleaners may corrode the plastic or rubber components inside the machine.
Excessive detergent foam can enter the water absorption system, reducing suction power and potentially damaging the motor.
Solution:
Use the specialized cleaning solution recommended by the floor scrubber manufacturer.
Follow the mixing ratio specified in the instructions and avoid using excessive amounts.
Circuit Issues
A malfunction in the floor scrubber’s electrical system can prevent the machine from starting normally or cause unstable operation.
If you use the machine for a long time or improper storage may cause the outer covering of the wires to become damaged or even break inside.
If water enters the circuit board during use or cleaning, it may cause a short circuit or damage.
Solution:
Regular checks will help discover the circuit issues. If you discover the circuit is damaged, stop using it immediately and contact maintenance.
When cleaning the floor scrubber, avoid flushing water directly onto the circuit.
FAQs
Conclusion
The machine is not perfect, and it may be wrong when you use it for a long time. However, understanding why it went wrong and taking appropriate measures can effectively prevent the same mistake from happening again.
If your floor scrubber went wrong or you want to upgrade your floor cleaning machine, welcome to browse these floor scrubbers and find the perfect model for your needs.
