To start with, consider your cleaning area in square meters. How much area do you need to cover? Also think about how much dirt build-up occurs between each cleaning session. Commercial scrubbing machines come in different scrub widths and scrub pressure capacities to get the maximum clean possible. Empty open areas are more suited to wider scrub widths (less obstacles to maneuver around) and highly soiled areas are more suited to stronger scrub pressures (25-30kg+).

Right now, how long does it take to clean your facility? How frequently do you clean your facility? There are a few ways you can increase your cleaning efficiency through using an automated scrubbing machine. i-team Global’s i-mop walk-behind scrubber dryer is a great example of this. These walk-behind scrubbers are battery powered with the option to purchase a fast charger, or opt for higher capacity lithium ion batteries that can extend the XL/XXL models run-time up to 90 minutes. Some customers choose to purchase two lots of batteries so there is always one pair charging and the other operating, allowing 24/7 run-time. Also longer scrub widths allow faster coverage and better productivity.

Fimap and Nilfisk equipment also have efficiency systems integrated into their walk-behind scrubbers to reduce the power intensity and water/cleaning agent consumption for longer cleaning sessions. Fimap’s Fimap Solution Saver/EcoMode and Nilfisk’s EcoFlex both feature selective consumption of water and cleaning agent settings for more efficient cleaning. You can find more out about EcoFlex and Fimap Solution saver here. 

You can buy small walk-behind scrubbers starting from approximately $1,800 up to $15,000+ depending on your budget and needs. Manufacturers including Nilfisk, Fimap and i-team Global are providers of high-quality, highly efficient walk-behind scrubber machines that vary in price depending on added accessories and machine capacity. As said before, think of your floor cleaning equipment as an investment, not an expense. If you choose to buy a cheaper model, you may find the life-time expenses total to be more than an expensive model due to the servicing/fixture costs.

Are you scrubbing tiles? Wooden floors? Concrete? Epoxy or non-slip floors? Your surface type will depend on the most effective scrub brush or pad to fit your machine with. Our brush and pad guide gives a basic overview of the recommended brush/pad type for certain flooring. You do not need to be a flooring or cleaning expert, but having this preliminary understanding of your floor type and pad/brush requirements can help you better work with your sales representative to select the right floor cleaning equipment and accessories you need.

If you are cleaning a facility with multiple edges or fixed objects/obstacles requiring cleaning around, purchasing a highly maneuverable commercial floor scrubber should be a focus to suit your cleaning needs. Again, the i-team Global i-mop is one of the best orbital floor cleaning machines in the market with 360 degree orbital/steering, making it one of the most maneuverable scrubbers available. View a video demonstration on our Instagram page. Similarly the Fimap GL Pro moves well around obstacles due to its large back wheels increasing its stability and maneuverability, you can also view a video demonstration on our Instagram page.