- What are floor cleaning machines?
- How to choose a floor washing machine?
- Which detergent should I choose?
- The best manufacturers of floor cleaning machines
To date, the machine for washing the floor is no longer an obligatory attribute of only cleaning companies. Mechanized washing devices are widely purchased by various organizations, which, in accordance with the work performed, occupy objects of impressive size.
to the contents ↑What are floor cleaning machines?
Structural features of machines for washing floors allow for one pass not only to wash, but also to dry a huge area of a smooth floor. Aggregates for the first time began to be produced in Western developed countries, so the scrubber devices were called scrubber-drier.
Device and principle of operation
The main purpose of this equipment is to increase the intensity of cleaning the floors. The working body of the scrubber machines are movable brushes. The brushes are arranged in such a way that they can contact the work surface of the floor with the required degree of pressure.
Movable brushes from the special tank are supplied with water solution and detergent. As a result of the operation of the device, the spent contaminated liquid is automatically sucked in by vacuum sockets, and then sent to the tank.
Functionality
Thus, machines for washing floors are technically complex multifunctional complexes that combine the possibilities:
- Mops.
- Powerful industrial vacuum cleaner.
- Broom.
- Detergent vacuum cleaner.
Important! Thanks to the appearance of such units, manual labor is gradually replaced by large-scale cleaning, which means that the cost of washing the floor is reduced.
to the contents ↑How to choose a machine for washing the floor?
To date, the range of mechanized equipment for washing the floor is represented by the production of many brands. Therefore, a simple buyer without experience and certain skills is difficult to determine the choice of the desired modification. An important criterion in the selection is the cost. For example: Karcher floor washing machine for assembly and productivity quality without any competition, but at a price such equipment can afford only large organizations.
When buying a scrubber, the following criteria should be considered:
- Surface area of the floor.
- Purpose of the room.
- Type of floor.
- Power( standalone or stationary).
- Type of brushes installed on the machine.
- Volume of tanks for the cleaning solution.
- The volume of tanks for collecting used detergent.
- Productivity of machinery.
Let's consider the criteria for determining the feasibility of purchasing a particular
model. Choosing the ratio of sizes and performance
When choosing a floor washing machine, you need to take into account the floor dimensions of the room and, in accordance with them, select the unit with the optimum brush size.
Important! The more part of the floor surface is to be grasped, the greater the width of the brushes, which means that the wider the width of the working area of the brushes, the higher the productivity of the unit.
Lack of large-sized units:
- Less manoeuvrable, in comparison with smaller analogues.
- Can not penetrate hard-to-reach areas of the floor.
- You can not transfer through certain obstacles in the form of stairs, thresholds, etc., due to the large weight.
Assembly of the unit by floor type
The floor washing machine can be used:
- On perfectly smooth surfaces.
- On coatings with low relief.
- On surfaces with great relief( tiles for floors).
Important! For the type of floor, select the brushes of the optimum configuration, having bristles, the required rigidity and length. For example, rigid bristles can provide the best result of cleaning the floors with ceramic tiles, as it can clean all the clogs between the tiles.
According to the type of floor, the shape of the brush is equally important. On the market there are units with such types of brushes:
- Brushes of disk form.
- Brushes of cylindrical shape.
The disk configuration is most suitable for washing flat surfaces of an apartment or a house. Cylindrical modifications better clean the relief coatings.
Important! In the modern market, there are aggregates combining in their design both types of brushes. Such combined models are the best option for working with concrete floors that have stone inserts and rubberized surfaces.
Choice by type of power supply
Until recently, machines for washing floors were made only with the possibility of power supply by means of a cable, that is, with connection to a socket.
Network equipment
Compact scrubbers do not have their own drive and are called network machines, since they operate on a regular electrical network( in the designation they have the letter "C").
Advantages of networked units:
- Ease of operation.
- Low cost.
- Unpretentious servicing.
- There is no time limit.
Disadvantage: the radius of coverage of the territory is limited by the length of the cable.
Important! Before starting the network unit, be sure to inspect the cable for insulation failure, since very often scrubbing is carried out in places with high traffic.
Stand-alone machines for cleaning floors
Network models are by no means the only variety. Recently, there are more and more models with built-in batteries. Such units are an excellent solution for floor cleaning in public buildings, where a high degree of attendance. The cable on the floor of public premises prevents people from walking, and battery models do not create such inconveniences. Working from the built-in battery, the units are recharged from the regular mains. Batteries have a high degree of safety and comfort, as well as very effective in operation.
Cons of battery-powered units:
- Cost more.
- As batteries become worn, they need to be changed.
Important! When choosing a battery washing machine, pay attention to the capacity of the battery. One battery cycle should be sufficient for cleaning the required room.
Stand-alone systems with operator's seat
The largest are scrubbers equipped with a driver's seat and they only work on battery power. This machine is an excellent choice if cleaning is needed in a large area of the premises. On this unit, a more powerful battery is installed, which ensures continuous operation for a long time. The mobility of such an assembly is carried out with the help of the steering wheel and pedals. There are models managed standing. The price of such devices is higher, compared with simple and compact machines.
Selection by volume of the tank
An important criterion for selecting a machine for washing floors is the capacity of the containers for the detergent. Modern models do not far exceed the aggregates produced a couple of decades ago in size, but the tanks have almost doubled. Most modern floor cleaning machines are equipped with tanks in accordance with the performance parameters.
Important! The larger the area to be retracted, the larger the volume of the reservoir should be.
Assembly by type of work performed
Expensive models are multifunctional, but cheaper equipment implies a certain list of works performed. Therefore, when purchasing equipment, be sure to familiarize yourself with what works the machine can perform.
Among the list of works performed by the machine for washing floors, there may be the following:
- Cleaning of floors after construction( includes removal of cement contamination).
- Cleaning carpets.
- Removing worn layers from linoleum and flooring PVC.
- General cleaning - involves the removal of persistent dirt and fat deposits.
- Dry cleaning.
- Crystallization of natural stone( marble).
- Polishing of the protective layer( gives a uniform gloss to the coating).
- Application of a fresh protective coating on a polymer base or polyacrylic on linoleum, concrete, stone floors, PVC.
Which detergent to choose?
To ensure that your floor washing machine lasts as long as possible and is productive, efficient in cleaning, choose the right detergent. Depending on the type of work, the funds are divided into:
- Alkaline. They are used in the food industry, as well as in gastronomy and in kitchens.
- Formulations with a neutral pH level. They are used for daily washing of floors and are optimal for marble, sports floors, granite, concrete, porcelain stoneware.
- Special tools for removing traces from rubber shoes, car tires, forklifts and glue.
- Specialized means for decalcification.
The best manufacturers of floor washing machines
The floor washing machines are becoming more popular and provide cleaning of large areas such as shopping malls, manufacturing facilities, swimming pools, hospitals, fitness centers, hotels, airports,etc.
Modern machines for washing floors are produced by different companies and have different equipment. The most popular companies-producers:
- Karcher - The company with this name is synonymous with the products of the highest quality.
- Rotowash is an Austrian company. It produces machines for all types of flooring. The units are easy to operate, very manoeuvrable and move like an air cushion. The modular design of the Rotowash units makes the maintenance of the unit simple and convenient.
- Windsor. On account of this American manufacturer, several improvements in the field of scrubbing technology. Unique systems make it possible to achieve not only high quality of cleaning, but also energy efficiency combined with an attractive ergonomic design of the whole unit.
- Cleanfix. This brand is a perfect example of a truly Swiss quality product known all over the world, however in our market it is little known.
- Numatic - an English company produces high-end technology. But despite this, the products have a relatively low cost.
Washing the floors by hand is a long and time consuming procedure. A real rescue was a special scrubber machine. They quickly and effectively induce cleanliness in any room, and it is quite simple and convenient to operate such modern units, since this type of equipment is designed taking into account the minimum number of controls. We sincerely hope that the information in this article will interest you and bring practical benefit.