How to Use a Floor Scrubber: Train Your Employees in Minutes

August 30 2021

Your company’s cleaning staff should know how to use a floor scrubber. Utilizing an industrial floor scrubber at your workplace will increase efficiency and safety while reducing cleaning costs and floor maintenance.

Ensuring that your employees receive proper scrubber training will help protect your equipment from careless use, keeping it in great condition.

OSHA doesn’t provide any required floor scrubber training, however, certain industries require operator certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Find out how to use a floor scrubber and implement proper floor scrubber training below.

How to Use a Floor Scrubber

Before use, make sure the floor scrubber has a full charge and that the recovery tank is empty. When you’re ready to start cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to use a floor scrubber.

1. Sweep the area.

A quick sweep to remove excess dirt and debris will minimize wear and tear on your scrubber’s pads and brushes. Take a few minutes to manually sweep the area you’re about to clean with a broom before you even take out your commercial cleaning machinery.

2. Fill the intake tank.

Fill the intake tank with water and detergent. Add the water first to avoid excess foam. Not sure which cleaning solution to use? Choose based on your flooring type and manufacturer guidelines. Be cautious - some detergents are too harsh for certain floor types.

3. Turn it on.

Turn the scrubber on and lower the squeegee to the down position. Check that the pads are securely fastened and that both the pads and squeegee are making good contact with the floor. Activate solution flow and vacuum systems if applicable.

4. Start cleaning.

Drive or push the scrubber around the space. Start in the corner furthest from the door and work your way back toward it. It’s important to note that some scrubbers are designed to move forward and others backward. Make sure you’re familiar with the operational direction of your particular commercial cleaning machinery. Keep an eye on the recovery tank as you clean and empty as needed.

5. Clean your cleaning equipment.

It may seem silly to clean your cleaning equipment, but failing to do so can lead to expensive repairs. When you’re finished with your commercial cleaning machinery, remove and empty the recovery tank. Rinse it thoroughly to avoid chemical buildup. Wipe down your entire machine with a damp cloth and then with a dry one. Plug the scrubber into its charger.

Floor Scrubber Training

Now that your employees know how to use a floor scrubber, there are a couple of boxes you need to check as an employer during floor scrubber training. First, for all non-hazardous or non-classified work environments, all battery chargers must be certified by an NRTL regardless of whether or not they are built-in. Also, operators of petroleum gas models must follow the guidelines specified in OSHA 1910.110 regarding LPG storage and handling.

In hazardous or potentially hazardous (classified) work environments, the motors of battery-operated models must also be certified by an NRTL. All other previously mentioned guidelines also apply.

It’s important to follow these guidelines in addition to providing proper floor scrubber training. It is the employer’s responsibility to create a hazard-free workplace and ensure that operators know how to use a floor scrubber correctly. Failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties.

For additional information, check out these scrubber training videos.

Commercial Cleaning Machinery

When giving scrubber training, be sure to stress the importance of taking care of the equipment. Commercial cleaning machinery isn’t necessarily cheap, so you’ll want it to last a long time.

A great clean starts with great equipment. If you’re ready for an upgrade, check out ScrubberShop. We offer a huge selection of commercial cleaning machinery from a variety of top dealers. Compare pricing on scrubbers in your area for free before you buy.

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