Floor CleaningDeep cleaning your floors at least once a year extends their lifetime and eliminates the need for early replacements. It is also the perfect opportunity to get rid of tough stains and unpleasant odours, thus improving the overall appearance.

Every season brings about floor cleaning challenges, which are a constant struggle in industrial and commercial facilities. The good news is that you can solve most floor cleaning problems if you have the right tools. This guide sets you up with tips to spring clean your industrial floors with ease and efficiency.

Cleaning vinyl floors

There are three main options when it comes to vinyl floor cleaning. The first is stripping and waxing. You start by stripping the vinyl floor before coating it with 4-6 layers of wax. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may have to repeat this process twice or thrice each year.

Scrubbing and recoating is a more cost-effective solution. Also, it improves the overall look dramatically without requiring too much physical effort. Simply remove the top few layers of wax and apply a couple of coats. Like stripping and waxing, this should be done 2-3 times annually.

You can also mop the floor clean and restore any fill-in holes in the wax. Finish up by burnishing or rather melting the wax for a fresh look.

Cleaning hardwood and tile floors

Commercial hardwood and tile floors come in many forms, which require different cleaning techniques. You’ll need to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations; however, the following tips will work in most cases.

• Remove any visible debris from the floors
• Use stripper solution to remove any damaged floor finish. The product label should contain exact instructions for use. Make sure you keep the windows when working with harsh chemicals.
• A scrubber and elbow grease will get rid of any remaining finish effectively
• Use clean water and mop to strip the remaining finish, then give it a few hours to dry
• Apply two coats of seal and finish for a fresh look

Cleaning commercial carpets

Carpets are great hiding places for debris, germs and dirt. Start by vacuuming with heavy suction to remove large debris. Removing office furniture and equipment will make the task easier. Avoid cleaning around equipment and other objects as this may cause carpet discolouration over time.

The best way to maintain your commercial floors and keep them clean is to hire the best industrial floor cleaning machines. Get in touch with us for a cost-effective solution.

coshh cleaningUsing dangerous chemicals when cleaning can endanger the health of others. As a result, the law requires that hazardous substances be strictly controlled. Employees and other people that might be exposed to these substances must be protected at all time. The measures are basic, but penalties for disregarding them can be severe. Here are some basic steps to ensure compliance with COSHH when using cleaning machines.

Train Everyone on the Team

Everyone from the supervisor to the employee using the cleaning machines and chemicals needs to get the right training. Anyone who could potentially be exposed to dangerous chemicals needs to know what steps to take without a moment’s hesitation. Sometimes, catastrophe can be avoided with the right training, which has to be repeated often.

Ensure you have the COSHH Sheets for all Dangerous Chemicals

The manufacturer will usually supply you with the sheet, but you can often download it from their site. It is important to have both digital and hard copies of the list in case of an accident. The list should be easy to access by anyone who works with the chemicals or who might be exposed to them.

Carry Out Regular Risk Assessments

The COSHH sheets will cover all the risks that come with each chemical. It is important to carry out the risk assessment of each chemical. This risk assessment will entail reading the COSHH sheet and contextualising it.

Have the Right Equipment

As part of the risk assessment, you will learn which safety equipment you need to handle any chemical. You must also ensure that the equipment you use is of the right grade. For instance, some goggles are designed specifically with dangerous spills in mind, which might be dangerous for those who use them to prevent physical splinters from entering the eyes.

Ensure Chemicals are Properly Diluted

One of the most important compliance measures is to ensure that you are getting the dilution of chemicals right. If a chemical is too concentrated, any safety measures you put in place will be compromised. Ensure that the employee in charge of the dilution process always has the right measuring equipment to get the dilution right. In some cases, employees will attempt to guess how much of the chemical is needed. This behaviour should be highly discouraged.

Summary

With this and a few other rules, compliance should be easy. On the last note, ensure that trigger bottles are properly labelled since it can attract heavy fines. When an employee is harmed, doctors need to be able to tell what chemical caused the injury.

Common Industrial Cleaning Machine ProblemsIndustrial floor cleaners should be cleaned and maintained properly to ensure continued performance. But given their daily use, it’s only natural that these machines start to break down during use. Issues like brush motors failing to operate and poor water pickup become common. In this post, we identify common industrial cleaning problems, their causes and what can be done to resolve them.

Excessive dusting

This is caused by failing to turn on the vacuum fan. Other causes include a clogged hopper dust filter, damaged vacuum hose and worn brush skirts & dust seals. Resolving the issue is pretty easy. Consider replacing the brush skirts and dust seals. The same applies to a damaged vacuum hose. Don’t forget to clean the dust filter and turn on the vacuum fan.

Poor sweeping performance

This may be due to some reasons including worn brush bristles, failure of the main and side brushes, improper adjustment of the main and side brushes, damaged or worn hopper skirts and more. You can improve sweeping performance by replacing the large debris trap, emptying the hopper, replacing the hopper skirts and brushes. Improperly adjusted main and side brushes should be adjusted and debris removed from the drive mechanism.

No machine power

From low battery power and clogged hopper filter to switching on the emergency stop, there are many things that could cause zero machine power. To get your floor sweeper running, turn the emergency stop off then restart the machine. You should also consider charging the battery and cleaning or replacing the dust filter.

Failure to operate

A floor scrubber dryer may fail to operate if the batteries are discharged, an emergency stop is activated, the battery is loose, or the main fuse blew. A faulty key switch can also compromise the machine’s ability to run. Charge the battery and turn the emergency stop anticlockwise to deactivate it. Replacing blown fuses and faulty battery as well as tightening loose battery cables will get the machine running again.

Poor water pickup

Some things can cause poor water pickup such as clogged vacuum hose, damaged squeegee blades, full recovery tank, loose vacuum hose connections, low battery charge and more. Measures that will improve water pickup include replacing damaged vacuum hoses, cleaning the filter, draining the recovery tank, tightening hose connections, position the tank cover properly and replacing worn brushes.

At CleanHire we specialise in selling, hire and servicing industrial floor cleaners. Get in touch with us and let’s discuss an ideal cleaning solution for you.

Tips To Improve the Efficiency of Your Cleaning MachineFloor cleaning machines are able to tackle even the toughest and most challenging of tasks. However, the caveat to remember is that they need to be maintained properly if you hope to maximise their sense of efficiency. This is why embracing the proper techniques and becoming aware of a handful of tips is the best way to get the most out of your scrubber dryer hire service. What do the professionals have to say?

Regularly Examine the Cleaning Elements Beneath the Unit

It can be argued that the underside of your floor cleaning machine is the most vulnerable due to the fact that it needs to stand up to a significant amount of wear and tear. Periodically check moving elements such as squeegees and brushes.

If you notice that they are warped, cracked or otherwise misshapen, the chances are high that they will need to be replaced. In the same respect, clean these mechanisms on a regular basis with soap and warm water.

Only Utilise the Recommended cleaning Solutions

Certain machines are designed to work in conjunction with specific cleaning solutions. Any substances which are not recommended could damage critical areas such as filters and seals. This is why it is important to read the owner’s manual carefully to avoid making what might otherwise prove to be a costly mistake.

Inspect Any High-Pressure Jets

High-pressure jets and nozzles are intended to provide the cleaning brushes with the lubrication and the power that they require to tackle tough surfaces. However, these jets can become clogged from time to time. This is normally caused by the presence of certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium within the water (a condition known as “hard water”).

The good news is that these jets can be unblocked by soaking them in a solution of water and vinegar overnight. This mildly acidic combination will help dissolve any blockages.

Remove, Clean and Replace Filters

The filters found within a cleaning machine will need to be examined and changed from time to time. They are intended to catch any excess particulate matter and naturally, clogs can and will occur. It is a good idea to check all removable filters on a monthly basis.

The professionals at Cleanhire UK are proud to offer only the most advanced scrubbers and cleaners on the market today. Please speak with a representative to learn more.

The Best Industrial Hoovers For Commercial UseCleaning commercial areas such as showrooms and retail sales environments can be tricky; especially if a large amount of space needs to be addressed within a timely fashion. This is why commercial vacuum cleaners are often employed. They will help to ensure that projects are quickly completed while simultaneously guaranteeing that even the most stubborn dirt is removed.

Choosing the right unit for the task at hand is, therefore, a very important step before any project can begin. What are some of the characteristics that define the best industrial hoovers? What different types of configurations are available? Let us take a look at how to select the appropriate unit for an upcoming commercial project.

The Power of Brand Names

It should go without saying that the most reliable units tend to be associated with high-quality brand names such as Nilfisk. Companies which provide industrial hoover hire services should therefore offer a wide spectrum of options so that integrity and reliability are never compromised.

Mobility

The majority of industrial vacuum machines are quite heavy by their very nature. However, they still need to be manipulated with ease. This is why units are equipped with castor wheels and similar user-friendly navigation accessories. Not only will these be able to address large areas, but they can be controlled in such a way as to address tight angles.

Storage Capacity

Every industrial hoover is associated with a specific amount of storage capacity. This essentially equates to how large of an area before the contents of the tank will need to be removed. It is important for the user to determine the size of the location to be cleaned (in square feet or meters). The most appropriate choice can thereafter be made.

Additional Variables to Take Into Account

The best industrial hoovers should also supply a superior level of flexibility in terms of accessories and options. For example, some are intended for lightweight requirements while others are more suited for heavy-duty tasks. Cordless and bag-less variants might also be available upon request. So, a configuration is always available for the upcoming task at hand.

Cleanhire UK is pleased to offer a wide range of vacuum cleaners specifically intended for commercial use. These are durable and reliable options which are a cut above the rest in terms of sheer cleaning capacity. Feel free to contact a representative directly to learn more.

The Difference Between Domestic and Industrial Cleaning MachinesModern technology has enabled vacuum cleaners to evolve in leaps and bounds. These units are commonly seen within both industrial and domestic environments, and for good reason. They can tackle even the most challenging of products while ensuring that any floors are cleaned within a timely fashion.

However, there are some major differences between a cleaning machine intended for an industrial environment and one suited for domestic purposes. Let us look at a handful of broad discrepancies between the two, as you can then make the appropriate choice.

The Power of the Machine

Many will argue that the main difference between these two machines is the amount of power associated with each. For example, industrial vacuum cleaners require more horsepower to address spacious environments as well as to provide the suction needed to remove excess dirt and grime. Domestic units are generally equipped with less horsepower, as this amount of force is not usually required to deal with common household issues.

The Dimensions of the Machine

As you may have already guessed, industrial cleaning machines will normally be much larger than domestically operated variants. This size is directly related to the environments that need to be cleaned. While industrial machines can sometimes be quite large, they are still easy to operate thanks to the presence of user-friendly controls and castor wheels.

The Mechanical Cleaning Action

The final disparity between these two categories of cleaning machines will involve how they mechanically remove dirt and grime from a surface. Depending upon the specific make and model, industrial cleaning machines will often employ high-powered scrubbers, squeegees and a robust suction system. Domestic units might need to be slightly more delicate when dealing with surfaces around the home such as wood, stone or even carpet.

Power Consumption

As a result of the conditions mentioned within the previous three sections, users should expect industrial machines to require more mains electricity (in terms of watts) than domestic vacuums will require. This should be taken into account so that the most cost-effective option can be selected.

This is only a general overview of a handful of important differences between industrial and domestic vacuum cleaners. If you would like to learn more or to appreciate the options at your disposal, please contact Cleanhire UK at your convenience. We have a number of makes and models to choose from.

What Cleaning Chemicals Are Used in Floor Cleaning Machines

Hiring professional cleaning machines is a flexible and cost-effective means to keep any environment in top-top shape. While the mechanisms involved are impressive in their own right, the use of chemical agents is just as important if you hope to tackle even the most stubborn of stains. So, what types of chemicals are used within scrubber dryers? Let us take a quick look at some common formulations as well as the benefits that each has to offer.

The Alkaline Edge

The majority of floor cleaners will use a combination of alkaline chemicals within their formulation. Alkaline agents are non-acidic in nature, so they will not damage the associated surface. They are (generally) safer to work when compared to acidic cleaning solutions such as those utilised to remove inorganic deposits. Some examples of alkaline cleaning agents include (but may not be limited to):

  • Potassium hydroxide
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Bleach
  • Ammonia

This is also why mixing these agents with other chemicals can be dangerous; harmful gases such as chlorine may be accidentally liberated.

Acidic Solutions

Some surfaces such as concrete or stone might require agents that include acids. Hydrochloric acid and acetic acid (vinegar) could both be employed depending upon the material. Although these solutions are generally diluted, care should still be taken when performing any cleaning task.

Detergents

It only makes sense that detergents are often present alongside the chemicals mentioned above. Detergents will help to remove stubborn grime and many are formulated in such a way as to provide a shine to the surface of the flooring.

Solutions to Remove Grease

There may be times when the production of grease is a real concern. Common examples include floors found within restaurants and food storage facilities. In this case, the addition of degreasing agents may be needed within the cleaning solution. Some of these might be based within a solvent while others could be organic in nature (especially if they are to be used around foods made for human consumption).

This is only a general overview of some of the most common chemicals used in cleaning machines. Cleanhire is pleased to provide a number of bespoke solutions based around the needs of the customer. Anyone who is curious to learn more should contact a representative.

How to Adjust the Configuration of a Squeegee on a Floor ScrubberOne of the most important mechanisms of a modern floor scrubber is the squeegee mechanism located below its base. There can be times when this section becomes loose or it is otherwise not in the correct position.

In order to fully experience the benefits of a professional floor scrubber hire service, it is prudent to appreciate how this squeegee can be adjusted with a few simple steps. Let’s take a look at how to correct three common situations.

The Squeegee is not Picking up Debris in the Centre

This is the most common problem and it can be easily rectified. The blade will need to be lowered into place. Take off the vacuum hose and turn the lock nut counterclockwise until the adjustment bolt can freely move. Once you have lowered the blade to the appropriate position, tighten the lock nut and reattach the vacuum hose assembly.

It is Missing Debris on the Edges of the Unit

Once again, you will need to remove the vacuum hose and loosen the associated lock nut. In this situation, pay careful attention to the angle of the squeegee blade to note if one side is higher than another. A handheld level can be used to ensure that it is parallel to the floor.

Assuming that both sides are equidistant from the subsurface, tighten the lock nut. Test the machine out in order to determine if any further modifications need to be made. Then, reattach the vacuum hose.

The Squeegee is Causing Streaks on the Floor

This scenario could be caused by an incorrectly placed squeegee or it might be the result of a dirty blade. First, raise the squeegee to its highest position by following the previous steps. Clean the blade with a rag or towel so that any debris is removed.

Lower the squeegee back into place and test its effectiveness. Note that the vacuum hose will not need to be removed in this case. In the event that streaks are still forming, the blade itself may need to be replaced.

The good news is that adjusting the angle and height of a squeegee blade is quite simple. Still, always be sure to read the owner’s manual and adhere to all associated recommendations.

Anyone who would like to hire a modern and professional floor scrubber is encouraged to speak with a representative from Cleanhire UK at their discretion.

Which Vacuum Cleaner is Best for Large Shopping CentresLarge areas such as shopping centres and similar commercial properties can be challenging to maintain and staff members need to know what concerns to take into account when choosing the most appropriate cleaning techniques. This is particularly relevant when referring to industrial vacuum cleaner hire. Are there any configurations which are more appropriate for such locations and what other features should these units possess in order to make quick work out of any cleaning task? Let’s examine some rough guidelines so that you will be able to make an informed decision.

The Type of Filtration System

Large commercial shopping centres should always keep the health and safety of the public in mind. This is why you need to choose a unit that is equipped with a high-quality filter. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are generally considered the safest, as they are able to remove particulate matter such as dust, allergens and pollen.

Portability

It is always important to determine how easy the unit can be controlled and manipulated. Some of the most versatile configurations offer features such as 360-degree castor wheels and even ride-on variants. This will often depend upon the size of the area that needs to be cleaned as well as if you need to access tight areas such as stairwells or hallways. Choose a vacuum cleaner that is able to be controlled with accuracy and precision.

Power

How powerful is the engine associated with the vacuum cleaner? This is critical, as low-power units might not be able to adequately clean the underlying surfaces. Try to determine how much power is required for your location. The good news is that the experts at Cleanhire will be able to provide you with detailed information in regards to which unit is the most appropriate for your location.

The Ability to Address Multiple Substances

Shopping centres are naturally associated with a high level of foot traffic. There can also be times when unique types of substances such as oil will need to be addressed. This is why it is important to select a vacuum cleaner that has the capability of handling different types of spills. Versatility is also great if you are hoping to enjoy a healthy return on investment.

Please feel free to use this article as a checklist when choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your business and as always, we are more than happy to provide further assistance.

A Floor Scrubber Checklist For Optimal Cleaning PerformanceCommercial floor scrubbers are excellent investments if you have been hoping to keep the condition of your establishment clean and appealing. Still, it is important to remember that even the most advanced units will require timely maintenance in order to ensure their cleaning power. What are some factors to take into account? Let’s examine the quick checklist found below so that you can make the most out of your floor scrubber hire service.

Brushes and Squeegee Maintenance

These are arguably the most sensitive areas of any floor scrubber, as they are exposed to a great deal of wear and tear. It is wise to check any brushes and squeegees before each use. Remove any dirt or debris that may have built up in order to extend their lifespan and to avoid a mechanical failure.

The Battery

It is obvious that a scrubber will not function if its battery fails. While modern batteries will normally not cause any issues, they still need to be charged and examined from time to time. Some experts recommend pouring in distilled water during the charging process; this can help to extend its lifespan. It is also wise to choose gel batteries, as spills are less likely to occur.

Moving Parts Such as Joints

A floor scrubber has many moving parts such as joints and pivot points. These will also need to be cared for if you hope to avoid mechanical issues. Read the owner’s manual to determine where and when oil should be applied. This oil helps to reduce mechanical friction and it should be placed in certain areas. Also, determine which type of oil needs to be used; certain floor scrubbers are rated for unique formulations. Utilising the wrong oil could actually result in more harm than good.

The Outer Appearance

Much like a vehicle, it is important to maintain the exterior condition of the floor scrubber. Regular washing with a damp cloth is recommended. Check to make sure that all controls and warning systems are functioning properly. The same holds true for operating lights.

Each of these maintenance tips is easy to perform and they will help to guarantee that your unit operates at its peak capacity at all times. If you are looking to rent such a machine or if you wish to access additional recommendations, please visit Cleanhire and speak with a customer service specialist.