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.

The Technical Advancements of Industrial VacuumsIndustrial vacuums have existed in one form or another for more than 100 years. Like most mechanical devices which have remained in the public eye for decades, we often take the technology associated with these vacuums for granted.

However, there is no doubt that such units have advanced incredibly over the years. This is one of the reasons why they serve a number of important applications within commercial and industrial environments. Let’s take a quick look at how these vacuums employ modern technology.

The Use of Composite Materials

Companies which provide professional industrial vacuum cleaner hire in the 21st century are at a distinct advance when compared to their past counterparts. This is mainly due to the reduced weight associated with these units. Stainless steel and iron have largely been replaced in favour of composite materials; greatly increasingly the user-friendly nature of industrial vacuum cleaners. The same holds true in regards to aluminium engines and fewer internal connections. The lightweight nature of these units has also helped to reduce costs; allowing firms to save money over time.

The Evolution of the CPU

“Smart” technology now plays a leading role within the industrial vacuum cleaner sector. Not only does this ensure higher levels of efficiency, but users can adjust specific settings to suit different environments. Some examples include:

  • Rotations per minute.
  • The distance from the cleaner to the floor.
  • The turning radius (in some cases).
  • The temperature of the cleaning solution.

When these amenities are then combined with a host of power-saving options, it becomes clear why industrial vacuum cleaners are here to stay.

A Greater Sense of Mechanical Flexibility

One of the drawbacks associated with older units is that they lacked the flexibility to deal with discrete environmental settings. Thus, businesses would have to purchase multiple cleaners or sacrifice a clean work space. The flexibility attributed to modern unit leaves little to chance in regards to its applications. In the event that a specific design is warranted, it can be hired out when necessary.

Clean Hire is a perfect example of the synergy between efficiency and technology. Customers can select from a variety of bespoke solutions and all units are competitively priced. If you would like to fully appreciate the amount of options at your disposal, please contact one of our representatives directly.

5 Tips When Hiring the Perfect Scrubber Dryer

Modern scrubber-dryers are capable of addressing a wide range of maintenance tasks while providing you with a greater degree of versatility than ever before. Let’s take a look at five expert suggestions in order to ensure that you have made the best choice possible.

Choose Trusted Brand Names

Quality and recognisable brand names enjoy a hand-in-hand relationship. Selecting generic models can lead to issues in the future, so be certain to work with a scrubber dryer hire firm that offers the latest models. Some common variants include:

  • Vispa
  • Ultra
  • Omnia
  • Innova

All of these have been manufactured by Comac, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Determine the Floor Area to be Addressed

Different units are intended to address areas of different sizes. In fact, the surface area to be cleaned can often vary between 500 square metres and more than 12,000 square metres. This is why choosing the appropriate scrubber-dryer is important if you hope to reduce time and labour costs.

Select a Risk-Free Trial Service

One of the hallmarks of a reputable scrubber-dryer hire service is the ability to enjoy a risk-free trial before committing to any type of purchase. You will be able to determine the efficacy of the unit as well as if its mechanisms are appropriate for your cleaning needs.

The Customer Service Edge

Even modern scrubber-dryers can encounter problems from time to time. Or, you might have a question involving a maintenance concern. You should always be provided with the option to speak with a dedicated customer support specialist. This will help to take the guesswork out of the equation while ensuring that you have chosen the right unit for the task.

Cost-Effective Pricing Packages

The cost of the scrubber-dryer is always a concern; particularly if you happen to be governed by limited finances. Search for a firm that is able to offer you cost-effective pricing options as well as a superior degree of flexibility.

If you are looking to procure the best scrubber-dryers for your requirements, Clean Hire is always here to help. Not only do we boast a wide range of models to choose from, but each of these in maintained to the highest of standards. Please give us a call in order to learn more about your options.

The History of Floor Sweeping MachinesAs you may have already guessed, the advent of the modern floor sweeping machine directly coincided with the introduction of electricity. It is also interesting to note that the vacuum cleaner was introduced to the general public around this same time. Both began to enjoy constant use during the first decade of the 1900s and as technology advanced, their presence was seen within many industrial and commercial workplaces. There are still a few milestones to mention if we are to fully appreciate how far this technology has come during the past century.

State-of-the-Art Tools for Their Time

Although the basic concept of the typical industrial floor sweeper has not changed much, the fact of the matter is that these machines functioned quite different during the first few decades. One notable observation is that their brushes were made from vegetable fibre; a material that had been used for centuries to clean floors.

Carnauba wax was also widely employed due to the fact that chemical cleaning solutions were not yet prevalent. While somewhat crude in their design, these machines were considered revolutionary when they first came into the public spotlight.

The 1920s and Beyond

Designers soon realised that the weight of these machines was better centred around the scrubbing mechanism in question during the 1920s. This eventually led to the advent of the “swing” machine.

However, the controls were difficult to manage and many operators likened the experience to riding a bucking bull. A good deal of training was required and it was not uncommon for the machine to unintentionally cause damage.

These problems persisted until the development of variable-speed scrubbers and sweepers during the 1950s. Not only was their cleaning power increased thanks to a wider base, but users had much greater control. The ability to modify speeds also resulted in more versatility than in the past. In fact, speeds of up to 350 rotations per minute were commonplace by the 1960s.

It was around this same time that manufacturers began introducing a wealth of alternative chemical cleaning solutions as replacements to traditional carnauba wax. By the arrival of the 1970s and 1980s, these units had taken on a truly modernistic feel.

Of course, advancements in technology have not slowed down during the past few decades. If you would like to see some of the latest innovations on the market, please be sure to examine the numerous models offered by Clean Hire.

A Guide To Effectively Clean Factory FloorsCleaning factory floors is essential is essential in terms of safety, in-house efficiency and regulatory compliance. However, some of these areas are quite large and they can be difficult to tackle without having an initial plan in place. There is no doubt that maintaining such an environment is important in order to bolster day-to-day operations, so it is a good idea to take a quick look at how to effectively clean these locations.

Initial Preparations

Make certain that the area to be cleaned is free from all large debris such as boxes, pallets and any machinery. Depending upon the level of dust or dirt, there are times when this floor can be manually swept. Also, be sure that no hazardous scenarios such as loose electrical cables or chemical spills are present. It is then wise to contact a reputable floor scrubber dryer hire company such as ourselves, as renting a unit in advance is the best way to select the correct make and model.

Calculate the Cleaning Path

The best way to ensure a fast and efficient completion is to visualise your route in advance. Much like painting the floor of a garage, it is advisable to start cleaning at the far and before returning to the initial starting point. Not only will this help you to avoid doubling over areas that have already been scrubbed and swept, but it is much easier to gauge your progress.

Choosing the Right Floor Cleaning Machine

This is arguably the most critical concern, as the cleanliness of your floors will directly equate to the type of unit that you select. Cleanhire offers a wide range of scrubber-dryers for different environments. Some walk-behind models are ideal for smaller dimensions while their ride-on counterparts are capable of addressing very large areas (such as industrial warehouses). Their associated scrubbing mechanisms and turning radii are likewise designed to complete certain tasks, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that there is always a model suitable for your needs. Above all, each of these scrubbers is reliable and powerful.

Effectively cleaning factory floors requires planning and insight. However, selecting the correct scrubber-dryer is just as important if you hope to complete the job within an amenable time frame. Thanks to over 36 years of industry expertise, our professionals are always happy to provide further information or to reserve a unit for you at your convenience.

The Best Industrial Vacuum Cleaners For Concrete FloorsIndustrial vacuum cleaners are known for their versatility and reliability. Not only can these units handle a significant amount of waste, but their user-friendly controls ensure that even large tasks are able to be tackled efficiently. As you can imagine, not all units are created equally and some are better suited for addressing specific surfaces than others. This is why consulting with a professional industrial vacuum cleaner hire service is always a wise choice. However, it is still important to understand which units can be used in combination with concrete floors as well as some of their main advantages.

Manoeuvrability

One of the first issues to address involves how easy the vacuum can be manipulated during its operation. Some of the most effective are equipped with castor wheels. This also signifies that they can function within environments associated with tight turning radii. However, they are still powerful enough to deal with a massive amount of space within a short period of time.

Suction Power

Industrial vacuum cleaners designed for concrete surfaces should also be able to handle a wide range of materials and particulate matter. While fine dust is an obvious concern, other substances such as liquids and even oils should be effectively addressed. One example can be seen in the agile design of our CFM SOL 3000 model. Thus, even challenging cleanup tasks can be dealt with in a timely fashion.

Environmental Concerns

While there is no doubt that suction power and versatility are important factors to address, we should also keep in mind that certain industrial locations are associated with environmental hazards. The fine dust often accompanying grain silos and chemical production facilities are two examples. In such instances, vacuums powered by compressed air as opposed to electricity should be chosen in order to reduce the chances of an accidental explosion or arc flashes.

Targeted Designs for Demanding Solutions

The experts at Cleanhire supply a wide range of vacuum cleaners suited for concrete floors. Not only are these units equipped with some of the latest technological innovations, but they are maintained to the highest of industry standards. If you have been looking for a powerful solution to your maintenance needs, we are here to help. Please examine our models in greater detail and if you require further assistance or to hire a specific model, we ask you to contact a representative.

Daily Scrubber Dryer Checks For Commercial Cleaning CompaniesWe are all aware that the commercial environment is often associated with challenging tasks. One of the most important concerns involves how to properly maintain floor scrubbers and dryers. A bit of maintenance can go a long way and even the simplest of preventative measures will help to extend the lifespan of the unit in question. Let’s take a look at some ways to guarantee a fully functional unit (as well as spotless floors).

Examining the Recovery Tanks

The recovery tanks of a commercial scrubber/dryer are used to store the solution that previously cleaned the floor. Thus, they are likely to contain a good amount of dirt and debris. In order to maintain the integrity of these tanks, they should be emptied and rinsed after each use. This is particularly important if you happen to be using harsh or abrasive chemicals.

Solution Reservoirs

In the same respect, make certain that all solution reservoirs are thoroughly emptied. If any cleaning agents are allowed to remain in place, it is likely that they will clog filters and other sensitive parts. Make it a habit to perform this task after each use.

Scrubbing Brushes and Pads

All pads and brushes will undergo a regular amount of wear and tear. These are also the areas that will be likely to accumulate the most dirt. It is important to clean all associated surfaces on a daily basis; particularly if you are planning to tackle a large job. Also, check for any signs of mechanical breakdowns (such as cracks or missing bristles). While a professional scrubber dryer hire firm regularly examines such equipment, it is still your responsibility that it is maintained in working order.

Examine the Water Jets

The water jets found on the base of the unit are essential when spraying down a floor. However, these small apertures will often become clogged or otherwise spray incorrectly. Be sure that all are functioning as they should. If you find that one has become blocked, remove it and soak it in a mildly acidic solution (vinegar can often work wonders overnight).

These daily checks will help to ensure that your floor scrubber/dryer is working properly. If you notice any problems that have not been mentioned within this list, it is best to contact Cleanhire as soon as possible. We will certainly be able to diagnose the issue; saving you time and aggravation.