cleaning machines

When you’re making use of an industrial cleaning companies services it will be useful to understand some of the terms that are used. It’s not a completely new language you need to learn but being able to explain what you want and whether there is a problem with something will improve communication.

Industrial cleaning machines are very similar to those you might use in the home, so using the right terminology will also benefit you in your daily life. Understanding the terminology will be very useful, should you ever be looking for the best machine to buy. The terms we’re about to introduce are used by manufacturers and service providers.

Industrial Cleaning Machine Glossary

Dimensions – As well as the actual dimensions of the machine itself, manufacturers also give details of the cleaning/working width and the squeegee width. Knowing the dimensions of the actual machine will be useful to know to ensure it can fit through doorways. However, the most important, when it comes to the actual process of cleaning, is the cleaning and squeegee width. Knowing these dimensions will allow you to determine how long a job will take.

Vacuum Power – a vacuum with a weaker suction power may take more than one single pass to clean the floor.

Tank Capacity – this figure will give an indication as to how long the scrubber can work before it needs refilling or emptying.

Brush/Pad – industrial floor cleaners use a cylindrical or roller brush or a disc pad. Which one is best really depends on the type of floor. Machines with a disc pad tend to be cheaper, simpler to maintain and replacing discs is less expensive.

Brush Pressure – this figure indicates the pressure the cleaning brush exerts on the floor and how efficient the cleaning process will be.

Brush Speed – this is how fast the brush rotates, agitating the detergent. More effective scouring is achieved with a faster speed.

Traction – some walk-behind machines have a traction drive that helps the operator move the machine. This feature can be very useful for larger and much heavier machines.

Max Area Performance – this figure is usually given as square metres per hour.

Machine Weight – this refers to the total weight of the machine and is usually given in kgs.

Power Source – it can be battery or mains powered. Both of which have their own advantages. For example, a battery powered machine can be used anywhere. However, mains powered machines can be used for as long as needed.

Sound Level – the acceptable level is 63dBA.

Industrial floor cleaning machines

Much like many other industries, the cleaning industry is enjoying a revolution and technology is now playing a big part in the process. It’s not an industry which is well-know for embracing advances. However, the need for improved productivity, reduced costs and the ultimate aim of exceeding customer expectations has caused operators and company owners to look at what technology has to offer. So what is available and how is it going to make a difference to the services on offer?

Advanced Scrubbing Technologies for Saving Water and Detergents

Thanks to the technologically advanced industrial floor cleaning machines, it is now possible for water and detergent usage to be more controlled. Traditionally, the floor cleaning machine has been inherently wasteful, both of water and cleaning solutions. Time was also wasted because the machines needed to stop and be emptied. These old machines were not very kind to the environment either, because of the excess use of chemical cleaning solutions. More advanced machines are now available. Flow rates can be changed easily by the operator, industrial cleaning machines can clean chemical-free, and the machines can also clean various surfaces without the need for a change of machine.

Automated Cleaning Systems

Thanks to the military, cleaning machines are now available that require no driver. Robots are also being developed that can help the average homeowner with regular cleaning tasks. An automated cleaning machine is able to reach areas that are often overlooked, such as windows and stairways. Rather than replacing the human element, automated machines are used in combination, especially when repetitive tasks are required. Which allows operators to concentrate their efforts on more meaningful cleaning tasks.

Management Systems

Much like many other businesses, the cleaning industry is now able to analyse data to make the whole cleaning process more efficient. Machines and operators can be tracked. Data on the location, operator, water and detergent used and how long the machine was working can all be recorded. When the data is analysed it will help operators to measure the effectiveness of the workforce and equipment and base futures decisions on the gathered information.

Technology has revolutionised so many areas of our lives. Shopping, communicating, washing, driving, entertainment and many other areas are now so efficient that we are able to lead much more productive lives. It is now starting to change the way cleaning operators conduct their businesses and the range of services that can be offered. There are bound to be many more advancements coming in the future.

Common Industrial Cleaning TasksCleanliness is critical such that it boosts the outlook of any industry. Some companies hire the services of cleaning from cleaning services specialised firms. On the other hand, others prefer to hire permanent employees to do the cleaning tasks. The look of your industry regarding cleanliness means a lot to your success, especially when business partners or investors visit you. Cleaning methods include pressure use, scrubbing, sweeping among others. Nevertheless, there are common industrial cleaning tasks that should be done in any industry.

1. Cleaning Floors

Floor cleaning is the most common industrial cleaning tasks in any industry. Workers, the management and visitors will always make the floor dirty. Various cleaning machines can ease this scrubbing of the floor. At Clean Hire, we have several available machines you can buy or hire that can suit your needs.

The type of machine to be used in accomplishing the task depends on a few factors including the company size and some cleaning workers. For instance, in a large company, they can buy our Large Combined Scrubber sweeper, which can mop a large space in a short period. In small and congested areas, our small Vipsa 35B cleaning machine can be used.

Industrial works will also raise the need for removal and cleaning of stains. In this task, there is need to use a possible solvent before using a scrubber. Removal of wax substances from floors is another common task in industrial cleaning. We have Viper Fang 20HD Scrubber Dryer that not only cleans but is adjustable to concentrate on a particular space to cleaning requirements.

2. Vacuuming Dust on Ceilings, Carpets and Curtains

Dust and toxin particles do not only attach the selves but goes ahead to settle on your ceiling. Dust removal from the ceiling has been modernised with use of Roof Vacuum Machine. The task is eased since the vacuum machine perfectly removes all the dust and any other foreign particles from the area it’s used. The task of removing dust from carpets is another common industrial cleaning task.

The carpets are used in conference halls, offices and some working areas to make them more appealing and also reduce accidental circumstances. These carpets are exposed to dust every day. Our available seeping machines can ease your dust removal task. You can buy or hire our industry vacuum cleaner to accomplish this task.

3. Rubbish Control

Rubbish collection and disposal is another common industrial cleaning task. The tasks require the use of disposal containers, emptying bins and trays. The responsibilities involved also include unloading those containers and permanent disposal of the waste collected.

4. Sweeping

Sweeping is done to remove dust or any other unwanted particles and small materials. It is preferred when there is a lot of dirt or small particle materials such as sawdust or when there are time constraints. Traditionally, industries used to sweep using blooms. Today, the industry can make use of our available Floor Sweeper, which can efficiently do the job in a short period with ease. All you do is to push as it sucks the unwanted particles.

Tasks that require several people to execute now need a few workers with the know-how to operate the cleaning machines. At Clean Hire, we offer you the best industrial floor cleaning machines your industry can wish to own or hire.

Nilfisk is a leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners that provide a unique experience and high value. Their vacuum cleaners are specially designed with the operator needs in mind. The compact design of their industrial vacuum cleaners makes their machines easy to use and highly manoeuvrable for enhanced reliability year after year.

Last year, the company ran a competition seeking to find out the oldest working Nilfisk cleaning machine. The competition was meant to put to the test the confidence that the company has in its cleaning machines. After the competition, Nilfisk GAE vacuum cleaner which has been in operation for over 60 years was crowned the oldest working Nilfisk cleaning machine.

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner was specifically designed to be used in the dangerous industrial environment mainly to collect dust and debris. For over 60 years, the machine has been in use serving different clients across the UK. The vacuum cleaner can be used both onsite and offsite.

Built from the strongest materials, the Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner is a real manifestation of the quality and durability of industrial cleaning machines designed by Nilfisk. The GAE vacuum cleaner has stood the test of time to become the oldest working vacuum cleaner in the country.

Highly Portable

The last thing you can worry about when using the Nilfisk Vacuum Cleaner is excess weight. The machine is lightweight and highly portable which provides the much-needed convenience. Its exceptional versatility and durability provide a unique performance that is required by the operator.

Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner can be used in both stationary and portable applications. The GAE vacuum cleaner is still an unparalleled cleaning icon in different industries. It is easy to use, and it allows the operator to quickly vacuum some of the common areas such as the stairs and corridors.

An Efficient Vacuum Cleaner

Unlike other vacuum cleaners that tend to leave behind dust and debris, the GAE vacuum cleaner is efficient and will leave you with a clean surface without any dust traces. The GAE’s unique and dynamic filtration system features a two and a quarter gallon capacity paper bag, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) exhaust filter, a microfilter and an extra-large main filter.

Maximum Particle Retention Capacity

The Nilfisk GAE Vacuum Cleaner is also capable of retaining at least 99.97% of all particles including those that are 0.3 microns in size.

The strong and unique combination of its quiet performance, powerful sanction, and greater filtration capabilities makes the vacuum cleaner suitable for use in a wide range of industrial applications including but not limited to hazardous dust removals such as lead and asbestos, contamination control in research labs and other dust-sensitive areas within the premises.

The vacuum cleaner also features an optional Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) exhaust filter capable of retaining up to 99.99% of all particles including those that are 0.11 microns in size.

Combustible Dust

In February 1999, an explosion in a Massachusetts Foundry killed three people and injured nine. The same scenario repeated itself in January 2003 when an explosion in a pharmaceutical plant located in North Carolina killed six and injured 38 individuals. The same year, another explosion in a Kentucky acoustics insulation manufacturing firm killed seven and injured 37. Five years later, an explosion took place at a Georgian sugar refinery that ended up killing 14 and injuring 38 people. The list seems endless. However, in all these explosions and many more, one thing was clear. The culprit was dust.

What are Dust Explosions?

A dust explosion is defined as the fast combustion of small particles suspended in the air, most notably but not always in enclosed locations. Dust explosions could take place in locations where dispersed combustible materials are present in high concentrations in the atmosphere or any other oxidising gaseous elements such as oxygen. Tiny particles of metal dust and metal particles are the by-products of the manufacturing process, and a cloud of them requires a spark to explode – which, in turn, can loft even more dust that triggers further explosions.

Dangers of Dust Explosions

Dust explosions are dangerous and harmful. Since 1980, more than 133 people have been killed by dust explosions in the United States alone. Despite killing people, these sorts of explosions have the capability of destroying buildings and hurling individuals across a room. Individuals caught in dustexplosions are often burned by the intensity of heat within the burning cloud of dust or get injured by flying objects and other falling structures. Furthermore, reports of people who have lost their sight or the ability to hear clearly as a result of dust explosions are not new. These are some of the dangers of dust explosion.

How to mitigate Dust Explosions

Dust explosions continue to kill and injure people. The statistics and staggering figures on the number of people killed or injured by these explosions are worrying. Something needs to be done urgently to eliminate incidences of dust explosions.

First of all, it is important for industries to invest in industrial vacuum cleaners among other industrial cleaning equipment tocontrol fugitive combustible dust. These equipment collect combustible dust into disposable bags which could then be piped outside. Furthermore, to avoid such explosions, the following needs to be done:

• Heated surfaces and systems should be separated from dust
• Dust residues should be cleaned at regular intervals
• Cleaning methods that do not generate dust clouds should be adopted
• Only approved vacuum cleaners for dust collection should be used
• A hazardous and dust inspection, housekeeping, testing, and control program needs to be developed and implemented
• Industries should utilise surfaces that minimise the accumulation of dust while facilitating cleaning
• Escape of dust from ventilation systems or process equipment should be minimised.

Industrial floor cleaningIf you are looking to hire a cleaning company in the near future, it is vital to understand the differences between industrial and domestic floor cleaning. This will enable you to make an informed decision on the type of cleaning service to procure.

The primary difference between the two modes is their area of operation. Domestic floor cleaning takes place in residential homes while industrial floor cleaning is carried out in commercial buildings. Commercial buildings include shopping centres, hospitals, banks, supermarkets, warehouses, and retail stores.

Here are some other differences between the two:

Cleaning Equipment used

Domestic floor cleaning has a lower level of sophistication as compared to industrial floor cleaning. As such, the equipment used is less sophisticated. Also, the surface area being cleaned is smaller and doesn’t require a host of equipment to clean. For example, for domestic carpet cleaning, only a vacuum cleaner is used to remove the debris from the surface.

For industrial cleaning, industrial cleaning equipment is used to cover a larger surface area in good time. For example, commercial carpet cleaning is done by steam where hot water is sprayed into the carpet and a vacuum removes any debris and dirt.

Floor cleaning technique

In domestic floor cleaning, floor polishing is done with tools such as mops, hand buffers and buckets. For smaller spaces, these equipment are enough to complete the job effectively. However, the technique is different for industrial cleaning; industrial cleaners use a range of equipment to scrub and polish the floor. This equipment can clean large surfaces in a shorter time compared to the domestic ones.

Cleaning time

Domestic cleaning can take place at any time provided both the cleaner and the homeowner agree on the time. This is because it takes lesser time and there is minimal disruption. Industrial cleaning usually takes place during off-peak hours such as in the evening. This ensures that there is minimal disruption of the staff working there and that the cleaning can be completed in good time.

At Cleanhire we are the ideal supplier of top-notch industrial cleaning equipment and machinery. Our main focus is on the sale, hire and lease of industrial cleaning machines. Over the years we have helped UK industrial spaces maintain high levels of cleanliness while using our equipment. We take pride in our happy clients, and we would love you to have you on board. Contact us today for top-performing, reliable industrial cleaning machines to buy or rent.

scrubber dryer

No matter what type of floor you have, regular upkeep is essential to maintain cleanliness and good condition. Different flooring materials require different processes to ensure effective cleaning and to prevent damage, and it can be tough to know which products are right for the job. For large areas, industrial floor sweepers are a practical solution, saving time and offering professional cleaning results.

Here are a few common floor types and a guide on how to clean them:

How to clean a concrete floor

Due to their porous nature, concrete floors are prone to absorbing stains. If there are any wet or oily stains, cover them with an absorbent material such as sawdust and leave it to soak up the stain. The quicker you can do this following a spill, the more effective it will be. You should then use a stiff broom to remove the sawdust, as well as any debris and loose dirt, or use water to flush it out if this is appropriate in the space. An industrial floor cleaner with a sponge mop should then be used to remove any deep staining that has penetrated the porous floor. Leave the floor to air dry.

How to clean a linoleum floor

You should never use solvents, scouring products or large amounts of water on linoleum flooring, as they can damage the surface. The best way to clean a linoleum floor is with all-purpose floor cleaner and a mop, although this may be very time consuming if you need to clean a large area. Scrubber dryers are an ideal solution, as they clean and dry in one pass, so you’re not left with a slippery and potentially hazardous surface. Disc scrubber dryers are the ideal choice for linoleum floors. Waxing the floor is a great tip to make it shine and speed up future cleaning.

How to clean a wooden floor

Wood floors add a feeling of luxury to a room but often require a lot of upkeep. How you should clean your floor will depend on what type of treatment the wood has been given. Wood sealed with polyurethane can be cleaned with a mop and water or with a mild floor cleaning solution. You should never use water to clean an untreated wooden floor. Wood that has been treated with lacquer, shellac or varnish will require a solvent-based cleaner and should be polished once dry. You should sweep or vacuum the floor before cleaning to get rid of any dust and debris. If the area is large or you have a lot of debris to clear, you might consider hiring an industrial floor sweeper to save time.

Ride on floor scrubbers are a revolutionary piece of kit that allow cleaning floors to be done in half the time and twice as effectively. Industrial floor care machines have given the cleaning industry a much needed tool to get the job done and there are many on the market that can make floor cleaning a painless task. There are two big players that dominate the market: Tennant and Comac. But the question is, which one is better?

Tennant Ride on Floor Scrubber

Tennant have incredibly high productivity rates and boast being able to clean 2,500 square metres per hour. One of the main benefits of the Tennant range is that a lot of them offer a scrubber-dryer combination that means you can minimise the risk of slips and falls.

Tennant T3 Scrubber Dryer
Tennant T3 Traction drive scrubber dryer.

The patented NanoClean technology converts water into cleaning solution and is a lot more efficient at waste disposal than cleaners offered by competitors. Tennant also have the added bonus of offering a range of ride on floor scrubbers that can suit any company of any size. They range from their Micro Ride On Floor Scrubber to the Industrial Floor Cleaner so even if you have a small space that needs cleaning it is likely you will find something that you can use in your setting.

Comac Ride on Floor Scrubber

Comac Innova 85B ride on scrubber dryer.

Comac also offer a wide range of industrial cleaning machines and like Tennant they strive to ensure there is something available for every position in the market. What Comac really specialise in heavy duty cleaners that can tackle dirt conditions associated with heavy industry. They also have an in house efficiency system called CDS that can enable to operator to dose water and detergent separately to reduce waste. Comac machines are also well known for being easy to use, so although they are designed to tackle heavy industry, anyone can use them.

Which One is Best For Me?

Deciding between a Tennant and a Comac ride on floor scrubber is something that can take a lot of thought. If you are a professional cleaning company this is a large investment which could change the way your company works, and if you are a company tackling its own industrial cleaning issues then you will also want to ensure that you get the most out of your spend.

Heavy duty industry like the medical industry or anything that is centred around food may well leave you with no choice but to go for a Comac. If you have strict regulations to adhere to their consistency will provide you with peace of mind.

If you are just a small company or you are just starting out your own cleaning company – then a Tennant may be your best option. Not only are they efficient but they are affordable enough to buy if you feel you may not use it that often. Their models make a great starter option for those who want to test the water.

Industrial vacuum cleanersIf looking into choosing from the range of industrial vacuum cleaners for your office or home, first we appreciate that you are on the right track for selecting the cleaner over the domestic one. Wise.

You would not just blindly drop in a cleaning services providers – just like Cleanhire, and order a random cleaner. You need to do your background research to figure out the precise kind of machine you need, or you could as well leave it to the experts like Cleanhire to guide you wisely.

Things to check

When choosing the most efficient and convenient cleaners, here are some of the things you need to factor in:

  • Type of cleaner

The type of cleaner you need depends on the specific duties you want to carry out. Do you need to clean wet surfaces or dry surfaces? Or do you also need it for recovering your valuables?

For liquids, the wet and dry model will do while if exclusively for dry cleaning, the cylinder vacuum is meant for you. Uprights are worth considering for their fast cleaning.

  • Strength of suction

Greater suction strength translates to a much better cleaning experience.The cleaners offer a great suction for all kinds of rubbish. However, this does not limit you from choosing the strongest machine for larger and heavier dirt.

  • Life of the machine

If you decide to purchase the machine, you need it to serve you for the longest time possible, it’s your hard-earned cash after all! Select the machine that suits your needs and last longest, while taking into consideration the warranty periods.

  • Noise

A noiseless machine is the most convenient to work with, like the Attix (62dB noise output). Quiet machines allow you to work at any time and any place.

  • Volume

The volume of the canister is key. A large volume means a reduced frequency of emptying the vacuum cleaner. To clean your large and much-littered floor, go for the biggest capacity possible.

  • Cost

Working on a tight budget, an expensive machine sounds like a luxury, but then, great service comes at a cost. Save up for an economical and highly efficient machine.

Cleanhire is the solution to your expert cleaning requirements. They provide a range of industrial cleaning machines including scrubber dryers, industrial floor sweepers and industrial vacuum cleaners from leading manufacturers such as Comac, Omnia and many others, for hire or purchase.