When a floor scrubber is not dispensing water, the first thing you should check is whether there is fresh water in the correct compartment. This may seem obvious, but often people who are unfamiliar with these machines may put the fresh water in the water recovery tank, leaving the fresh water reservoir empty. 

 

Always fill the solution tank to the fill line. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there may be a clogged hose, valve, or filter. Clean out these parts to fix this issue. If any parts are cracked or damaged, replace them as soon as possible. For machines that you rely on every day, consider keeping extra parts on the property to minimize downtime while you are getting the parts you need and fixing the machine.

 

The opposite end of this floor scrubber problem is the machine not picking up water. Leaving water on wood or vinyl floors could damage them and is a slipping hazard for workers, so this floor scrubber problem should be fixed as soon as possible. A floor scrubber machine could not be picking up water for a variety of reasons:

 

• The recovery tank is full.
• The squeegee, brush, or pads are damaged.
• The squeegee, brush, or pads are not installed properly.
• There is debris or a clog in the vacuum system.
• The debris tray is full.
• Part of the vacuum system is loose or broken.

 

Cleaners should ensure that the floors they are cleaning are free of debris before using the machine. They should also inspect the machine to make sure all parts are working properly, the solution tank is full, and the recovery tank and debris tray are empty. Brushes, pads, and squeegee blades should be removed and washed after each use. Replace them when they look damaged or worn out.

Floor scrubbers are large, heavy machines. It’s important for the operator of the floor scrubber to be able to steer it easily to avoid damaging any property or walls when cleaning and to clean effectively. A floor scrubber that isn’t driving well may need some mechanical attention. 

 

The floor scrubber not moving at all could be a sign of an issue with your power source. For corded machines, check the power outlet to ensure it’s working and the device is plugged in fully. Then, inspect the power cord for any damage. For battery-operated devices, ensure the battery is charged and installed correctly. Continued issues could mean it’s time to replace the battery. 

 

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It’s essential to remove debris before using the floor scrubber because if large pieces of debris get stuck in the brushes or hoses, the brush may stop spinning or responding to controls. The first step to troubleshooting this floor scrubber problem is inspecting the brushes, valves, filters, and hoses in the vacuum system for clogs. Washing brushes and filters in warm water can help clean up any gunk buildup. A broom handle or dowel works well to break up clogs in hoses.

 

Workers should clean brushes after every use. Debris such as wire, hair, or pallet wraps can get wrapped around brushes and could keep them from engaging. Removing and cleaning the brushes after each use also provides an opportunity to inspect them for damage that may not have been noticed otherwise.

 

To help your cleaning staff get in the habit of doing this after each use, you can create a commercial cleaning checklist that includes preventive steps to take before and after using the floor scrubber. Include what type of brush or pad should be used for different areas and scenarios.

 

If the scrubber brush not rotating issue continues, there may be a broken mechanical or electrical component in the machine, such as the belt or a fuse. For serious issues, consider calling a professional repair person. Improper work on the machine could cause even more problems in the future and potentially jeopardize employee safety.

If your machine is working but you aren’t getting the results, you may be using the wrong type of floor cleaning products. For example, concrete floors use a different detergent and a different brush or pad than wood floors. Softer, more delicate floors require softer cleaning pads than harder floors. Hard and uneven floors may require coarser pads or brushes and more pressure to clean fully. The type of cleaning machine you use also matters. You shouldn’t use a burnisher to deep clean floors or a carpet extractor on concrete.  

 

Here are some tips to improve cleaning efficiency and ensure optimal machine performance:

 

• Research your floor type to learn the best way to clean it.
• Make a commercial cleaning checklist, so you don’t miss any steps.
• Train cleaning staff on how to properly use a floor scrubber.
• Cleaning managers and staff should familiarize themselves with the machine’s controls like the speed, water flow, brush type, and pad pressure settings.
• Maintain the settings as needed for the best results.

 

Each machine model has its own specific operating instructions. See the manufacturer's manual for detailed cleaning, operating, and servicing directions. Generally, you want to inspect every part before and after each use. Make sure the debris tray and recovery tank are empty and clean, and check if the solution tank is filled with water and detergent in the correct ratio. Also, install the correct brush, pad, or squeegee.

 

For the most efficient clean, use a consistent path. Start from the farthest corner of the room and move in straight, slightly overlapping lines toward the exit. Work at a slow, consistent pace. Keep an eye on the water level and the scrub pressure, and adjust the settings as needed for optimal cleaning performance. Go over stubborn areas twice if needed. 

 

Remember to put “wet floor” signs down when you are done. Before storing the machine for its next use, empty and clean the recovery tank and debris tray. Leave the tank lids open to allow them to air dry and prevent mold and bacteria from developing inside. Remove and clean the used brush, pad, or squeegee. For battery-powered machines, plug them in to charge the battery. 

 

Looking for a machine that does it all for your large space? Check out Nilfisk’s combination sweeper scrubbers. 

A floor scrubber battery draining fast can leave your business or warehouse floors unclean and waste workers’ time waiting for it to recharge. This can be avoided with proper charging habits. If you are regularly using the machine, the operator should charge it immediately after cleaning, so it’s ready for the next day. A floor scrubber battery should be fully charged before using, because as the battery drains, certain controls may stop working. 

 

Never let the battery die completely, as that could damage it and reduce its lifespan. Also, avoid overcharging the battery for the same reason. You can check your battery level and output easily with a multimeter to monitor its health.

 

Expect a lithium battery in the floor scrubber to last up to 10 years. Lead-acid batteries only last 2-5 years and need regular maintenance. The more often the floor scrubber is used, the shorter the battery life will be.

 

If you’re going to store the machine for the off-season, follow these steps to optimize the battery’s life span:

 

• Fully charge your lead-acid battery or charge your lithium battery to 50%.
• Disconnect the battery from the machine.
• Store the battery in a temperature-controlled room to ensure it doesn’t freeze or overheat.
• Ensure the battery will not be exposed to moisture.

 

Proper usage and maintenance of the machine can help extend its battery life, but you may need to replace the battery at some point. When replacing the batteries, it’s essential to get the same type of batteries with the same voltage as the original and to wire them the same way (in a series vs parallel). However, it’s also possible to upgrade your battery system for more power. For example, if your machine is a 24V system that uses two 12V batteries in series, you may be able to upgrade to one 24V lithium battery. Lithium batteries often work better for longer periods.

Keeping the floors clean in a commercial or industrial space requires a floor scrubbing machine you can count on. Proper usage and regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of avoidable issues. However, no matter how diligent you are, machines may still malfunction.

 

We want you to feel empowered to fix your floor scrubber problems on your own. That includes being able to prevent, identify, and troubleshoot issues, but if you determine that the machine needs professional repair, we’re here for you! Nilfisk floor scrubber owners can request a service visit anytime. 

Are you using an old floor scrubber for your commercial or industrial space that simply isn’t getting the job done anymore? It may be time to shop for a new floor cleaning machine. Nilfisk offers reliable walk-behind, ride-on, and robotic floor scrubbers for either large warehouse spaces or compact offices. The built-in smart chemical portioning systems of our ride-on models ensure a deep clean while minimizing your use of energy and water. Contact Nilfisk today to learn more.