The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Floors Spotless with Elerein E130 Floor Scrubber

Whether you're maintaining a commercial warehouse, a school hallway, or a large retail space, a floor scrubber machine is a game-changer for efficiency and cleanliness. But to get the best results—and protect your investment—it’s essential to use the right cleaning methods. Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering floor scrubber maintenance and operation.

Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Preparation

The 80% Rule of Cleaning
A floor scrubber is designed for cleaning, not heavy debris removal. Always sweep, dry mop, or use a vacuum to remove loose dirt, dust, and grit before you start. This prevents debris from scratching the floor and clogging the machine’s recovery system.

Inspect the Machine

• Check the brushes or pads for wear and tear.

• Ensure the solution and recovery tanks are empty and clean.

• Verify that squeegees are in good condition and properly aligned.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

Match the Solution to Your Floor

• Concrete & Industrial Floors: Use a heavy-duty degreaser or alkaline cleaner.

• Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) & Linoleum: A neutral pH cleaner is ideal to avoid stripping the finish.

• Epoxy & Sealed Concrete: A gentle, non-abrasive cleaner will preserve the sealant.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s dilution ratios. Too much chemical can leave residues and damage floors; too little won’t clean effectively.

Pro-Tip: When in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Step 3: Machine Setup & Operation

Fill Tanks Correctly

• Solution Tank: Fill with clean water and the appropriate measured cleaner.

• Recovery Tank: Ensure it’s empty and the float (if equipped) is functioning to prevent overflows.

Select the Proper Brush or Pad

• Brush Types: Stiff brushes for heavy grime on concrete; softer brushes for polished surfaces.

• Pad Drivers: Use color-coded pads—red for stripping, black for scrubbing, green for daily cleaning, and white/buff for polishing.

Operate with Technique

• Overlap your passes slightly to ensure complete coverage.

• Move at a steady, moderate pace—rushing can reduce cleaning effectiveness.

• On auto-scrubbers, adjust the down pressure based on floor soil level.

Step 4: The Cleaning Process

1. Engage the solution flow and brushes/pads before moving onto the floor.

2. Work in systematic, straight lines, typically starting from the farthest corner and moving toward exits.

3. Monitor the foam and suction—excessive foam might indicate too much detergent; poor suction may mean a clogged squeegee or recovery tank full.

Step 5: Post-Cleaning Machine Maintenance

This step is critical for machine longevity.

Empty and Rinse Tanks Immediately

• Drain the recovery tank first, away from the cleaned area.

• Rinse both tanks thoroughly with clean water to prevent chemical buildup and odors.

• Leave lids open to air dry and prevent mildew.

Clean Brushes, Pads, and Squeegees

• Remove and rinse brushes or pads.

• Check the squeegee blade for nicks and clean debris from the channel.

• Store brushes/pads separately to avoid deformation.

Inspect and Charge

• Check for any debris wrapped around brushes or in corners.

• Wipe down the entire machine.

• Recharge batteries fully if it’s an electric model (never store with a dead battery).

Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Streaky Floors: Often caused by a dirty squeegee, incorrect squeegee angle, or too much cleaning solution. Clean or adjust the squeegee and reduce chemical usage.

• Water Left Behind: Check for recovery tank overfill, clogged suction hose, or worn squeegee blades.

• Poor Scrubbing: Worn brushes/pads, low down pressure, or incorrect brush type for the floor.

Sustainable Cleaning Tips

• Conserve Water & Chemical: Use only the necessary amount. Modern scrubbers are designed to be efficient.

• Regular Maintenance: Well-maintained machines use energy more efficiently and last longer, reducing waste.

• Green Chemicals: Consider environmentally certified cleaning solutions for a healthier workspace and planet.

The Bottom Line

A floor scrubber is a powerful ally in maintaining large floor spaces, but its effectiveness hinges on proper method and maintenance. By following these steps—preparation, correct chemical use, systematic operation, and diligent aftercare—you’ll achieve consistently superior results and extend the life of your equipment.

Happy Scrubbing! Your floors—and your facility—will shine.