ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

How important is it for a scrubber dryer to be able to clean and dry a floor in the shortest possible time? Ann Laffeaty finds out – and asks manufacturers about the features that can potentially make a scrubber dryer more productive.

Scrubber dryers have two important jobs. First they need to be able to remove any grime and soiling from the floor. They then need to be able to dry the floor thoroughly so that it can be reused as soon as possible without creating a slip hazard.

But how can this be achieved? And is the ability to scrub and dry a floor quickly the chief requirement of a scrubber dryer? Or are there other factors that matter more when developing a machine?

Floor cleaning is often carried out when premises are at their quietest, says Robert Scott’s development manager for new products Gavin Holmes. “Rapid drying is less critical when businesses are closed or when there are fewer people around, and this allows for more water usage and a deeper clean,” he said.

“However, there are many instances when scrubber dryers are used during busy periods where there is a heavy footfall, and here the ability to clean and dry the floor quickly is of paramount importance. This is especially true in environments where cleanliness and safety are a top priority such as in healthcare and in settings where minimising downtime is crucial such as in retail and education.”

Safety is the primary concern during drying times, Holmes says. “Protecting the well-being of employees and customers is of utmost importance. Slips involving employees can lead to staff being away from work for extended periods. This reduces the effectiveness of cleaning and can be costly in terms of sick pay, agency fees and the cost of replacing the operator. There is also the potential for legal claims along with risks to the reputation of the company carrying out the cleaning work.”

He says the ever-rising cost of labour means some organisations are moving away from nighttime cleaning - which is often higher paid due to the unsociable hours – and switching instead to daytime operations. “In these cases, safety concerns are addressed by means of thorough risk assessments and training,” he said.

A swift clean-and-dry process will minimise disruption and downtime, according to Holmes. “This ensures that spaces can remain operational and safe,” he said.

Two key mechanical factors influence the speed of cleaning operations, he claims. “These are the suction power and the squeegee performance,” said Holmes. “A well-designed, high-quality squeegee will gather the wastewater and allow a powerful vacuum to suck up the water into the recovery tank. For these two components to work as efficiently as possible operators must regularly carry out basic but important maintenance tasks. For example, wiping the squeegee daily will give it a good, clean edge to collect the water while flushing the vacuuming hose each week will allow all the suction power to be focused on pulling up the water.”

Swift clean and dry

Robert Scott’s Metascrub-60 is said to combine optimal water dosing, a high-quality natural rubber squeegee and a powerful suction motor to provide quick drying times and good cleaning results.

Time and cost-efficiency are both key requirements for scrubber dryer customers, says Hako’s application technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “It is therefore important that a scrubber dryer should be able to clean and dry a floor swiftly. It is also about preventing hazards, such as those that can arise from residual water during manual cleaning.”

Fast cleaning reduces working time, lowers operating costs and minimises the amount of time that a floor cannot be walked upon, said Serfezi.

“Optimised brush speeds, powerful suction and innovative technologies will all combine to increase cleaning performance,” he said. “And when the machines are in operation, it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the sealing strips are in good condition. A good suction result is then guaranteed.” According to Serfezi, Hako machines combine state-of-the-art technology with ergonomic design and digital functions to ensure the cleaning process is efficient and reliable.

No disruption

Cleaning needs to enhance the environment rather than cause disruption, says Truvox executive director Gordon McVean. “Achieving rapid results minimises the amount of ‘cleaning in progress’ time,” he said. “Easy-to-use machines are essential because they contribute to time savings which also saves money. And a good scrubber dryer will provide a quicker, more effective clean than traditional methods and will do so with water alone, removing the need to use expensive and often potentially harmful chemicals.”

According to McVean, cleaning has become more of a front-of-house activity since the pandemic – and this makes a quick dry more crucial than ever. “Gone are the days when cleaning was carried out at night as though it were a secret,” he said. “And places such as hotel receptions and supermarkets are open 24/7 so there is no choice other than to clean while people are around.”

He claims the company’s Multiwash PRO range offers fast and effective cleaning with minimal disruption, while the Multiwash PRO Steam saves time because the steam helps to shift stubborn dirt more easily than traditional methods.

It is particularly important that floors in industrial and commercial environments are cleaned and dried swiftly, says Kärcher’s head of product management for scrubber dryers Christian Mrowka. “The ability to efficiently dry a floor is crucial in preventing slip and fall accidents because wet floors pose a significant safety hazard,” he said.

“A speedy dry is also important because it reduces labour, cuts costs and minimises the amount of time that the floor remains out of action. In commercial settings a floor that is unusable can disrupt operations and lead to losses. But by cleaning and drying the floor swiftly, businesses can minimise downtime and maintain a safe and efficient working environment.”

There are a number of factors that can contribute to faster scrubbing and drying, says Mrowka. “Machines that are easy to understand and intuitive to operate will reduce the time spent on preparation and minimise errors, leading to a faster overall cleaning process,” he said.
“Selecting the appropriate machine type for the specific task is also crucial. For instance, a compact, manoeuvrable machine is ideal for use in cluttered areas, whereas a combination sweeper-scrubber will be more efficient in large, open spaces.”

He says it is also important a machine should be capable of collecting debris efficiently. “In areas where there are significant amounts of debris a machine with a cylindrical brush deck will simultaneously clean and collect the rubbish, saving considerable time compared to machines with disc technology that may require additional steps for debris removal,” he said. “By considering these factors, cleaning professionals can optimise their scrubbing and drying processes for maximum speed and efficiency.”

Right solution, right floor

Other ways of improving productivity and hastening the process of scrubber drying include using the appropriate cleaning solution for the type of floor and dirt; ensuring the machine is properly maintained and training operators on the correct use of the machine, says Mrowka.

“Operators of scrubber dryers have also traditionally struggled with the charging practices for gel/AGM batteries leading to premature capacity loss and unexpected breakdowns,” he adds. “The use of lithium-Ion technology will eliminate these pain points and offers a lower total cost of ownership.”

He says Kärcher’s scrubber dryers are designed with ergonomics in mind which makes them easy to operate and manoeuvre. They also offer a choice between cylindrical and disc brush decks to allow for customisation based on specific cleaning needs. “Innovative features such as personalised user keys with pre-set cleaning programmes, onboard dosing systems, automatic fill and tank cleaning and Li-ion technology further streamline the cleaning process for maximum efficiency,” he adds.

Useful accessories

Various accessories can further help to enhance productivity, he says. “For example side brooms, side scrub decks and specialised brushes or squeegee blades can be tailored to carry out specific cleaning tasks. Understanding the unique requirements of each cleaning job is essential for selecting the most effective and productive solution.”

So besides being able to clean and dry efficiently, what other factors are important to customers?  Scrubber dryers need to be able to ease the floor cleaning task for the user, says Robert Scott’s Gavin Holmes. “Robotic systems designed to collaborate with humans can automate repetitive tasks such as scrubbing and drying,” he said. “Incorporating cutting-edge robotic technologies will speed up the process, delivering consistent results while also removing the need for multiple cleaning passes over the same area.

“This enhances efficiency and improves workplace satisfaction by reducing monotonous tasks for cleaning operatives while also offering the sustainability benefits of using less water and fewer cleaning products.”

Hako’s Klaus Serfezi says ergonomic and intuitive operating concepts will reduce fatigue and increase operator efficiency. “Training for operating personnel and digital solutions such as fleet management systems can also help to increase productivity,” he said.

And ergonomics are crucial, says Kärcher’s Christian Mrowka. “A well-designed scrubber dryer with good ergonomics will be intuitive to use while also being easier to operate and manoeuvre, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity,” he concluded.