Using floor cleaning machines gives superior results on nearly every metric. After all, floor cleaning by hand is tedious, backbreaking work. Surfaces must first be swept or dry mopped to remove debris then wet mopped or scrubbed to get rid of dirt, germs, and stains.

Achieving satisfactory results with this method is difficult, but the continuing labor shortage  makes it nearly impossible. Retaining workers is hard enough. Demanding they tackle difficult, and—in the case of restroom floors—disgusting jobs by hand will not boost morale. In fact, the entire floor cleaning machine market segment is projected to grow in part because their efficiency will help blunt the effects of the persistent labor shortage.

Here’s how industrial floor cleaners beat mopping every single time.

Cleaning Machines Offer Better Results

Floors are one of the first thing people notice when walking into a building. Shiny clean hard surface floors look inviting and professional. They project competence. Dirty floors, particularly in the restroom, turn customers off. They can also lead to dangerous slip and fall accidents.

This is why custodians regularly choose an industrial floor cleaner to service large, hard surface floors. This equipment works much faster and cleans more completely than mopping. Because the machine does most of the work, results remain consistent and repeatable. 

However, not all floor cleaning machines are the same. Autoscrubbers can be big and bulky, making it hard to maneuver around furniture or get into corners. They require users sweep or damp mop the floor before to remove debris and grit. Skipping this step can lead to scratched or dull finishes. Using the wrong cleaning pad can also damage floors. 

Newer technology, like the AutoVac Stretch™ from Kaivac, works as well as an autoscrubber without the bulk or the extra steps. Users can clean more than 25,000 square feet per hour and in most cases, they can also skip dust mopping. This leads to even greater productivity. These floor cleaning machines are much less expensive than traditional autoscrubbers and much more nimble.

Floor Cleaning Machines are Gentler to the Body

Mopping is more than time consuming drudgery. It is actually the second leading cause of cleaning related injuries. (Trash handling is number one.)

That’s because cleaning with a heavy, water-soaked mop is hard work. Custodians often make it worse by reaching, arching, or swinging the tool away from their body in an unsafe manner. This often leads to repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back pain. Mopping with certain cleaning chemicals exposes workers to dangerous VOCs that can lead to asthma.

Tile cleaning machines eliminate these risks. These tools, like the No-Touch Cleaning® systems from Kaivac, allow workers to remain upright. No twisting, bending, or reaching required.

These floor cleaning machines also deliver superior result. Mopping cannot fully remove dirt and pathogens. Even the most vigorous effort only manages to spread these contaminants around. Cleaning machines, actually remove dirt from the environment, creating safer, cleaner spaces.

Tile Cleaning Machines for Better Job Satisfaction

The annualized turnover rate for contract cleaners can be as high as 200%. Considering the elevated risk musculoskeletal injury and the unpleasant nature of the job (we’re looking at you filthy restrooms) it’s amazing that number is not higher.

Still, this level of turnover leads to the costly cycle of constant recruiting and onboarding. Meanwhile cleaning consistency and customer satisfaction suffers.

Investing in better technology, like a grout cleaning machine, can help break that cycle. These tools deliver superior results, are easy on the body, and make unpleasant work more dignified. For instance, when cleaning a restroom these state-of-the-art floor cleaning machines:

• Fully remove dirt, germs, and pathogens from fixtures and touchpoints
• Eliminate smelly bacteria trapped in grout lines between tiles
• Allows workers to remain upright; no bending, twisting, or crawling required
• Keeps workers far away from dangerous, disgusting messes

Cleaning restrooms is not fun. But adding an industrial floor cleaner like a No-Touch Cleaning system from Kaivac to the toolkit makes the job easier, faster, and much more dignified.

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