Choosing and selecting the best cleaning equipment for your workplace may not be the most exciting decision you may have to make but making the right choice will pay dividends as you can achieve better results for less money if you research carefully. So if the only time you've ever shown an interest in brooms is when Dick van Dyke skipped across the rooftops of London in Mary Poppins then you're going to need some help to get the right one. So the question on everyone's list is how do you select the correct mop or broom equipment for your needs?
Surprisingly there are an enormous range of mops and brushes on the market all of which have their own unique pros and cons. It is also extremely important to consider the additional equipment you may need to supplement your mop or brush. Each mop and brush usually requires a unit for collecting the waste and it may also require a device to remove the waste from the brush to the collection unit. In the case of the mop this will be a wringer.
As a general rule mops deal with wet situations that need cleaning or sanitising whereas brooms generally deals with dry waste. There is of course a range of different products that deal well with both situations. A squeegee broom will generally work like a broom but will collect the wet waste and force it in the direction in which the broom user directs it. Unlike a mop you do not pick the moisture up in an attempt to squeeze it into a bucket. Also unlike a mop you do not use a squeegee to apply products, such as disinfectant products, to the surface you are cleaning. Squeegees benefit from the ability to move both wet and dry waste from the surface you are cleaning. If you plan to use multiple squeegees and want to avoid cross contamination of waste it may suit you to select squeegees with different coloured heads to help you differentiate between each.
V Floor sweepers are designed to clear large areas of floor from debris quickly and efficiently. They are generally designed to incorporate a scissor motion that collects the waste and channels it toward the centre of the broom. This means that although the broom can be opened to cover a larger space it still stores the already collected waste without it escaping. The scissor system means the reach of the broom can be easily increased or decreased to suit the size of the space that needs clearing. They are used prolifically in schools for clearing the dinner hall, sports hall or corridor. They come with covers that help attract the dust meaning that your efforts achieve the maximum results.
There is an enormous range of handles available for your broom or mop. These handles come in a variety of styles and with a wide range of qualities. The best handles stick to the principles of being light and strong. There are a variety of materials available as well. The most typical material used is plastic as these are generally lightest and durable. Wood is very much a choice for the past but the high end mop handles are made with aluminium. These are generally light and will last indefinitely. The type of grip that you use with your handle can also make a considerable difference. Fortunately it is often possible to mix and match your choice of handle with your favourite grip to ensure you have the combination that best suits you.
Taking good care of your cleaning equipment not only extends the life of your machines, but it saves you money too. Cleaning equipment such as vacuums, buffing machines, and automatic scrubbers can last years longer with the proper care. Caring for your cleaning equipment also shows your clients that you are a professional and you are serious when it comes to making their buildings look good! Proper maintenance of equipment helps to assure that your machine is available when you need it and will help to avoid those unexpected equipment breakdowns.
Preventative maintenance is the best practice for your cleaning machines. Your maintenance program should start when you buy a new piece of equipment. Although very few people actually do it, begin by reading the owner's manual. It will give you tips on operating the equipment as well as important advice on how to best maintain the equipment. With most of the large cleaning machines you buy, the distributor will offer custom training - be sure to take advantage of it! After you are familiar with the machine make sure that all of your cleaning employees that will operate that piece of equipment know how to properly use it.
Vacuum cleaners are the most used of all cleaning equipment and daily maintenance is the key to keeping your vacuums running smoothly. Check the bag, belt and brush roll often. One of the most important steps in maintaining your vacuum is to make sure the bag is emptied daily if necessary and before it is more than half full. Emptying the bag regularly helps to prevent clogs and will keep the vacuum running more efficiently. Before each shift employees should check the vacuum for frayed cords and any loose wires or parts. The problem should be corrected before the vacuum is used.
Employees need to pay attention to the vacuum's beater bar. The bar needs cleaning on a regular basis. It takes just a few minutes to remove any hair, carpet threads, and debris on the bar. Ignoring the beater bar can cause extra pressure on the belt drive and can even damage the belt. Belts on vacuums are easily replaced. However, if you are at all in doubt on how to replace the belt it is best to contact the distributor and get assistance.
Maintenance can be a bit more time consuming on more complex machines such as auto scrubbers and buffers. Wipe down the entire surface after each use. Also wipe the cord and make sure it is not frayed. Check the pads after each use and replace them as needed. Other routine maintenance includes blowing out the motor every 2 weeks and once a month check to make sure that all screws and bolts are tight. Rinse out the tanks after each use. Also inspect equipment for any cracks or damage.
Brushes on auto scrubbers can be magnets for small objects. Check and clean the brushes on a regular basis. Squeegees can also attract debris. Lint and hair can cause rips and tears in squeegees, which hinders the squeegee's effectiveness.
If you have battery-powered equipment, check the owner's manual so that you know what type of battery powers your scrubbers and buffers. If the equipment has an acid-battery, add distilled water as specified in the manual.
Make sure that any necessary parts are lubricated as directed in the manual. If you have any questions on the proper procedures always check with the distributor or manufacturer before doing any maintenance.
Various parts of any machine such as belts, brushes, and squeegees will need to be replaced as they become worn. The owner's manual for the equipment will have general guidelines on when to replace worn items. If the equipment is used by inexperienced operators or in extremely dirty conditions parts may need replaced more often than the recommended guidelines. Paying close attention to how the machine runs will help you decide when items should be replaced.
First impressions make a difference. Equipment that has a layer of dust, frayed cords, cracks or stains can give the impression that you do not care enough about your business to properly care for your cleaning machines. Likewise, if your customers see your equipment is clean and well cared for, it shows that you pay attention to detail. A few extra minutes each day in caring for your carpet and floor machines can pay off large dividends in the long term.
Both Shaun Parker & Steve Hanson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shaun Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, Auto Insurance and Wedding Bells. Shaun Parker is an expert on . He helps advise people looking to improve the efficiency of their cleaning. To find out more please visit. Shaun Parker's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Steve Hanson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cleaning Business, Business Plan and Home Appliances. Steve Hanson is co-founder of TheJanitorialStore.com, an online community for owners of cleaning companies. Sign up for Trash Talk:Tip of the Week at