Introduction
Spring is here, making it the perfect time for a deep clean! Proper cleaning is an absolute necessity for businesses that want to boost productivity, minimize long-term cleaning costs, maximize the life of their machinery, and ensure employee safety. That’s why Maybury offers a range of industrial and commercial cleaning products, including sweepers and scrubbers, vacuums, chemical solutions, and more.
According to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), facilities that adhere to routine cleaning and maintenance schedules experience a 5% boost in employee productivity. And there is more research to support this: According to a survey conducted by Staples, 94% of workers reported feeling more productive in a clean workspace, while 77% reported producing a higher quality of work in a clean environment.
Determining the right cleaning product for your facility can feel overwhelming with so many different product models and brands on the market. Keep reading for expert advice on how to evaluate the needs of your business and choose the right industrial cleaner to optimize efficiency and safety.
1. Understand Your Facility’s Specific Needs
First, asses your facility and its unique format before investing in any cleaning equipment. Here are some factors we recommend taking into careful consideration..
Surfaces
What surfaces are you cleaning? Concrete? Tile? Carpet? This is a good starting point for determining the type of cleaner you will need, as different surfaces require different types of cleaning. Concrete floors, for example, are often rougher and more porous than smooth tile or carpet, so you’ll need a machine that can effectively tackle grime and dirt embedded in these surfaces.
Facility Size
Next, evaluate the size of your facility, noting down square footage and spaces where maneuverability is important. If you’re considering larger cleaning equipment, like a ride-on model, also determine whether there is available storage space.
Amount of Debris Generated
How much dirt and debris do your operations emit? This will determine how often you’ll need to use your cleaning equipment and the type of machine you need. For example, light dust can usually be maintained with a sweeper, while heavier debris should be cleared and sanitized with a scrubber.
Power Source Availability
Figure out if your facility can support battery charging, propane, or electric-powered equipment. This will influence what cleaner you choose.
2. Understanding the Types of Industrial Cleaning Machines
When choosing the right cleaning equipment for your facility, it’s essential to understand the different cleaning models available. From walk-behind sweepers to autonomous scrubbers, each type of machine offers unique benefits.
Sweepers
Industrial sweepers are designed for cleaning large, open spaces such as warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. These machines are built to collect dust, dirt, and debris from the floor using rotating brushes and suction systems. Sweepers come in walk-behind sweepers and ride-on sweepers, allowing you to select one based on your facility’s size and cleaning needs. They are most effective at clearing dry debris, making them ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or dusty areas like production areas and loading docks.
Scrubbers
Scrubbers take cleaning a step further by scrubbing and washing floors. Equipped with rotating brushes, they decontaminate the floor surface, dispensing water and cleaning chemicals to remove grime, stains, and dirt. Walk-behind scrubbers are perfect for smaller spaces, and ride-on scrubbers are ideal for larger facilities. Scrubbers are particularly effective for floors that need deep cleaning or have stubborn stains such as grease, oil, or grime.
Sweeper Scrubbers
As the name suggests, sweeper scrubbers combine both sweeping and scrubbing functions into one efficient machine. These versatile machines sweep up dry debris and follow up with scrubbing, all in a single pass. This two-in-one functionality makes them ideal for large or highly trafficked areas where both functions are required. Sweeper scrubbers help save time, reduce the need for multiple machines, and streamline cleaning operations.
Autonomous Cleaners
Autonomous cleaning equipment, also known as robotic cleaners, represents the next evolution in industrial cleaning. These machines can autonomously clean large areas without human intervention. They use sensors and mapping technology to navigate spaces, ensuring thorough coverage while avoiding obstacles. Autonomous sweepers and scrubbers offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, labor cost savings, and consistency. They can run during off-hours or overnight, reducing disruptions and ensuring that your facility remains clean without the need for operators.
3. Choosing the Right Machine: Final Considerations
Once you’ve conducted a thorough assessment of your facility and considered the various cleaning models available to you, it’s time to choose your machinery.
Budget
Budget will be an important consideration: while autonomous cleaners may be more expensive upfront, they can help reduce labor costs and improve cleaning efficiency over time. On the other hand, sweepers and scrubbers come in a variety of price ranges depending on the model, allowing you to find a machine that fits your budget and meets your cleaning requirements. Be sure to account for both the initial purchase price and the ongoing maintenance and operation costs.
Customer Service
Before purchasing any cleaning equipment, it’s also important to determine whether the manufacturer or supplier offers strong customer support and maintenance services. Access to quick, reliable service can prevent costly downtime and keep your operations up and running. At Maybury, our service technicians offer comprehensive support to ensure that your machines operate at peak efficiency throughout their lifespan.
Test Before You Buy
Whenever possible, test different cleaning models before making a purchase. Many suppliers, including Maybury Material Handling, offer demo sessions or rental options so you can see how different machines perform in your environment. This trial testing ensures that the machine meets your expectations for performance and ease of use.
Brand
Choosing a reputable brand is crucial for quality, reliability, and longevity. Trusted brands like Factory Cat, PowerBoss, and Kodiak are known for their performance, innovation, and strong customer support. These manufacturers offer a range of models tailored to various facility sizes and cleaning needs, making it easier for you to find the right fit for your business. Opting for well-established brands also provides the benefit of easy access to replacement parts and dedicated service teams, making it easier to keep your equipment in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and organized facility is a top contributor to operational success. Not only does it create a safer work environment, but it also contributes to smoother workflows, fewer maintenance issues, and improved employee morale. It is important to understand your options for industrial cleaning because choosing the right equipment can keep your facility in top condition while also accommodating your needs and budget.
Maybury Material Handling Equipment is a trusted source for industrial cleaning equipment, and our cleaning experts are always willing to come to your facility to do a FREE survey and evaluation of your space and cleaning process.