A floor can look clean from a distance while still holding dirt around walls, corners, partitions and fixed furniture.
These hard-to-reach areas are some of the most commonly missed parts of commercial floor cleaning.
Over time, the difference between the main floor and the edges becomes increasingly visible.
Why traditional machines miss edges
Many floor scrubbers use a round brush or pad contained within a larger machine body.
The shape of the machine can prevent the cleaning head from reaching directly into square corners or closely following walls. Larger machines may also be unable to reach beneath bathroom partitions, shelving and low furniture.
Cleaners are then required to complete the remaining area by hand.
This creates a second cleaning process involving mops, brushes or smaller equipment.
The problem with relying on manual touch-ups
Manual edge cleaning can be effective, but it adds time and may produce inconsistent results.
During a busy shift, cleaners may focus on the main visible floor and postpone detailed edge work. Dirt can then accumulate in grout lines, corners and around fixtures.
Problem areas commonly include:
- Washroom partitions
- Skirting boards
- Doorways
- Beneath shelving
- Around toilets
- Under benches
- Stair edges
- Kitchen equipment
- Retail displays
Better access improves consistency
Cleaning equipment that reaches closer to edges can reduce the amount of manual follow-up required.
Low-profile machines can also access areas underneath fixtures that larger scrubbers cannot reach.
This does not eliminate the need for detail cleaning, but it can reduce the amount of floor left untreated during each shift.
Create a complete floor-cleaning process
A good floor-care plan should include:
- Removing loose debris
- Applying the correct cleaning solution
- Agitating the floor surface
- Recovering dirty water
- Checking corners and edges
- Inspecting the floor after drying
The cleaning solution and brush or pad should also be suitable for the flooring type.
Clean from wall to wall
Modern floor-cleaning equipment is being designed to improve access, manoeuvrability and productivity.
The DRYFT S-Motion Scrubber Dryer available through Cleanstar uses a low-profile head and high-speed scrubbing action to clean close to edges and underneath low fixtures.
Its S-Motion operation is designed to cover the floor efficiently while reducing the amount of repeated walking required.
A professionally cleaned floor should look consistent from the centre of the room to its most difficult corner.