What precautions must be taken when using a scrubber dryer?

Commercial floor scrubber dryers play a critical role in maintaining hygiene and safety across retail, industrial, logistics, and public facility environments. However, improper preparation or use can lead to equipment damage, reduced cleaning efficiency, and significant safety risks.
This guide summarizes the essential precautions operators must follow, based on international best practices and manufacturer guidelines, to ensure safe, compliant, and effective cleaning operations.

1. Safety requirements and regulatory compliance

Before using a floor scrubber dryer, operators must comply with local electrical, battery-handling, and chemical-safety regulations, which differ by country or region.

Battery & charging safety

• Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer.
• Verify that the input voltage matches local standards (e.g., 100–120V / 220–240V depending on region).
• Fully insert the charging plug to avoid overheating or contact failure.
• Never charge the machine in wet or unventilated areas.
• Avoid interrupting charge cycles unless using opportunity-charging batteries (e.g., Li-ion systems).

Electrical & regulatory compliance

• Follow national workplace safety rules (e.g., CE in Europe, OSHA in the US, RCM in Australia).
• Ensure operators understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all detergents used.
• PPE such as non-slip shoes, gloves, and eye protection is recommended depending on chemical strength.

Failure to follow these requirements may result in non-compliance penalties, electrical hazards, battery damage, or chemical injuries.

2. Understanding types of ground waste

Before scrubbing, operators should understand what type of dirt or debris exists on the floor, as this determines the proper cleaning method.

Pre-sweeping

Use a sweeper or manual tools to remove:

• paper, cardboard, small parts
• sand, dust, debris
• loose packaging

Large debris blocks the squeegee, reduces water pickup, and may damage hoses.

Choosing the correct detergent

• Identify the nature of contamination (e.g., oil, grease, protein, mud).
• Select a detergent with the opposite pH for best performance:
• Grease/oil (acidic soils) → use alkaline detergent
• Mineral scale (alkaline soils) → use acidic detergent
• Ensure the chemical is environmentally safe and compliant with local wastewater regulations.

Water temperature

• Warm water improves cleaning efficiency.
• Do not exceed 40°C, as higher temperatures can deform hoses, seals, and water valves.

3. Assessing the condition of the clean area

Operators must conduct a safety assessment of the cleaning environment.

High-risk areas

• Ramps / slopes
• Loading docks and platforms
• Underground levels or basements
• Areas with poor lighting or tight aisles

Key precautions

• Confirm the scrubber’s maximum allowable climbing angle.
• Reduce speed on slopes to maintain traction and prevent tipping.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when using strong chemicals in enclosed areas.
• Maintain safe distance from platform edges to prevent accidental falls.

4. Environmental preparation and signage

To ensure safe operation around pedestrians:

Traffic & pedestrian control

• Deploy “Wet Floor” and “Cleaning in Progress” signs.
• Reduce speed, water flow, and noise when cleaning near people.
• Avoid sudden direction changes.
• Keep water recovery effective to minimize slip risk.

5. Pre-operation precautions: preparing the machine

Before starting the machine, operators MUST complete the following checks:

Before use

• Unplug the charging cable.
• Check that the squeegee assembly and hoses are securely installed.
• Fill the clean water tank; add detergent only according to floor condition.
• Turn on the key switch and confirm battery charge level.

These steps help prevent water-supply issues, poor cleaning performance, and mid-operation shutdowns.

6. Post-operation precautions: cleaning and maintenance

After cleaning is completed, operators must follow these steps:

After use

• Park the machine, turn off scrubbing functions, and lift the squeegee.
• Drain the recovery tank through the drain hose.
• Remove and clean the debris filter to eliminate solid waste.
• Rinse the recovery tank thoroughly.
• Drain the solution tank and clean the solution filter.
• Remove the brush/pad, check wear level (bristles ≥15 mm), and clean.
• Remove the squeegee; inspect blade wear and clean thoroughly.
• Plug in the charger—ensure the plug is fully inserted for a stable connection.

These procedures prevent odor, bacteria buildup, filter blockage, and premature component wear.

7. Storage precautions: ensuring longevity and safety

Proper storage is essential for long-term machine performance.

Storage requirements

• Store indoors, in a clean, dry, and ventilated environment.
• Avoid moisture, standing water, or corrosive environments.
• In cold climates, store the machine in heated or insulated rooms.
• Add an appropriate antifreeze solution to tanks in sub-zero environments to prevent ice damage.
• Ensure the storage area meets local electrical safety standards.

Correct storage prevents corrosion, battery degradation, freezing damage, and electrical hazards.

Conclusion

Using a floor scrubber dryer safely and effectively requires more than simply pressing the start button. Operators must understand the cleaning environment, choose suitable chemicals, prepare the machine correctly, and follow disciplined post-cleaning maintenance.

By applying these precautions—and adhering to local regulations—facilities can ensure:

• Higher cleaning quality
• Improved operator safety
• Lower maintenance costs
• Longer machine lifespan