Autonomous floor scrubbers are changing floor cleaning. Auto scrubbers can clean large spaces with minimal oversight and let your staff focus on other needed tasks. To get the most out of their floor cleaning ability, it’s important to prep their cleaning area. This guide will help you make sure your floors are ready for robotic floor scrubbers in your facility.

1. Clear Pathways

Robotic scrubbers use advanced sensors and mapping technology to move around. Cluttered pathways or areas with many obstacles can disrupt their performance and increase the risk of collisions. Your floor scrubber will perform best when you:

• Regularly remove debris, cords, or small objects from the floor.
• Designate specific areas for storage to keep pathways open.
• Mark permanent obstacles clearly with reflective tape or barriers for better detection.

2. Even and Well-Maintained Floors

Uneven surfaces or floors with many cracks can make it hard for an auto scrubber to navigate. This might take it longer to clean and lower cleaning efficiency. Make sure you plan around these issues to get the best performance:

• Repair cracks, potholes, or significant unevenness.
• Use appropriate flooring materials that are compatible with the scrubber’s brushes and pads.
• Conduct regular floor maintenance to prevent long-term floor wear and tear.

3. Adequate Lighting

Automatic scrubbers also use their advanced sensors to adjust to their surroundings in real time. Good lighting helps them detect obstacles and clean better. For the best results:

• Ensure that you light work areas well so that the sensors can detect objects.
• Improve areas with less lighting by adding brighter fixtures or temporary lighting.

4. Wi-Fi or Internet Requirements

Some modern auto scrubbers are similar to computers or cellphones. They use Wi-Fi or internet connections to work with facility management software or cloud-based monitoring systems. Custodial staff can watch the scrubber as it cleans from their phone or a tablet. Many of scrubbers also have programs that allow you to adjust their cleaning path in real time.

To support this feature:

• Make sure there's a reliable Wi-Fi connection in all areas the scrubber will operate.
• Build strong signal strength in large facilities by using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks.
• Work with your IT team to review network security and protect sensitive operational data.

5. Defined Cleaning Zones and Schedules

Defining cleaning zones and setting operational schedules can improve the scrubber’s efficiency. Programming the machine will give you a better idea of when and where it will be running. This includes:

• Mapping out high-traffic areas that need frequent cleaning.
• Setting up the machine to run during times when there are less disruptions
• Using the scrubber’s software to set up virtual boundaries and paths.

6. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Like any machine, autonomous floor scrubbers need regular maintenance to run at peak performance. Depending on how often your floor scrubber runs, it may need more frequent maintenance. A solid maintenance plan usually includes:

• Checking and replacing brushes, pads, and filters as needed.
• Cleaning sensors and cameras to maintain navigation accuracy.
• Updating the scrubber’s software to access the latest features and fixes.

7. Proper Training and Supervision

While auto scrubbers minimize manual labor, staff still play a vital role in their operation. A common myth is that robotic scrubbers replace members on a team, but that's not necessarily true. Instead, the best cleaning processes combine autonomous cleaning with human oversight.

Train your team to:

• Monitor the scrubber during operation to address any issues quickly.
• Understand the scrubber’s software for scheduling and troubleshooting.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks.

8. Environmental Factors

Consider the environmental conditions of your facility to optimize performance:

• Ensure temperature and humidity levels are within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
• Avoid using the autonomous scrubber in areas with excessive dust, which can interfere with sensors.
• Use appropriate cleaning solutions compatible with the scrubber’s system.

By creating the right environment, you can fully capture the benefits of an auto floor scrubber. Clear pathways, well-maintained floors, reliable connection, and proper training all contribute to smooth operation and impressive cleaning results. Taking time to set up your facility will protect your equipment and give you cleaner floors.

Would you like to learn more about how an automatic floor scrubber can transform your cleaning operations? Contact a Nassco Floor Specialist today.