This inexpensive part can make or break the results of your floor scrubbing job: the squeegee.
One key advantage of using an industrial floor scrubber is the ability to leave floors virtually bone dry immediately after they have been cleaned. This promotes increased safety by reducing the risk of slips and falls due to wet floors. It also saves time by allowing customers and employees to safely use the space that was cleaned without having to wait for the floors to air dry. As the machine moves forward, the squeegee removes the dirty water and moisture that remains after the brushes on the scrub head clean the floor.
If you are using a scrubber and no longer seeing the results that you’d expect, check your squeegee. Is it worn down? Is it cleaned regularly? Perhaps you are not using the best type for the job.
There are 3 main materials most often found on floor scrubbers. They are Gum Rubber, Urethane, and Linatex®. The density of the material makes all the difference in results.
Types of Squeegees Commonly Used on Floor Scrubbers
1) Gum Rubber
This is the most cost efficient material that is commonly used for squeegee blades. Ideal for use on smooth, even surface applications such as shopping malls, hospitals, or other public spaces, the gum rubber squeegee can remove the maximum amount of water from tile floor where pedestrians will be walking. Gum rubber should not be used in oily applications because the material will absorb the oil and lose its shape, making it less effective. Gum rubber squeegees typically wear out faster than other materials, which is a factor to consider when evaluating the low cost of this squeegee.
2) Urethane
This durable squeegee can remove water extremely effectively from virtually any environment including uneven surfaces. Urethane is much more malleable than gum rubber and does a much better job at adhering to the level of the floor. Urethane is the most oil resistant squeegee on the market so there is no need to worry about your squeegee soaking liquids up and dragging them across the rest of your floor. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is a softer material so it may wear a little quicker but it definitely will do a more impressive job than a low cost gum squeegee.
3) Linatex®
This premium, natural material squeegee is able to tolerate oil and chemicals much better than a gum rubber squeegee. Typically red in color, Linatex® is also more consistent at removing excess moisture from smooth and rough surfaces. Linatex® has a longer wear life than gum rubber and is flexible, rip resistant, and performs outstandingly well. With its premium ranking, Linatex® generally comes standard on most Tennant floor scrubbers. This long lasting material is a good choice for a broad range of applications.
A quality squeegee assembly removes the maximum amount of water. The wet floor left behind by a typical mop and bucket can be a slip, trip, or fall hazard for employees and customers. Therefore, the ability to leave the floors dry after cleaning is a big benefit of using a floor scrubber. The blade of a good squeegee assembly is made from durable rubber or silicone compounds and the metal will not corrode over time from contact with floor cleaning chemicals. The unique stainless steel parabolic squeegee with urethane blade that comes standard on the Bulldog Floor Scrubber, for example, will not rust or corrode, even with daily use.
Maintaining your squeegee is part of maintaining your equipment. Worn and torn squeegees do not remove water very well. Build up of dirts and oils can also cause streaking, so make sure your squeegee is wiped with a clean cloth frequently. Also, keep an eye on the alignment of your squeegee assembly. The bracket of the squeegee assembly may become bent or misshapen if the operator hits something hard enough while scrubbing, depending on the construction of the assembly. A squeegee that isn’t level for this reason would cause water to be left behind on the floors.
Having water pick up issues due to your squeegee? Check out this demonstration on how to tighten or loosen the squeegee band on the squeegee assembly of most floor scrubbers.
The squeegee finishes the floor cleaning job. Choosing the right squeegee for your application can help make your floor scrubber more efficient so that chemical, water, or soil is not left behind on the floor after it has been cleaned. This low cost item, available for speedy delivery from our parts store, can have a significant impact on performance.