For speedy cleaning and disinfecting of larger areas of hard and resilient floor coverings, scrubber dryers can be used in addition to manual cleaning equipment. These machines can wet scrub and vacuum in a single pass. This way, work is carried out both hygienically and efficiently.
Advantages of scrubber dryers
The advantage of mechanical cleaning with a scrubber dryer over manual cleaning with for example a mop, is that floors are cleaned and vacuumed in a single pass. this removes dirt and germs which cannot accumulate in a manual cleaning cloth or mop.
The risk of contamination via hands is also reduced by contact-free cleaning. The use of scrubber dryers also increases efficiency: Thanks to the higher area output, a larger area can be cleaned in a shorter time.
A further advantage: Detergent can be added precisely in the correct quantity thanks to dosing systems.
In addition, scrubber dryers apply a much higher contact pressure to the surface to be cleaned. This also increases the cleaning performance compared to a mop.
Disinfection of floors with scrubber dryers
Scrubber Dryers can be used for the disinfection of floors. It is important to follow both the correct chemical dosage and the exact application time, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. For chemical disinfection of the coronavirus, according to the Robert Koch Institute, agents with the range of action “limited virucidal” (effective against enveloped viruses), “limited virucidal PLUS” or “virucidal” must be used (source: rki.de).
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How to get the correct dosage of disinfectant with a scrubber dryer
The two best ways to achieve the correct dosage of disinfectant in a scrubber dryer are:
- via automatic dosage in a de-centralised disinfectant dosing unit, for example in the equipment room, or,
- in a measuring cup to the correct ratio of disinfectant to water.
The disinfectant solution is then poured into the fresh water tank of the Scrubber Dryer. Dosing systems built into Scrubber Dryers are not suitable for this purpose.
Procedure for the mechanical disinfection of floors
For successful disinfection, sufficient active ingredient must reach the floor surface. In order to achieve this, the flow rate should be selected according to the floor covering so that an even wetting is produced. It is helpful to use microfibre textiles or a material pad – brushes are less suitable for this.
In order to achieve the required reaction time, it is essential to work in the one-step method – i.e. without suction. The disinfectant solution is simply applied to the floor with the Scrubber Dryer. Then the surface is allowed to dry.
After using the Scrubber Dryer
The Scrubber Dryer must be thoroughly cleaned or disinfected after the disinfection activity is completed. In addition, the excess disinfectant solution must be drained from the fresh water tank to prevent the machine from becoming contaminated.
Ideally, the fresh water cover, fresh water drain cover and the dirty water cover should remain open after dismantling to speed up drying.
Should I use acidic or alkaline cleaning agents with scrubber dryers?
It is recommended to change between acidic and alkaline foam cleaning products, so that microorganisms cannot adapt and do not develop resistance. The same applies to disinfectants.
In addition, acids counteract the build-up of inorganic deposits such as lime. Here an alkaline cleaning agent is not sufficient. Organic soiling is dissolved well by alkaline cleaning agents. This is important, because deposits are particularly good adhesion bases for bacteria and viruses.
When using acidic cleaning agents, please note that tile joints may have to be watered beforehand. This prevents them from absorbing the acid and being damaged.
Cleaning textured/structured floor coverings with a scrubber dryer
Textured floor coverings are more difficult to clean with manual cleaning systems such as wipers and mops. The problem is that when using manual cleaning methods, dirt and detergent or protective product residues can only be superficially wiped off the surface tiles, as mops and cloths do not get into the joints. On the one hand, these residues look unattractive and on the other hand they provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
This problem can be avoided by using Scrubber Dryers with roller brush technology, as these use soft brushes to reach into the structure and loosen the dirt that is then being vacuumed off. Another advantage of roller brushes is that even coarser dirt particles are swept up and the step of pre-sweeping is saved.
