The Importance Floor Scrubber Squeegee Blades and Why You Should Look After Them

09 Jan

The Importance Floor Scrubber Squeegee Blades and Why You Should Look After Them

Squeegee blades are the unsung heroes of your floor scrubber, playing a crucial role in delivering a thorough and safe clean. These small but mighty components do more than just scrape water; they are the backbone of an efficient cleaning process. By collecting water and cleaning solution left behind after scrubbing and guiding it into the vacuum recovery system, they ensure floors are left spotless and dry—helping to minimise the risk of slip-and-fall incidents.

The squeegee assembly works seamlessly, with the front blade gathering water and the rear blade ensuring thorough suction. This efficient water management system not only enhances cleaning results but also keeps your workspace safer and more hygienic. However, like any hardworking component, squeegee blades need regular care. Worn or damaged blades can lead to streaky floors, poor water recovery, and even potential safety hazards.

In this blog, we’ll explore why squeegee blades are a pivotal part of your floor scrubber and how maintaining them can boost both performance and safety. If you rely on spotless results and a safe environment, these are details you can’t afford to overlook.

Materials Used in Squeegee Blades

When it comes to choosing the right squeegee blades for your floor scrubber, several materials are available, each offering specific benefits suited to different floor conditions. Here’s a look at the most common types:

Natural Rubber Blades

Natural rubber blades are crafted from latex obtained from rubber trees. They are soft, flexible, and light tan, making them ideal for smooth surfaces and tile floors with grout lines. However, it’s worth noting that these blades typically have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, wearing out more quickly.

Polyurethane (Urethane) Blades

Polyurethane blades are made from a synthetic material that boasts high chemical resistance. These blades are particularly effective in industrial environments with oily or rough floor surfaces. They work well on uneven floors and can handle sharp debris, making them versatile and durable. Commonly found in opaque colours such as white, yellow, or blue, polyurethane blades are a robust choice for challenging environments.

Linatex® Blades

Recognisable by their distinctive red colour, Linatex® blades are renowned for their exceptional tear-resistance and durability. They havexcellent chemical resistance and provide consistent performance across a wide range of floor conditions, making them a multi-purpose option suited for both routine and heavy-duty cleaning.

Best Practices for Squeegee Blade Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your floor scrubber’s squeegee blades is essential for achieving optimal cleaning results and extending the life of your equipment. Here are some practical tips to help you get the best performance from your squeegee blades:

Regular Inspection

At the start of every shift, thoroughly inspect the blade’s working edge for signs of wear, such as tears, curled edges, or other visible damage. During extended production runs, use a durometer gauge to measure the blade’s hardness and identify any softening that may affect performance.

Proper Usage

Make sure the squeegee stays in full, even contact with the floor along its entire length. To help the blade last longer, rotate it regularly and use each side for no more than four hours when dealing with harsh cleaning solutions.

Cleaning and Storage

Clean and dry the squeegee blade thoroughly after each use to avoid residue buildup. Store it in a cool, dark spot, away from sunlight and dry air, and make sure it’s not resting on its rubber edge to keep it in great shape.

Rotation and Replacement

Rotate the squeegee blade regularly to use all four sides and get the most out of it. Watch for streaks or wet patches during use as a sign it’s time for a replacement, ideally after about 15 hours of operation or sooner if necessary. Keep spare blades handy for quick swaps when needed.

Performance Optimisation

Give the floor a good hoover with a commercial vacuum cleaner if possible before scrubbing to stop debris from getting stuck under the blade. Keep an eye on the vacuum system, checking for any air leaks or damaged hoses that might affect how well the squeegee works. Also, make sure the recovery tank seal is in good shape and the lid is firmly closed for everything to run smoothly.

Signs Indicating Blade Replacement

Maintaining a clean and dry floor is crucial for both safety and aesthetics in any environment. However, if your floor scrubber is leaving undesirable results, it might be time to consider replacing your squeegee blades. Here are some clear signs that indicate a replacement may be needed:

Presence of Large Puddles: Large puddles of water left after cleaning indicate that the squeegee blades are not making proper contact with the floor. This is usually a result of wear and tear, which reduces their effectiveness and needs to be addressed.

Decreased Performance: A clear sign that your floor scrubber requires attention is a noticeable decline in its cleaning performance. If the machine struggles to leave floors spotless and dry in a single pass, it’s a strong indication that the squeegee blades have worn down and need replacing.

Chattering or Vibrations: If you notice your floor scrubber making chattering sounds or vibrating during use, it could point to an issue with the squeegee blades. However, it’s worth noting that other factors, like incorrect tensioning or misalignment, might also be the cause.

Before you determine that the blades need attention, try adjusting their height to see if that resolves the problem. If you’re experiencing any issues with your floor scrubber or need assistance with replacing parts, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced technicians. We’re here to help you get your machine back in top working condition.

Before you determine that the blades need attention, try adjusting their height to see if that resolves the problem. If you’re experiencing any issues with your floor scrubber or need assistance with replacing parts or need a floor cleaning machine repaired, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced technicians. We’re here to help you get your machine back in top working condition.