We manufacture floor scrubbers, and we have also assisted our partners in repairing hundreds of units. We can state with absolute certainty: the machines that break down after just 18 months—and those that run flawlessly for five years—were all built by the same workers, using the same components, on the very same production line. Therefore, to help our customers reduce the total cost of ownership for their cleaning equipment, we have compiled a 15-minute “Floor Scrubber Maintenance Guide,” based on the tasks operators should perform immediately after completing their daily cleaning duties.
This guide covers the following five areas:
① Daily operational procedures for operators to follow;
② A periodic maintenance schedule for long-term care;
③ A troubleshooting section;
④ General recommendations;
⑤ Supply of spare parts and consumables;
① Operational Procedures and Precautions After Each Use:
These steps must be performed after *every* cleaning session—not just once a week, and certainly not merely whenever you happen to remember. They must be done after *every* use. The total time required is approximately 15 minutes.
Step 1: Empty and Rinse the Recovery Tank (3 minutes)
The recovery tank holds the dirty water that the machine has just vacuumed up from the floor. It contains dirt, grease, chemical residues, and bacteria. If left to sit overnight, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria—and by “bacteria,” I mean a foul, nauseating odor that will make the next operator feel sick before they even start the machine. If you are concerned about the maintenance costs associated with floor scrubbers, you may also wish to compare the maintenance requirements of floor sweepers versus scrubbers.
Open the drain outlet to empty the water, then rinse the interior thoroughly with clean water. Drain it again. Leave the lid open to allow the tank to air-dry naturally.
Step 2: Empty and Rinse the Solution Tank (2 minutes)
Even the clean water tank requires rinsing. Detergent residues can crystallize over time within the tank and the intake lines, eventually clogging the solenoid valve that controls the water flow. A clogged solenoid valve will cause the machine to stop dispensing cleaning solution while in operation. Be sure to rinse it out after every use.
Step 3: Remove and Clean the Squeegee Blades (3 minutes)
Pull the squeegee assembly out from the rear of the machine, then remove both the front and rear squeegee blades. Wipe clean with a clean cloth. Inspect for the following:
A. Nicks, tears, or missing sections in the rubber edges—these will cause streaking on the floor during operation.
B. Debris embedded in the rubber (staples, metal shavings, grit)—remove them.
C. Uneven wear on one side—the squeegee may be misaligned.
D. Replace the squeegee blades on the machine, ensuring that when the assembly is lowered, both blades sit flush against the floor.
Step 4: Remove and Inspect the Brush or Pad (3 minutes)
Remove the brush or pad from the floor scrubber and rinse it under running water to remove dirt and debris. Inspect for the following:
A. Bristle length is less than half of the original length—it is time for a replacement.
B. Debris (string, wire, hair, etc.) is tangled around the brush shaft—cut it away.
C. Stand the brush or cleaning pad upright to air dry. Do not leave a wet brush lying face-down on the floor overnight—this will deform the bristles and result in uneven cleaning performance during the next use.
Step 5: Clean the Filter Screen (2 minutes)
The filter screen is located between the recovery tank and the vacuum motor; it serves to trap debris that the squeegee cannot catch—such as hair, paper scraps, and large particles. If the filter screen becomes clogged, vacuum suction will drop, and the floor will remain wet.
Remove the filter screen, rinse it with water, shake it dry, and then put it back in place. This takes only 30 seconds; if you skip this step, your vacuum motor could be damaged by water ingress.
Step 6: Plug In and Charge the Battery (1 minute)
Charge the machine immediately after use; do not wait until the next morning. For lead-acid batteries, partial charging leads to sulfation—a chemical process that permanently reduces battery capacity. While this issue is less severe for lithium-ion batteries, fully charging the unit after every use remains the best practice. Step 7: Wipe Down the Exterior of the Machine (1 minute required; optional, but recommended)
Wiping down the exterior of the floor scrubber helps prevent odors and bacterial growth, stops dirt from hardening, maintains the machine’s clean appearance, protects internal components from corrosion, and extends the machine’s overall service life.
It’s that simple. Seven steps, fifteen minutes. It may take your operators about two weeks to get used to the routine. After that, it will become second nature—pure muscle memory. Otherwise, you could end up spending $5,000 to replace the machine, while your storage room becomes permeated with the stench of fermenting recovery water.
② Floor Scrubber Periodic Maintenance Plan:
In addition to daily upkeep, certain components require scheduled inspection and replacement. The following is a suggested maintenance schedule covering short-term, medium-term, and long-term intervals:
Cycle 1:
Every 50 hours: Inspect the squeegee blades for wear. If one side of a blade is worn, flip the squeegee blade over (most squeegee blades feature two usable edges). Inspect the brushes/pads for wear.
Cycle 2:
Every 100 hours: Replace the brushes or pads. The specific replacement interval depends on the floor type—rough concrete floors cause brushes to wear out faster than smooth floors. Check the wear indicators on the brushes.
Cycle 3:
Every 200–500 hours: If both edges of the squeegee blades are worn, replace them. Check the recovery hose for blockages. Check the battery terminals for corrosion (for lead-acid batteries). Lubricate pivot points as directed in the manual.
Cycle 4:
Every 6 months: Replace the brushes or pads. The specific replacement interval depends on the floor type; rough concrete causes brushes to wear out faster than polished floors. Check the wear indicators on the brushes.
Cycle 5:
Annually: Conduct a comprehensive system inspection. Check the solenoid valves, electrical connections, motor carbon brushes (for brushed motor equipment), and the machine frame for corrosion. Test all safety switches.
Cycle 6:
Every 2–3 years: Replace the lead-acid batteries (if applicable). Check the motor carbon brushes for wear. Consider scheduling a comprehensive professional service.
Add these intervals to your calendar or maintenance log; the machine’s hour meter will track the total operating time. If your machine does not have an hour meter, estimate the intervals based on the number of cleaning sessions performed.
③ Troubleshooting: Most “problems” encountered with floor scrubbers are not due to mechanical failure, but rather to inadequate maintenance. The following are solutions for the five most common issues:
Problem 1: The floor remains wet or shows streaks after scrubbing with the machine.
Cause 1: Worn squeegee blades—this is the primary cause. If the rubber edges have become rounded or chipped due to wear, they can no longer effectively channel the water. (Wiper blade wear is the primary cause of streaking.)
Solution: Flip the squeegee blade (most squeegee blades have two usable edges). If both edges are worn, the squeegee blade must be replaced.
Cause 2: The squeegee is misaligned, and the blade is not making firm contact with the floor.
Solution: Loosen the mounting fasteners, lay the squeegee blade flat against the floor, and then retighten the fasteners. Verify that both sides are making even contact.
Cause 3: The vacuum motor hose or filter is clogged; weak suction indicates that something is obstructing the airflow.
Solution: Detach the hose and check for blockages; remove and rinse the filter screen. If suction remains weak, inspect the vacuum motor; professional servicing may be required.
Problem 2: The machine leaves foam or soap residue on the floor.
Cause: Excessive detergent usage has resulted in an overly high solution concentration, and the foam recovery system is unable to handle such a large volume of foam.
Solution: Reduce the detergent concentration. Follow the dilution ratios specified on the detergent label—using more detergent does not necessarily result in better cleaning performance. Use a low-foaming floor cleaning machine-specific detergent rather than a general-purpose cleaner. If foam is already present in the recovery tank, add a few drops of defoamer.
Problem 3: The recovery tank emits a foul odor.
Cause: Wastewater was left standing in the recovery tank after the last use. Bacteria have proliferated rapidly in the warm, dark, nutrient-rich water.
Solution: Thoroughly drain and rinse the tank. If the odor persists, fill the tank with clean water, add a small amount of white vinegar or a tank cleaning solution, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then drain and rinse again. Preventive Measure: The tank must be drained and rinsed after every use.
Problem 4: The brush does not spin, or spins very slowly.
Cause 1: Debris has become entangled around the brush shaft. Common culprits include string, wire, packing tape, shrink wrap, hair, etc.
Solution: Remove the brush, cut away and pull off the entangled debris, and then reinstall the brush.
Cause 2: Motor malfunction or worn motor carbon brushes (the carbon brushes located inside the motor).
Solution: This requires professional repair service. If the motor runs with difficulty or the carbon brushes rotate unevenly, please discontinue use of the machine until it has been inspected.
Problem 5: Battery runtime is shorter than expected.
Cause 1: The battery was not fully recharged after each use. Partial charging leads to sulfation in lead-acid batteries, which permanently reduces battery capacity.
Solution: Ensure the battery is fully recharged after every use. Perform an equalization charge on the lead-acid battery once a month. (Improper charging can reduce battery lifespan by 30% to 50%.)
Cause 2: The battery has reached the end of its service life. Lead-acid batteries that have been in use for 2–3 years typically retain only 50–70% of their original capacity.
Solution: Replace the battery. If you have already replaced the lead-acid battery two or three times, consider upgrading to a lithium battery.
④ Recommendation:
Please post the maintenance checklist below on the wall next to the machine and instruct operators to follow it diligently.
After each use, perform the 7-step inspection and maintenance routine (estimated time: 15 minutes):
1. Drain and rinse the solution tank (approx. 3 minutes);
2. Connect the charger and verify that the charging indicator light turns on (approx. 2 minutes);
3. Remove the squeegee blades, wipe them clean, and inspect them for any nicks or embedded debris (approx. 3 minutes);
4. Remove the brush/pad, rinse it clean, check for wear and tear, and stand it upright to air dry (approx. 3 minutes);
5. Wipe down the exterior of the machine (optional, but recommended) (approx. 1 minute);
6. Remove and rinse the filter screen (approx. 1 minute);
7. Wipe down the exterior of the machine (optional, but recommended) (approx. 2 minutes);
⑤ Do you need parts or technical support?
Every Dailis floor scrubber comes with a 1-year warranty and online technical support. We stock replacement parts for over 20 different models—including squeegee blades, brushes, scrub pads, filters, batteries, motors, and more—and offer international shipping services.
If your machine malfunctions, please contact us immediately and provide photos or a description of the issue. Our technical team typically responds within 24 hours to provide troubleshooting diagnostics and recommendations for replacement parts.