Industrial cleaning equipment used to mean expensive specialists coming into commercial buildings with large-scale pieces of kit to blast away the problem.
As buildings evolve, working habits flex and the need for more regular deep cleaning increases, so too has the range of services available to support industrial-level cleaning. Effective industrial cleaning equipment has become central to professional facilities management services.
Advanced Cleaning Equipment
Along with this, the equipment has advanced too and is now far more accessible to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Whether working with a commercial partner or tackling the job with your own in-house team, here’s the kit you need to know about.
Pressure Washers
- Pressure washers
To reach difficult to clean areas, such as brickwork, machinery or pathways, a pressure washer is a great piece of equipment to use. Connected to a mains water suppler or with an industrial-use tank, pressure washers produce a high-pressure spray of water to quickly shift dirt, grime, mud and mould as well as loosening stains and paints. Different nozzles and power settings can vary the output and impact whilst additional cleaning fluids can aid the cleaning process. Some hot water pressure washers produce “wet steam” for even deeper cleaning.
Steam cleaner
- Steam cleaner
Where too much water would be problematic, steam cleaning is an effective way to deep clean an area, removing surface dirt whilst also killing germs and mould on a host of different surfaces. Steam cleaning is also a gentler way to clean as it is highly effective without needing to add additional chemicals to achieve results, however the high-temperature of steam means it must be used with caution. Industrial-grade steam cleaners are best used in areas where grease and bacteria are a problem, such as healthcare institutions, commercial kitchens and workshop, especially as it dries quickly, reducing the risk of slippages whilst offering a superior shine.
Scrubber sweepers and dryers
- Scrubber sweepers and dryers
A scrubber sweeper will spin a cyclical system of brushes to apply pressure, which is what scrubs off dirt and grime. They are available in a range of sizes and can be either push-along or ride-on depending on the application, while different pads and brushes can be used to achieve the desired results. Scrubber dryers follow the same principle but uses the addition of water and cleaning fluids, as well as rotating brushes, to achieve the desired clean. Unlike a traditional mop and bucket, water is kept in separate tanks to ensure there is no excessive contamination whilst cleaning. After the water and brushes have removed the dirt, sponges put pressure on the floor to dry it, meaning it can be used almost immediately. As technology advances, more portable scrubber devices are hitting the market including for use on walls and other surfaces.
Carpet and upholstery cleaners
- Carpet and upholstery cleaners
Whilst a typical vacuum cleaner is great for keeping on top of daily carpet maintenance, a more specialist piece of equipment is needed to achieve a deep clean. Specific carpet or upholstery cleaners are designed to do just that, spraying a chemical solution into the carpet or fabric and effectively agitating it deep into the fibres with special brushes. The dirt and any liquid residue is then sucked up by the vacuum extractor, leaving a clean and dry carpet or fabric.
Fogging Machine
- Fogging machine
Fogging machines are relatively new to the industrial cleaning scene, though they have long had other applications. This kit uses a fine spray to apply a chemical solution to large areas and so have been primarily used for odour and pest control. Today, these types of machines are increasingly popular when used with sanitising and disinfecting chemicals to quickly and effectively sanitise all kinds of surfaces. Depending on the machine, it is possible to spray up to 12 metres including into corners and difficult-to-reach areas as well as porous surfaces. Given the nature of the method, it’s important to only use this equipment when an area is clear of people.
A full glossary of cleaning terms can be found in RFM Group’s Industry Terms in Cleaning Glossary.
