What Do Hospitals Use for Cleaning Floors? Top 5 Floor Scrubbers for Healthcare Environments
Hospitals require specialized cleaning equipment to ensure floors are both spotless and free from pathogens. The right floor scrubber can make a significant difference in maintaining high hygiene standards, enhancing the safety of patients, and reducing the spread of infections. Here’s a comparison of the top 5 floor scrubbers recommended for hospital use, including their cleaning efficiency, pros and cons, and other essential factors.
1. Lesp Industrial Ride-On Sweeper-Scrubber
Overview:
Lesp offers robust ride-on scrubbers that are perfect for large hospital spaces like hallways, lobbies, and open areas. It combines sweeping and scrubbing in one machine, making it efficient for intensive hospital floor cleaning.
Advantages:
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Dual function: sweeps and scrubs simultaneously
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High cleaning efficiency (up to 12,000 m²/h)
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Comfortable and ergonomic for extended use
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Low noise operation
Disadvantages:
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High initial cost
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Requires maintenance for long-term performance
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Larger size may not be suitable for tight spaces
Cleaning Efficiency & Effectiveness:
This model can clean large areas quickly, which is vital in high-traffic hospital environments. It covers more ground with a scrub width of 1.2 meters and ensures a thorough clean.
Usage Scenario:
Ideal for hospital corridors, large waiting areas, and entrances.
Product Quality & Price:
Durable with long-lasting components. Higher-end pricing, but worth the investment for large spaces.
Ease of Cleaning:
Simple to operate with easy-to-remove tanks and minimal maintenance required.
2. Tennant T12 Ride-On Scrubber
Overview:
Tennant’s T12 is a compact ride-on scrubber designed to work efficiently in both medium and large spaces. Its quiet operation and eco-friendly design make it suitable for hospital settings where both performance and noise control are crucial.
Advantages:
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Ultra-quiet operation (perfect for hospital settings)
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Environmentally friendly, uses less water
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Ergonomic and user-friendly controls
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Advanced cleaning technology
Disadvantages:
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Expensive
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Not suitable for very large spaces (large hospitals may need additional units)
Cleaning Efficiency & Effectiveness:
Effective for cleaning up to 3,000 m²/h. The T12’s narrow design allows it to clean efficiently in confined spaces such as hospital hallways and waiting areas.
Usage Scenario:
Perfect for medium to large areas such as corridors and smaller clinics within the hospital.
Product Quality & Price:
Top-quality construction with advanced features but comes at a high cost.
Ease of Cleaning:
User-friendly, easy to operate, and maintain. The tank is easy to clean and remove.
3. Kärcher BR 40/10 C Scrubber Dryer
Overview:
The Kärcher BR 40/10 C is a versatile, compact scrubber ideal for cleaning smaller hospital areas. It is known for its maneuverability and efficiency in tight spaces like bathrooms, patient rooms, and nurse stations.
Advantages:
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Compact and easy to maneuver
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Affordable price
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Efficient for small and medium-sized spaces
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Light and easy to store
Disadvantages:
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Limited cleaning capacity (for large areas, other models may be needed)
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Frequent refilling for extended cleaning sessions
Cleaning Efficiency & Effectiveness:
This scrubber can clean up to 1,000 m²/h, which makes it perfect for daily maintenance in smaller hospital zones. Its drying capability ensures quick drying, reducing slip hazards.
Usage Scenario:
Best for patient rooms, restrooms, and smaller hallways.
Product Quality & Price:
Affordable with durable design for everyday use.
Ease of Cleaning:
Extremely easy to maintain with a simple tank removal system.
4. Hoover C1660-900 Commercial Floor Scrubber
Overview:
Hoover’s C1660-900 is designed to provide reliable cleaning for large commercial areas, including hospitals. Its heavy-duty motor and extended battery life make it ideal for high-traffic hospital environments.
Advantages:
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Large cleaning capacity
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Long battery life for extended operation
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Effective on multiple floor types (vinyl, tile, etc.)
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Easy to maneuver and store
Disadvantages:
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Heavier compared to other compact models
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Can be noisy during operation
Cleaning Efficiency & Effectiveness:
It cleans up to 2,500 m²/h, ensuring quick cleaning in larger spaces like hospital hallways and waiting areas. It offers reliable cleaning with adjustable water settings.
Usage Scenario:
Perfect for larger hospital corridors, lobbies, and emergency departments.
Product Quality & Price:
Reliable with a good balance of quality and price for larger healthcare environments.
Ease of Cleaning:
Simple maintenance with large tanks that are easy to empty and clean.
5. Bissell BigGreen Commercial Floor Scrubber
Overview:
Bissell BigGreen is a versatile scrubber suitable for large spaces, offering both scrubbing and drying capabilities. It is built for high-performance, making it ideal for hospitals where cleanliness and safety are top priorities.
Advantages:
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Dual scrubbing and drying function
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Large cleaning capacity (up to 3,000 m²/h)
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Durable build quality for long-term use
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Quiet operation
Disadvantages:
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Large and heavy, requiring ample storage space
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Higher price point
Cleaning Efficiency & Effectiveness:
It cleans large areas quickly and effectively. The drying function helps reduce wet floors and potential slip hazards in high-traffic hospital areas.
Usage Scenario:
Best for large hospital areas such as entrances, hallways, and waiting areas.
Product Quality & Price:
Heavy-duty with a higher price point, but great value for large spaces.
Ease of Cleaning:
Easy to maintain, with user-friendly features and easy-to-remove tanks.
How to Choose the Right Floor Scrubber for Hospitals
1. Size of the Area:
For large hospital spaces like corridors or lobbies, a ride-on scrubber like the Lesp or Tennant T12 will be most efficient. For smaller rooms or confined spaces, a compact model like the Kärcher BR 40/10 C or Bissell BigGreen would be ideal.
2. Noise Level:
Hospitals require quiet operations to avoid disturbing patients. Models like the Tennant T12 and Bissell BigGreen are designed with quieter motors, making them more suitable for healthcare settings.
3. Cleaning Efficiency:
Choose a scrubber with a high cleaning rate (measured in m²/h) for large spaces. Models like the Lesp Industrial Scrubber and Bissell BigGreen offer impressive cleaning capacities, which can save time in large hospitals.
4. Ease of Maintenance:
Look for scrubbers that have easy-to-clean parts, removable tanks, and simple controls. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the scrubber operating efficiently.
5. Budget:
While higher-end models like the Lesp Industrial Scrubber and Tennant T12 provide great performance, they come at a higher cost. For hospitals with budget constraints, models like the Kärcher BR 40/10 C or Hoover C1660 offer great value without sacrificing too much in performance.
New User Tips:
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Start with a smaller model: If you’re new to floor scrubbers, begin with a compact model for easier operation and maintenance.
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Consider daily cleaning needs: Choose a model that fits your daily cleaning routine, considering the size and traffic levels of hospital areas.
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Ensure regular maintenance: Keep your scrubber in good working condition by regularly cleaning and checking its components.
