Preparing for a floor cleaning machine purchase

Before you start shopping for floor cleaning machines, you need to think about the layout and makeup of your facilities.

Start by measuring the areas you typically clean. Since floor cleaning machine performance is measured by the coverage area rating — the amount of square footage a machine can clean per hour — you'll know how quickly certain machines can handle the job.

You'll need to consider more than just simple square footage, though. You must also think about:

• Cleanable space — Measure the exposed floor you'll clean, not the total square footage of the room. For example, you may have a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse to clean, but 5,000 sq ft is used for shelving units. This means you need to find machines that can clean 25,000 sq. ft.
• Narrow areas — If you have to clean hard-to-reach spaces or change direction in tight areas, make sure to purchase cleaning machines that are easy to maneuver and can fit into the various nooks of your office.

Next, it's important to know what material your floors are made of. Are they flat, smooth floors, or ceramic tiles with peaks and valleys? Are your carpets braided, extra thick, or made from special materials? Do you have high-quality marble or granite surfaces that are extra sensitive? It's important to look for machines that clean the floor materials you work with the most.

Also, consider where you will do your cleaning. Industrial or outdoor cleaning jobs typically require vehicles powered by gas or propane. These machines are the most powerful and provide the longest run times, but they cost the most and are too noisy to use during normal business hours. Battery-powered floor cleaning machines are best for commercial or indoor settings because they're quiet and protect air quality, but the batteries require more maintenance and you must recharge them for several hours before you can use them.

Floor cleaning machine considerations
Before you start looking at the different floor cleaning machines available, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Ease of use — Operators spend less time figuring out how it works and more time completing cleaning tasks.
• Environmental concerns — You may want to look for "green clean" or "environmentally-friendly" equipment that conserves resources and protects air quality.
• Durability — With proper maintenance, a quality floor cleaning machine can be used 400 to 600 hours per year for 8 to 10 years. If you'll rely on a machine frequently, find one that can perform the job without getting overworked.
• Convenience — Instead of focusing on specifications like horsepower or RPMs, look at features that will make your job easier, like larger cleaning solution tanks or longer battery life.
• Safety — Make sure the machines comply with OSHA standards. If you work in a business like a hospital where air quality is a top priority, you may have to purchase machines that feature additional safety measures like HEPA air filters that prevent the release of harmful particles.
• Simple maintenance — Machine dealers can show you how to troubleshoot quick problems and keep mechanisms clean to keep your operations up and running and extend the life of your equipment.