Floor Scrubber vs Mop: Is Scrubbing the Floor Better Than Mopping?

You know you need to keep your facility clean, whether you’re dealing with employees and patrons tracking in dirt and mud, spilled drinks, chemical mishaps, sweat or anything in between. 

Maybe you’ve considered investing in a floor scrubber, but still have your doubts about if it’s worth it. So, is scrubbing the floor better than mopping? It certainly can be if your facility is large enough!

The benefits of this type of machine are that it works faster while saving the operator a ton of fatigue. While mopping is fine for spot-cleaning smaller spaces, more expansive spaces will find that a commercial floor scrubber pays for itself in productivity increases fast.

We’ll compare and contrast floor scrubbers vs mops below to help you get a better idea of which is right for you. And if you decide to leverage the power of floor scrubbers, we’ll show you how to get started with the right machine from SweepScrub - your trusted source for all things commercial cleaning!

Overview of Floor Scrubbers

Let’s start with the basics - what is a walk-behind floor scrubber? These machines are like an automatic mop that streamlines your cleaning process to save time and energy. 

They are designed to effectively clean and sanitize floors by applying a cleaning solution, scrubbing it into the floor, and then vacuuming up the liquid along with any loosened debris.

But, there are also ride-on floor scrubbers that offer increased speed and efficiency for larger spaces, reducing operator fatigue further. 

You may even find that it’s worth investing in robotic scrubbers, which operate autonomously to completely automate your cleaning tasks, focusing internal resources where they’re needed most.

You can see why these machines are so popular - but is scrubbing the floor better than mopping? We’ll compare and contrast the floor scrubber vs mop below to help you determine if it’s worth investing in one of these advanced machines or not.

Floor Scrubber vs Mop: Is Scrubbing the Floor Better Than Mopping?

From factory floor cleaning to warehouse floor cleaning, there are two important considerations in our approach: speed and performance. 

You need to be able to clean quickly because time is money, but you also need to ensure your efforts result in a beautiful, sanitized surface. That being said, it’s also worth considering the operator throughout all of this - whether it’s you handling the cleaning or someone on your team.

With all this in mind, let’s look at how a floor scrubber stacks up to the good ol’ mop and bucket.

Cleaning Efficiency

Traditional mopping oftentimes falls short in terms of efficiency. Mops tend to spread dirty water and bacteria unless the water is frequently changed. They also require considerable physical effort to achieve results that might not be as thorough as those obtained with a scrubber. 

On the other hand, floor scrubbers are as efficient as it gets. They apply cleaning solution evenly, scrub it deeply into the floor with rotating brushes, and then suck up the dirty water with a powerful vacuum system.

This process ensures that dirt and residues are not merely moved around but are effectively removed from the floor, leaving behind a like-new look. If you’re spot-cleaning a spill or an entrance where muck and grime get tracked in, a mop might be just fine. 

However, more expansive spaces demand the efficiency only a scrubber can provide. A walk-behind scrubber alone offers dramatic improvements to efficiency, but a ride-on scrubber takes this even further.

Outcome on Different Flooring Types

Not all flooring is created equal, which is why you should consider what you’re cleaning before choosing between a mop vs floor scrubber. Fortunately, modern scrubbers are a versatile solution for just about any type of flooring.

Can you use a floor scrubber on a gym floor? Yep. What about tile flooring? No problem!  Some scrubbers are even approved for use on carpets with certain settings and attachments. 

You can fine-tune your machine to the correct level of abrasion, water, and cleaner for different floor conditions, minimizing damage and enhancing cleanliness.

Mops are fairly safe on any type of surface too, with the exception of carpet. Even on certain types of hard flooring, though, they can struggle. This includes those that are heavily soiled or uneven surfaces where dirt can hide in crevices.

It’s also worth noting the long-term implications of mopping. Because you’re leaving behind water (whereas a scrubber sucks up moisture), you may end up deteriorating certain styles like hardwood and laminate.

Reduction of Bacteria and Allergens

Cleaning the floor isn’t just about making it look better, but about ensuring hygienic surfaces free from bacteria and allergens. 

Floor scrubbers eliminate any presence of bacteria and allergens on floors with their strong suction and efficient cleaning cycles. The dirty water is vacuumed into a separate tank, which helps prevent the spread of contaminants.

Conversely, mops simply spread around and redistribute allergens and bacteria unless you’re carefully cleaning the mop head and replacing the water with each pass. While it’s still better than not applying any sort of cleaning solution to the floor, it pales in comparison to scrubbing.

Operator Fatigue

This is where you’ll notice the most obvious difference between floor scrubbers vs mops. The former is incredibly easy to operate, designed specifically to reduce physical strain on workers. 

Ride-on models allow the operator to clean comfortably seated, while walk-behind models are typically easy to maneuver and operate. Either way, you’re not going to wear yourself out like you would mopping.

Physical fatigue is a common issue with mopping, as it often requires repetitive motion and substantial physical effort, especially when wringing out water and moving a wet, heavy mop across large areas.

While work is work at the end of the day and it has to be done, you don’t have to tax your body any more than necessary. Why work harder when you could work smarter?

Value for the Money

There’s no denying that a floor scrubber is a more substantial investment than a mop and a bucket - but we’re not here to discuss price alone. Instead, focus on which offers a better value.

The long-term savings you’ll enjoy by using a floor scrubber can be significant. These machines deliver better cleaning results in less time, which can lead to cost savings in commercial or industrial settings where cleanliness is maintained over large areas.

Think about it like this - if it takes you a few hours to mop your facility, and you pay your employees $20/hour, you’re paying anywhere from $40-60 per cleaning cycle. Do this a few times a week and over the course of a year you’re paying thousands of dollars annually.

But a floor scrubber can help you clean the same space better in a fraction of the time, say, 20-30 minutes. If your machine lasts 5-10 years, as it should, you’re saving more money in the long run while creating a far superior cleaning regimen.

So, Should You Use a Floor Scrubber or Mop?

So, is scrubbing the floor better than mopping? We believe so - at least, for large enough spaces. You should be realistic about the square footage of your facility and how much value a scrubber can actually add.

But for many businesses, this is a wise investment in better facility cleaning and operational efficiency. That being said, we’ll help you get started implementing these machines into your cleaning routine below! 

Tips on Getting Started With Floor Scrubbing

If you’ve determined that a floor scrubber is worth the investment for your facility, great! Here are some tips on choosing the right one and putting it to use to make the most of its abilities.

Choosing the Right Floor Scrubber

There are so many different types of floor scrubbers to choose from that it can get overwhelming - but you don’t need to stress about this. You can get in touch with us here at SweepScrub and we’ll offer a personalized recommendation. That being said, here’s what you need to consider:

• Assess the Area Size: For large commercial spaces, a ride-on scrubber may be more efficient, while smaller areas might benefit from a more compact, walk-behind model. Knowing how much flooring you need to cover will also help you choose the right width for your cleaning path.
• Type of Flooring: Ensure the scrubber is suitable for your flooring material, whether it's hardwood, tile, or concrete. Different materials may require different types of brushes or pads.
• Cleaning Requirements: Consider the type of debris and staining you are dealing with. Some scrubbers offer additional features like different cleaning modes or extra scrubbing power for tougher stains.
• Ease of Use and Storage: Look for a scrubber that is easy to operate and fits well within your storage facilities, especially if space is limited.

Remember, SweepScrub has you covered with the most extensive range of machines from the most well-known manufacturers in the industry. Take a look around or get in touch for one-on-one assistance and elevate your cleaning routine today. 

Preparation and Setup

Before actually using your new machine you need to clear the area of furniture, rugs, and other items from the floor to provide unobstructed access for the scrubber. Get the machine set up with the right brushes, make sure the battery is charged, and fill the water and solution tanks. 

Be sure to use a cleaning solution recommended for your specific type of flooring and for use with your particular scrubber model to avoid damage and ensure optimal cleaning.

Proper Cleaning Technique

Now comes the fun part - actually scrubbing the floor. Here’s a brief overview of the optimal technique:

• Start from the Farthest Corner: Begin cleaning from the farthest corner of the room and work towards the entrance to avoid walking over cleaned areas.
• Overlap Strokes: Overlap your cleaning paths slightly to ensure no areas are missed and the floor is uniformly cleaned.
• Maintain Consistent Speed: Move the scrubber at a steady, consistent pace to allow the brushes and solutions to work effectively.
• Regularly Check the Water: Change the water when it becomes visibly dirty to avoid spreading dirt back onto the floor.

Coming Up With a Regular Routine

Determine how often the floor should be scrubbed based on foot traffic and the level of soiling. High-traffic areas may need daily scrubbing, while others might require less frequent cleaning - like once a week, every other week, or maybe once a month.

But just as the floors need routine care, so does your machine. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance schedules to keep the machine in optimal condition. If any issues ever come up refer to our floor scrubber troubleshooting guide.

You can see how easy integrating a floor scrubber is into your routine, boosting productivity and cleanliness in your facility. So, take the first step today at SweepScrub!

Invest in Unparalleled Cleaning Performance and Efficiency at SweepScrub!

SweepScrub is the #1 choice for commercial cleaning equipment online, and our floor scrubber collection in particular is second to none. 

We’ve sourced the best machines from the most trusted brands in the industry so you can rest assured you’re getting the most efficient, dependable machine on the market. 

You have access to an extensive selection whether you need a commercial walk behind floor scrubber or a commercial ride on floor scrubber. You can’t go wrong with anything in our inventory, but here are three of our most popular machines:

• Nilfisk Advance SC100 Floor Scrubber: A highly efficient upright scrubber that offers single-pass scrub and dry capabilities, making it ideal for small areas and ensuring floors are immediately clean and dry. It's designed for ease of use with a lightweight build and intuitive controls, perfect for quick and thorough cleanups.
• Viper AS4325B/AS43335C Floor Scrubber: This compact scrubber is perfect for small to medium spaces, offering easy maneuverability and efficient cleaning with a 17-inch path. The battery model features an ECO mode for extended run times, and both versions operate quietly, suitable for noise-sensitive areas.
• Clarke RA40 20D, Floor Scrubber: Enhances cleaning productivity with a large 18.5-gallon tank and SmartFlow technology that conserves water and cleaning solution. Its compact design and sharp turning radius allow for precise cleaning around obstacles and in tight spaces.

You can find other cleaning equipment to elevate your routine, too - like an industrial floor sweeper machine or even an industrial sweeper scrubber that offers the best of both worlds. 

So, shop now and take control of your cleaning process, or get in touch for a personalized recommendation based on your facility and budget as we wrap up our guide to mops vs floor scrubbers.

Wrapping Up Our Floor Scrubber vs Mop Guide

So, is scrubbing the floor better than mopping? Ultimately it depends on your specific situation. 

A mop is probably just fine for spot-cleaning smaller areas, although it does fall short in the sense that it simply spreads around the mess rather than picking it up. 

However, floor scrubbers are the obvious choice for larger areas where you cannot compromise on cleaning performance OR efficiency. 

Whether you need the best industrial floor sweeper, a gym floor scrubber, the Clarke ma10 12e Upright Floor Scrubber, or anything in between, browse our selection here at SweepScrub and experience the ultimate cleaning efficacy and productivity. Work smarter, not harder!