How to Control Foam in Riding Floor Scrubbers
Riding floor scrubbers, commonly called auto scrubbers, can clean as much as 40,000 square feet an hour, about the same amount of space it would take one person to clean in a week. Riding autoscrubbers are fast and efficient, but they will not be able to reach their full potential if they are not cared for properly. One of the largest problems facilities face when using autoscrubbers is foam build-up in both the solution and recovery tanks. Foam build-up in the recovery tank can cause permanent damage to the vacuum motor. With proper maintenance, these problems will not be a factor.
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Instructions
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Put water into the solution tank. Do not add water to the cleaning solution while you are filling the solution tank, as the pressure of the water will agitate the cleaners and cause a buildup of foam. Foam in the solution tank will mean that an accurate dilution ratio can never be achieved because the foam takes up space that the cleaner and water should be occupying.
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Measure the industrial defoamer with a measuring cup to ensure that you are following label directions exactly as stated on the container. Defoamer is an expensive product, and a little goes a long way. Place the industrial defoamer into the recovery tank before starting to clean the floor.
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Wash the solution tanks thoroughly after use. If cleaning solution is allowed to dry on the interior of the solution tank, it could cause foam to build up the next time the machine is used. Dried chemical build-up could also cause a chemical reaction with the next cleaning solution used in the machine.
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Empty the recovery tanks and rinse thoroughly. If the autoscrubber was used to pick up floor finish stripper, rinse and fill the recovery tank with a solution of one cup of ammonia to each gallon of water, and allow the solution to sit for at least one hour before emptying the recovering tank and rinsing it thoroughly.
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Clean all parts of the auto scrubber, including the squeegee blades, that come in contact with chemicals. Flush the float assembly and vacuum filters with water after every use.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep the autoscrubber clean. Any build-up of dirty solution in the recovery tank will eventually cause foam and permanent damage.
Chemicals that are not compatible with the machine can cause be harmful to both the operator and the machine.
