Epoxy flooring is widely used in factories, industrial facilities, warehouses and production areas thanks to its seamless surface, dust-resistant properties and ease of cleaning. However, maintaining the quality of the coating throughout its service life requires businesses to choose appropriate cleaning equipment and methods.

In practice, cleaning epoxy floors is not simply a matter of using a high-powered floor scrubber or increasing brush pressure to remove stains. The type of brush, pad, cleaning chemical, water volume and dirty-water recovery performance all affect cleaning results as well as the condition of the floor surface.

Which floor scrubber should a factory choose? When should brushes be used instead of pads? How can epoxy floors be cleaned effectively without scratching or damaging the coating?

This article examines the key criteria for selecting floor cleaning equipment and accessories for epoxy flooring, while introducing Nilfisk floor scrubber models that may be suitable for different operating conditions.

1. Characteristics of Epoxy Flooring and Cleaning Requirements

Epoxy is a floor coating material formed by combining epoxy resin with a hardener. Depending on the design and intended application, epoxy flooring can be installed in various systems, such as roller-applied epoxy coatings, self-leveling epoxy floors or anti-slip systems incorporating textured materials.

Each type of flooring has different surface characteristics, gloss levels, textures and resistance to mechanical impact. Therefore, the same cleaning method should not be applied indiscriminately to all epoxy floors.

During factory operations, floor surfaces are commonly exposed to various types of contaminants:

• Dust and solid particles: Production dust, sand, material residues and small particles generated by transportation activities.
• Industrial oil and grease: Commonly found around machinery, production lines and equipment maintenance areas.
• Tyre marks: Marks left by forklifts, trolleys and material-handling vehicles.
• Long-standing stains: Dirt accumulated in areas with infrequent cleaning or recurring contamination.

Although epoxy coatings offer good resistance under appropriate operating conditions, the surface can still become scratched, worn or degraded if excessively hard cleaning tools, incompatible chemicals or unsuitable scrubbing methods are used.

Therefore, the objectives of epoxy floor cleaning should be clearly defined: removing contaminants, controlling residual water and maintaining the condition of the coating throughout its service life.

2. Why Use a Scrubber Dryer for Epoxy Floor Cleaning?

For factories and industrial facilities, a scrubber dryer is one of the suitable equipment options for routine epoxy floor cleaning.

The machine combines three operations in a single process:

1. Applying water and cleaning solution to the floor surface.
2. Using a brush or pad to scrub the floor and loosen contaminants.
3. Recovering dirty water through the vacuum system and rear squeegee.

This allows scrubbing and water recovery to take place continuously, reducing the amount of dirty water left on the floor after cleaning.

Nilfisk confirms that scrubber dryers can be used on various hard floor surfaces, including epoxy-coated floors. For sensitive surfaces or applications with specific cleaning requirements, selecting the appropriate brush pressure and pad type is an important consideration.

2.1. Walk-Behind Scrubber Dryers

Walk-behind scrubber dryers are suitable for small to medium-sized industrial facilities, narrow aisles or premises with numerous machines, storage racks and areas requiring flexible manoeuvrability.

Several Nilfisk models worth considering include:

Nilfisk SC500

The SC500 is a walk-behind scrubber dryer designed for professional cleaning environments, including production areas, factories and commercial facilities.

Key features include:

• Cleaning width of 53 cm.
• Clean-water and recovery-tank capacities of 45/45 litres.
• SmartFlow™ system automatically adjusts the cleaning solution flow according to the machine's travel speed.
• Compatible with brushes or a suitable pad holder.
• Ecoflex™ system helps regulate chemical consumption and allows water-only cleaning in suitable applications.

The SC500 is worth considering when a business needs a walk-behind machine capable of scrubbing and recovering dirty water in a single pass.

Nilfisk SC550

The SC550 is a next-generation walk-behind scrubber dryer designed to simplify operation and maintenance.

The machine features an intuitive control interface that helps operators access machine functions and maintenance guidance directly on the equipment. Depending on the version, the SC550 can be equipped with either a disc-brush or cylindrical-brush system.

For industrial facilities with different floor surfaces and contamination characteristics, selecting the appropriate brush configuration is an important consideration before investing in the equipment.

2.2. Ride-On Scrubber Dryers

For factories with large floor areas, spacious production zones or warehouses with open layouts, ride-on scrubber dryers provide greater operator convenience during extended cleaning shifts.

Nilfisk SC2000

The SC2000 is a compact ride-on scrubber dryer that combines the operating advantages of a ride-on machine with a relatively compact design.

Key technical information includes:

• Cleaning width of 53 cm.
• Clean-water and recovery-tank capacities of 70/70 litres.
• Maximum travel speed of up to 6 km/h, as specified by the manufacturer.
• SmartFlow™ system automatically adjusts the cleaning solution flow according to operating speed.
• Ecoflex™ system helps regulate chemical consumption.

The SC2000 is worth considering when a business needs to increase cleaning productivity while maintaining manoeuvrability in facilities that are not excessively large.

The choice between a walk-behind and a ride-on machine should not be based solely on floor area. Businesses should also assess aisle width, equipment density, cleaning frequency and the time available to complete cleaning operations.

For a more detailed comparison, refer to Walk-Behind or Ride-On Scrubber Dryer? How to Choose the Right Nilfisk Machine.

3. Should You Choose Brushes or Pads for Epoxy Floors?

Brushes and pads are two types of accessories that come into direct contact with the floor surface during scrubbing. Choosing the right accessory helps match the cleaning equipment to the type of contamination and surface characteristics while minimizing unnecessary impact on the coating.

There is no single brush or pad suitable for every type of epoxy floor. Businesses should consider the floor texture, gloss level, coating condition and actual cleaning requirements.

3.1. When Should You Use Brushes?

Brushes are commonly used when cleaning surfaces with textured finishes, grooves or structures that are not completely flat.

Nilfisk offers various brushes with different designs and bristle materials to meet a range of floor-cleaning applications.

The following brush types may be considered:

• Soft brushes: Worth considering for surfaces where mechanical impact needs to be minimized. Actual cleaning performance and manufacturer recommendations should be checked.
• Medium-stiffness brushes: Can be used for routine scrubbing tasks when permitted by the floor surface.
• Hard brushes: Intended for applications requiring stronger mechanical cleaning action, but should not be used automatically on every epoxy coating.

For smooth and glossy epoxy floors, priority should be given to accessories confirmed as suitable for that surface type. For anti-slip epoxy floors, textured surfaces or floors with special surface structures, brushes may be worth evaluating instead of flat pads.

3.2. When Should You Use Pads?

Pads are disc-shaped accessories attached to the pad holder of a floor scrubber. Depending on their materials and construction, pads can serve various purposes, including light cleaning, routine scrubbing, stain removal or floor stripping.

Common pad categories used in floor-cleaning applications include:

Important note about pad colours: Pad colours are not standardized across all manufacturers. In the Nilfisk accessory range, pads are classified according to their intended applications and levels of cleaning aggressiveness. Therefore, the correct accessory code, Nilfisk instructions and actual application should be checked rather than relying on colour alone.

In particular, black, brown or green pads should not automatically be considered suitable for epoxy floors simply because they are used in certain other industrial cleaning applications.

3.3. What Is the Difference Between Disc Brushes and Cylindrical Brushes?

In addition to brush-bristle stiffness, the design of the scrubbing mechanism also affects how the equipment cleans the floor.

Disc Brushes:

• Suitable for many applications involving scrubbing flat floor surfaces.
• Can be used with different types of pads through a compatible pad holder.
• Commonly selected for areas with relatively flat surfaces and routine cleaning requirements.

Cylindrical Brushes:

• May be suitable for uneven surfaces or textured anti-slip floors, depending on the machine configuration.
• Some machines equipped with cylindrical brushes can collect loose debris during the scrubbing process.
• The brush-bristle material should be selected according to the floor type and level of contamination.

Therefore, when selecting a machine for epoxy flooring, businesses should consider not only whether the machine uses brushes or pads, but also which accessory configuration is suitable for the floor surface in their facility.

4. How to Choose Cleaning Chemicals for Epoxy Floors

Cleaning chemicals are an important part of industrial floor-cleaning procedures. However, using a higher chemical concentration does not necessarily result in better cleaning performance.

For epoxy floors, cleaning solutions should be selected based on their compatibility with the coating and the type of contamination that needs to be removed.

Several principles should be followed:

• Use cleaning chemicals with instructions indicating suitability for epoxy floor surfaces.
• Follow the dilution ratio recommended by the chemical manufacturer.
• Do not arbitrarily increase chemical concentration to remove difficult stains.
• Avoid corrosive chemicals or products whose compatibility has not been confirmed.
• Test the solution on a small area before cleaning the entire floor.
• Do not allow the cleaning solution to remain on the surface longer than the recommended contact time.

For areas frequently exposed to oil and grease, businesses should select a cleaning solution capable of addressing these contaminants while remaining compatible with the epoxy coating.

It is also important to understand that floor scrubbers and cleaning chemicals should be selected as part of an integrated cleaning solution. The amount of solution applied to the floor, machine travel speed and contact time all affect cleaning results.

Some Nilfisk machine configurations feature cleaning-solution flow control or chemical dosing systems, helping operators manage water and chemical application according to operating conditions. However, actual performance also depends on the chemical used, machine settings and cleaning procedures.

5. Epoxy Floor Cleaning Procedure Using Nilfisk Scrubber Dryers

To achieve consistent cleaning results, businesses should establish a cleaning procedure that matches the floor characteristics and the level of contamination generated in each area.

Step 1: Remove Dust and Dry Debris

Before scrubbing, remove sand, coarse dust, metal fragments, material residues and any objects that could scratch the floor if dragged underneath the scrubbing assembly.

An industrial vacuum cleaner or a suitable Nilfisk floor sweeper can be used, depending on the area to be cleaned.

Step 2: Inspect the Floor Surface

Identify areas with oil and grease, long-standing stains, scratches or signs of coating deterioration.

If the epoxy coating is already damaged, the floor condition should be assessed before using a floor scrubber. Excessive scrubbing force should not be used on areas where the coating is peeling or deteriorating.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Brush or Pad

Select accessories based on the floor type and level of contamination.

For smooth epoxy surfaces, priority should be given to accessories with an appropriate level of mechanical action and confirmed compatibility. For anti-slip or textured floors, the contact capability of brushes or pads with the surface structure should be considered.

Testing on a small area is recommended before carrying out large-scale cleaning.

Step 4: Adjust Water Flow, Chemical Dosage and Brush Pressure

Set up the machine according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions and the actual floor conditions.

Brush pressure should not be set higher than necessary. Water and chemical flow should also be adjusted according to the level of contamination.

Step 5: Scrub the Floor and Recover Dirty Water

Operate the machine along a suitable cleaning route and avoid moving too quickly, as the brushes or pads need sufficient contact time to remove contaminants.

Monitor the vacuum system and rear squeegee during operation to ensure effective dirty-water recovery.

Step 6: Inspect the Floor After Cleaning

After cleaning is complete, check the cleanliness of the floor, any remaining water and the condition of the surface.

If stains remain, identify the cause before repeating the cleaning process. Do not arbitrarily increase brush pressure or switch to a more abrasive pad without first assessing the coating's resistance.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Epoxy Floors

Some cleaning mistakes can shorten the service life of the floor coating, even when a business has invested in specialized floor-cleaning equipment.

Using brushes or pads with an unsuitable level of stiffness

Accessories with a high level of abrasiveness may cause scratches or alter the surface finish. Selection should follow the recommendations of the floor and accessory manufacturers.

Increasing brush pressure to remove every type of stain

Higher pressure does not always produce better cleaning results. For epoxy floors, brush pressure should be controlled according to the condition of the coating.

Using incompatible cleaning chemicals

Unsuitable chemicals, excessive concentrations or prolonged contact times may affect the floor surface.

Skipping dry-dust and debris removal

Hard particles such as sand, metal fragments and debris may be dragged underneath the scrubbing assembly, increasing the risk of scratches.

Failing to inspect the squeegee and vacuum system

A worn, dirty or incorrectly installed squeegee can reduce water-recovery performance, leaving the floor wet after cleaning.

Failing to clean and maintain the machine after use

Brushes, pads, recovery tanks, squeegees and vacuum systems should be inspected and cleaned regularly to maintain operating performance.

Businesses can also refer to The Benefits of Regular Maintenance Services for Industrial Cleaning Equipment to develop an appropriate equipment maintenance plan.

7. Choosing an Epoxy Floor Cleaning Solution with PAN and Nilfisk

Selecting epoxy floor-cleaning equipment should not be based solely on machine power or initial investment cost. Businesses need to assess the overall floor-coating type, floor area, contamination characteristics, cleaning frequency, water-recovery requirements and operating conditions within the facility.

With its range of Nilfisk industrial floor scrubbers, businesses can consider walk-behind models such as the SC500 and SC550, or a compact ride-on model such as the SC2000, depending on facility layout and productivity requirements.

In addition to the equipment itself, selecting suitable brushes, pads, squeegees and cleaning chemicals also plays an important role in maintaining long-term cleaning performance.

PAN has been working with Nilfisk for more than 18 years, supplying industrial cleaning equipment and advising on cleaning solutions for a wide range of operating environments. This experience provides a foundation for PAN to support businesses in assessing their requirements, selecting suitable equipment and developing cleaning solutions that match actual operating conditions.

For consultation on Nilfisk floor scrubbers for factories, industrial facilities or warehouses, businesses are welcome to contact PAN for assistance in selecting suitable equipment and accessories.

PAN Trading JSC
Hotline: (+84) 28 3840 2222 | 0919 302 879
Address: No: 142, B2 Street, Sala Urban Area, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Website: mayvesinhcongnghiep.com.vn | pantrading.vn
Email: contact@pantrading.vn