Get the Most Out of Your Floor Cleaning Robot With Regular Maintenance

Autonomous floor cleaning robots are revolutionizing cleaning and maintenance for facilities across industries. By taking over repetitive floor cleaning for human workers, these machines improve facility cleanliness, increase efficiency, and even boost job satisfaction. But in order for facilities to get the most out of their floor cleaning robots, they need to be sure to not take them for granted. While these helpful machines do work autonomously, regular maintenance is the key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. If you want to maximize your investment in robotic floor cleaners, a proactive maintenance strategy is not optional—it’s essential.

 

A well-maintained robotic floor cleaner not only delivers the best cleaning results but also minimizes costly downtime and repairs. Here’s why maintenance should be a top priority.

 

Like any other piece of expensive cleaning equipment, a robotic floor cleaner is only as good as its components. Over time, brushes, squeegees, filters, and sensors can accumulate dirt and debris, reducing cleaning efficiency. Regular cleaning and inspection of these parts helps ensure that your robot performs its best. Without proper maintenance, dirty, clogged or worn components can compromise the robot’s ability to clean, diminishing its effectiveness.

 

Commercial floor cleaning robots are a significant investment, and facilities need them to last as long as possible. Routine maintenance, such as checking battery health, deep cleaning water tanks and hoses, and replacing worn-out components like brushes and squeegees, can significantly extend the lifespan of your machine. Preventative care reduces the risk of malfunctions and urgent parts replacement, helping you to maximize your return on investment.

 

Unexpected equipment failures can disrupt your cleaning schedule and affect the overall operation of your facility. A commercial building, hospital, or warehouse cannot afford to have floor cleaning interrupted due to equipment failure. Regular inspections and maintenance routines help identify and address minor issues before they become bigger problems, keeping your cleaning operations running smoothly.

 

Some businesses hesitate to invest time and resources into cleaning equipment maintenance, thinking it’s an unnecessary additional expense. And sometimes, even businesses that prioritize maintenance will have employees who would rather not be bothered to carry it out. But neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and premature equipment replacement. It can also lead to low utilization of what would otherwise be a well-functioning and useful piece of robotic cleaning equipment; an un-maintained floor cleaning robot will eventually stop working well, relegating it to the storage closet. A small investment in routine care—such as replacing worn brushes and keeping parts free of clogs—can save you from expensive repair bills and the cost of purchasing a new machine sooner than expected.

 

Dirty or malfunctioning cleaning robots can pose safety hazards, such as slipping risks from water leaks or ineffective cleaning. In commercial environments, safety is a top priority, and properly maintained robotic cleaners contribute to a hazard-free workplace. Additionally, industries with strict cleanliness standards, such as healthcare and food service, must ensure that their cleaning equipment is functioning at peak performance to remain compliant with regulations.

 

Pringle Robotics provides all customers with comprehensive training on robot operation and maintenance, and we tailor our maintenance recommendations to align with each facility’s unique SOPs and the particular robot models being used. That said, here are some high-level recommendations for standard maintenance that will help your robotic floor cleaner in tip-top shape.

 

Remove and empty the debris tray after each cleaning run to ensure it doesn’t become overfilled.

 

Brushes and pads collect dirt, dust, and grime during operation. Clean them at least weekly and replace them when they become worn. Brushes especially can be prone to entanglements with hair, rubber bands, or other long fibers.

 

Keep tanks and filters clean to prevent microbial growth and reduce calcium buildup that can compromise cleaning quality.

 

Clean and inspect squeegee attachment, and inspect vacuum attachment for clogs and buildup.

 

Sensors help the robot navigate efficiently and detect obstacles. Electrodes on robot workstations allow the robot to dock for charging and replenishment. Keep them all clean by wiping them down regularly with a soft cloth.

 

Ensure robot battery is charged in between cleaning tasks or is set to charge at the end of the day so that it’s ready to go for the next cleaning run.

 

Regularly checking for software updates and performing them when they become available will keep your floor cleaning robot operating at its best.

 

A facility’s floor cleaning robot is a valuable asset, but its effectiveness largely depends on how well it’s maintained. And while no one would claim that “maintenance” is their favorite word, regular upkeep is essential to getting the best results from your autonomous floor cleaner. Maintenance not only extends the machine’s lifespan but prevents costly downtime and enhances workplace safety. By taking care of your floor cleaning robot, you ensure that it continues to take care of your facility, delivering spotless floors and seamless operations day after day.