Janitorial Equipment Care: Floor Machines, Vacuums, Wet Mops, Dust Mops, Brooms - By: Lee D Harris

The proper maintenance of a building should include the care and maintenance of the supplies and equipment throughout the building. Every item of supply and equipment should have a special storage space - a sort of "home of its own." Labels on chemical containers should be maintained for safety and prevention of waste. Loose and damaged parts on equipment should be observed and prompt repairs made prior to storage. Following these rules can save much on replacements, lost time, accidents or breakdowns.

Proper care and organization of storage closets or equipment rooms is also a key factor in caring for equipment. Not only should these areas be cleaned regularly, but they should be set up with a special place for every item. This includes regular space for hanging brooms and mops, shelves for cleaning agents and brushes, areas for power-operated equipment and attachments and facilities for washing and cleaning these items.

Equipment Maintenance Rules:

Floor Machine and Vacuum Cleaner Care:
• Check wiring for frayed insulation. Always use grounding plugs when furnished.
• Keep inventory of repair parts, brushes and other accessories.
• Place brushes or block on floor machine by hand - never start machine until brush lugs are engaged. When brushes are dirty, clean them by soaking brush part in cleaning solution and then rinsing. Always keep wood blocks out of solution and wipe dry when wet.
• Don't tinker with the motor. Have an experienced maintenance person check.
• Keep tank clean, keep valve and lines in repair.
• Wear rubbers and rubber gloves when scrubbing floor for safety and health protection.
Rest floor machine on wheels when cleaning. Wipe off floor machine and vacuum after each use, including electric cords. Also inside parts as well as outside. Keep in repair as needed. To store, remove brush and stand upright.

Wet Mop Care:
Special mops should be labeled. Never interchange the special mops. Mops may be marked "Cleaning Mop," "Rinse Mop," "Finish Mop," etc.
• Rinse out wet mops immediately after use. Clean by first soaking in all-purpose detergent cleaner and rinsing thoroughly.
• Cut off loose and uneven yarn strands. Always clean wet mops before hanging to dry. Keep yarn away from wall.
• Never twist or squeeze mop very hard. Such action will break fibers and destroy mop head.
• Replace worn mop heads. Use old heads to mop up oily dirt.
• Use care on rough floors to prevent catching of strings.
• Don't store wet mops in contact with other equipment.

Dust Mop and Broom Care:
• Clean mop heads when necessary. Soak in all-purpose detergent cleaner.
• Repair or replace torn tie cords.
• Label special dust mops ("Treated," "Untreated," etc.)
• Always hang push brooms down to protect bristles.
• Choose proper size dust mop head for the block or frame.
• Treat dust mops and leave overnight in closed metal container or sealed plastic bag.
• Don't use dust mops on wet or oily floors.
• Change handles on push brooms periodically to alternate position and lengthen bristle life.

About the Author

Great cleaning tips and cleaning information by Lee Harris can be found at http://www.monsterjanitorial.com. Lee Harris is an expert in the cleaning industry and can answer all your questions about cleaning supplies and how to save money on these types of products.

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