When it comes to professional cleaning, the machines you use are only as effective as the care and attention they receive. And yet, even the most experienced teams often unknowingly make mistakes that shorten the life of their equipment or worse, compromise the quality of their clean.
Let’s pull back the curtain on the seven most common mistakes people make with their cleaning equipment and how you can avoid them to save time, money, and stress.
1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Chemicals
Not all cleaning solutions are created equal. Using harsh or incompatible chemicals can corrode internal parts, damage surfaces, and void your machine’s warranty.
What to do instead:
Check your manufacturer’s recommendations and invest in cleaning products specifically designed for your machine and flooring type. It protects your equipment and delivers better results.
2. Skipping Routine Maintenance
Just because your machine seems fine doesn’t mean it doesn’t need TLC. Filters clog. Brushes wear down. Batteries degrade.
Why it matters: Small issues can snowball into costly repairs or breakdowns when left unchecked.
Tip: Set up a regular maintenance schedule—or better yet, partner with a service provider who does it for you.
3. Ignoring Daily Cleaning of the Equipment
Ironically, cleaning machines need to be cleaned, too. Dirt and residue build up can impair performance and cause unpleasant odours or cross-contamination.
What gets overlooked:
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Dirty recovery tanks
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Clogged squeegees
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Debris in brush decks
Quick fix: A five-minute post-use rinse can add months to your machine’s lifespan.
4. Using Worn Brushes or Pads
If you wouldn’t mop a floor with a worn-out sponge, why use a scrubber with a lifeless brush? Dull brushes reduce effectiveness and force machines to work harder.
What to watch for: Flattened bristles or smoothed pads = time to replace them.
5. Overloading or Underloading Batteries
Batteries are the beating heart of many cleaning machines. But improper charging habits, like constantly overcharging or letting them drain completely can shorten battery life.
Instead: Follow a consistent charge routine. Let batteries cool before recharging, and store them in a dry, temperate space.
6. Not Training Operators Properly
A common cause of machine damage? Human error. Rushing through training or assuming “they’ll figure it out” often leads to misuse.
Tip: Invest in initial and refresher training for all operators. It reduces user error and increases safety, efficiency, and job satisfaction.
7. Storing Equipment Improperly
Leaving machines in damp, unventilated areas or failing to empty tanks before storage can lead to mould, corrosion, or foul smells.
Best practice: Store in a clean, dry space with plenty of airflow—and always empty and rinse tanks beforehand.
Respect the Machine, Reap the Results
Cleaning equipment is a business asset—when treated right, it can deliver consistent performance for years. But when misused, even the best machine can become an expensive liability.
At Motion Cleaning Machines, we don’t just sell or rent equipment, we support our clients with the knowledge, training, and maintenance they need to get the best from every clean.
Want help diagnosing your equipment habits or need servicing support? Let’s talk. Our team is happy to guide you through a cleaner, smarter approach.
