You’ve invested in the right kit, your team’s trained, and your cleaning schedule’s ticking over nicely. Job done, right? Not quite. Even seasoned warehouse managers and cleaning operatives can fall into habits that silently sabotage their efforts. From using the wrong products to storing equipment incorrectly, these seemingly small warehouse cleaning mistakes can reduce efficiency, shorten machine lifespan, and leave your facility less clean than you’d think.
Whether you’ve purchased or opted for warehouse floor cleaning machine hire, avoiding these warehouse cleaning mistakes can make all the difference.
1. Over-Wetting the Floor – More Water, More Problems
It might seem logical: more water equals a deeper clean. But in industrial cleaning, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Over-wetting can:
- Leave behind slippery surfaces, increasing accident risk
- Cause damage to concrete floors over time
- Reduce drying efficiency, especially in high-traffic areas
- Lead to machine strain as recovery tanks fill too quickly
Modern warehouse floor cleaners are designed to use just the right amount of water and detergent for maximum cleaning with minimal waste. If you’re consistently left with wet patches or puddles, it may be a sign that settings need adjusting—or that your current machine isn’t up to the task. When using a warehouse floor cleaning machine hire service, always ask for advice on water control settings suited to your floor type.
2. Using the Wrong Detergent – Not All Cleaners Are Created Equal
A generic cleaning chemical might seem like an easy option, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Using the wrong solution for your floor type or machine can lead to:
- Residue build-up that attracts more dirt
- Floor surface damage, particularly with polished or sealed concrete
- Corrosion of internal machine parts
Always use a cleaning solution recommended for your warehouse floor cleaning machine. Our team at SRS provides guidance on which detergents suit which floor types—and when you’re using warehouse floor cleaning machine hire, we can supply everything you need in one package.
3. Poor Machine Storage – Out of Sight, Out of Service
You wouldn’t leave a forklift parked outside in the rain, so why do the same with your cleaning equipment?
Storing your warehouse floor cleaner in the wrong conditions can lead to:
- Battery deterioration in cold, damp spaces
- Electrical faults from exposure to moisture
- Premature wear and tear due to poor handling or positioning
Make sure your machine is stored in a dry, accessible location with enough ventilation and power access for charging. After use, always empty the tanks, clean the brushes, and give it a quick visual check before storing. This applies whether you’ve purchased your machine or you’re using a warehouse floor cleaning machine hire on a long-term basis.
Small Tweaks, Big Results
Correcting these three mistakes could drastically improve cleaning efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of your equipment. Whether you own a warehouse floor cleaning machine or rely on a trusted hire partner, smart operation and care are key to consistent performance.
At SRS Cleaning Equipment, we don’t just deliver machines—we deliver advice, support and lasting value. If you’re unsure whether your cleaning routine is working as hard as it should, get in touch.