Methods and advancements in Commercial Cleaning

 

What is Oscillation in Cleaning? | Effectively maintaining floors requires a combination of cleaning methods. This includes regular vacuuming to remove dust and debris, thorough wet cleaning to address stains and grime, and for some floor materials, a final polish to enhance shine and protection. 

The way we maintain floors has changed significantly over the years, particularly with advancements in machines, cleaning solutions, and other tools. Specifically for wet cleaning methods, scrubber dryers are most widely used today, thanks to their efficiency and cost-saving benefits. For example, cleaning a 16 sqm space with a mop and bucket could take around 40 minutes, while using a scrubber dryer can reduce this time to less than 5 minutes.  

There are a wide range of scrubber dryers on the market, including walk-behind, ride-on or step-on. You’ve also got rotary machines that are used for scrubbing, offering the added benefit of being able to buff and polish floors. And most recently we have seen the introduction of Co-Botics, which enable completely autonomous cleaning.

 

Introducing the Ocelot range & what is oscillation?  

Most recently, Victor has introduced the Ocelot range. Different from Scrubber dryers, that function with rotating brushes or pads that loosen the dirt on the floor surface. The Ocelot machines possess intense cleaning capabilities, by agitating the embedded dirt and debris using high frequency, multi directional movement. This movement helps to dislodge stubborn dirt and stains. Specifically offering 3000 rounds of 7mm cleaning action per minute. The quicker revolutions allow operatives to make light work of cleaning floors.

See the side profile of the Ocelot below

 

What is the difference between the Ocelot 400 & Ocelot 400 Plus? 

These machines have minimal differences, both offering intense cleaning action and being applied in the same manner. However, the key difference lies in the additional features of the Ocelot 400 Plus, the integrated vacuum and squeegee, which enable wet pick-up.

When it comes to lifting embedded dirt, these machines can perform identically depending on how they are used. The original Ocelot was designed as a low-moisture machine, so wet pick-up isn’t necessary. However, to achieve a higher intensity of cleaning action, you can apply more water. But this won’t match the water application of the Ocelot 400 Plus, as excessive water could potentially damage the floor. Therefore, to match the capabilities of the Ocelot 400 Plus, you’d need a machine that can suction the water after application, such as the wet & dry vacuums WD30 or WD60.

Overall, while these machines are not exceptionally different and both are effective depending on the application required, the Ocelot 400 Plus can achieve a greater depth of cleaning potential.

 

             

The Ocelot 400 Plus                                                     The Ocelot 400

What are the key benefits of choosing an Ocelot?  

 

Quicker & more efficient: If you are dealing with stubborn dirt that just will not shift using regular cleaning methods. The Ocelot range will make light work of the task at hand. Application on textured floor materials is where you will see the most benefit. Some machines may require application in the same area but with one-pass the Ocelot’s can achieve the desired cleanliness.

 

Eco-friendly: Originally designed as low-moisture machines, the Ocelot 400 & Ocelot 400 Plus can be used without any chemicals and provide a satisfactory standard of cleanliness. You can use neutral cleaning solutions if preferred, but it is not an essential requirement. This is not only beneficial to the environment, but also a cost saving.

 

Edge-to-edge cleaning: Often machines can be awkward in tight corners but the rectangular base of the Ocelot machines enables simple and effortless application in the edges and corners of a room.

 

Cordless: Both Ocelot’s are completely cordless and powered using powerful Lithium-ion batteries. The run-time of the machines is 1.5 hours but this does slightly differ for the Ocelot 400 Plus depending on whether you’ll use the vacuum feature as this may provide less cleaning time.

When would you choose an Oscillating machine?

Although scrubber dryers are excellent for regular cleaning, they may not be suitable for every floor type. Some floors require a gentler cleaning method, while others may need deeper cleaning. This is where oscillating machines come in handy.

 

For example, textured floors can pose a challenge when dirt becomes embedded in grooves and crevices. Textured flooring is a common choice in commercial environments due to its anti-slip properties. However, if not cleaned effectively, the embedded dirt can reduce slip resistance by making the floor smoother.

 

In such cases, an oscillating machine is the ideal choice. It’s gentle yet deep-cleaning action can effectively reach into the grooves and crevices, removing embedded dirt without damaging the floor’s texture. This helps maintain the anti-slip properties and overall cleanliness of textured flooring.

 

Here’s a diagram to show difficulties cleaning textured floors:

Can I use Ocelot’s to clean my floor?

Although the Ocelot 400 and Ocelot 400 Plus are designed for intense cleaning applications, they are compatible with a wide variety of hard floor materials. While some customers have used the Ocelot for cleaning carpets, we recommend using it primarily on hard floors for optimal performance. The cleaning pad used with the machine is the key factor in determining compatibility with your floor type.

Here’s a summary of the pads and their compatibility with various floors:

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Microfibre

Highly absorbent for general maintenance and intermediate floor cleaning 

Suitable: All floor types  

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Texture & grout

Deep cleaning of grout lines, uneven and textured floors, works like a brush. 

Suitable: Textured floors/ Grouted tile floors/ Concrete floors  

Unsuitable: Wood floors  

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Melamine

For deep cleaning and mark removal on many types of floors

Suitable: Linoleum / Anti-slip safety floors / PVC 

Unsuitable: Varnished floors.  

If you do not think these pads are appropriate for your floor, we may be able to provide alternative pads, so please speak to our team. 

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What is the difference between Oscillating and Orbital cleaning? 

 

We’re beginning to see a variety of similar machines to the Ocelot arriving on the market and it can be confusing to recognise their differences and understand terminology. A key term often used is Orbital, this is different to oscillating but it can be confusing as companies sometimes use the term interchangeably. But here’s the difference: 

 

Orbital Machines: Move in a circular or elliptical pattern, providing consistent, even cleaning. They’re often used for polishing and maintaining smooth surfaces. 

 

Oscillating Machines: Move in a back-and-forth, multi-directional motion, making them ideal for deep cleaning textured surfaces and grout lines. Their movement is gentle yet effective at dislodging dirt from grooves and crevices. 

 

In summary

Understanding the differences and applications of oscillating cleaning machines can help you choose the right tool for maintaining your floors effectively. Whether you need gentle cleaning for delicate surfaces or deep cleaning for textured floors, oscillating machines like the Ocelot range offer versatile and powerful cleaning solutions. If you’d like more information about oscillation in cleaning speak to our team today!