Cleaning Food Production Floors: Best Practices and Machines to Help

Step 1: Hire an Industrial Vacuum Cleaner

First up, you’ll need to remove any food, debris or dust from your floor. These can act like sandpaper, gradually wearing your floors down and making them harder to clean. That’s where an industrial vacuum cleaner comes in.

At Karcher, we have both wet and dry options available. Smaller kitchens might prefer a compact, walk-behind machine, while larger production floors can benefit from heavy-duty or ride-on vacuums.

Using an industrial vacuum cleaner helps to prepare the floor for deeper cleaning and reduces the risk of spreading dirt during scrubbing.

Regular vacuuming also helps prevent pests by removing leftover food from, and keeps your facility safe for staff.

Step 2: Industrial Floor Scrubbers

Once the floor has been vacuumed,  it’s time to scrub the floor. Floor scrubbers, including scrubber dryers, combine cleaning and drying. They effectively remove grease, food and ingrained dirt far more effectively than mopping or scrubbing manually.

Hiring a floor scrubber is often the most cost-effective solution. It allows access to high-quality equipment without the upfront cost of buying. Using a scrubber dryer also reduces water usage, lowers the risk of slip hazards, and leaves floors clean and dry in minutes.

Best Practices for Cleaning Food Production Floors

Cleaning machines are only part of the solution. Here are some additional steps to keep your food production floors in top condition.

Develop a daily cleaning routine

Consistency is key. A quick sweep or vacuum at the start and end of each day keeps floors clear of crumbs, dust and leftover food. Not only does this make the space safer for staff, but it also means you’re never letting dirt build up to the point where it becomes harder to remove. Think of it as setting the stage for a smoother workday tomorrow.

Prevent cross-contamination

Food production spaces have different zones for a reason. Cleaning a prep area with the same mop or cloth you’ve just used in a storage room can easily transfer bacteria. Make sure each area is cleaned and disinfected with its own tools. We recommend colour-coded equipment to keep things organised and avoid any mix-ups.

Focus on busy areas

Some areas have higher footfall than others, particularly sinks and cooking stations. Spills and wear show up here faster. Placing mats or protective coverings in these spots reduces damage to the floor and makes clean-ups quicker. It’s a small step that can save time and extend the life of your flooring.

Steam clean tricky areas

Not everything can be reached with a vacuum or scrubber. Drains, corners and narrow gaps often need extra attention. Steam cleaners are perfect for this. They blast out dirt and kill bacteria without leaving behind harsh chemical residues. It’s a fast, eco-friendly way to deal with stubborn spots that are easy to overlook.

These best practices help to maintain a safe work environment while keeping your floors in top condition.

Do I Hire Cleaning Equipment or Buy?

Industrial floor cleaning equipment doesn’t need to break the bank. Hiring machines like industrial vacuums, scrubber dryers, and floor buffers gives you access to professional-grade tools without the hefty investment.

At Kärcher Hire Ireland, we offer a range of commercial floor cleaning machines for both short-term and long-term hire. With next-day delivery available across Ireland, it’s easy to get the right equipment when you need it.

Browse our equipment available for hire, or contact us for more information.