---
title: "How scrubber machines work | Sweepers PTY LTD"
url: https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/how-scrubber-machines-work/
description: "Solution, brushes and squeegee: how a scrubber washes and dries a floor in one pass."
---

[KNOWLEDGE HUB](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/)/[SCRUBBERS](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/?topic=Scrubbers)

GUIDE5 MIN READ

# How scrubber machines work

Solution, brushes and squeegee: how a scrubber washes and dries a floor in one pass.

REVIEWED 20 OCTOBER 2026 BY MARK SCULL, OWNER · SWEEPERS PTY LTD

IN THIS GUIDE

[Browse scrubbers](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/scrubber-machines/)

A floor scrubber washes, scrubs and dries in a single pass, so the floor is clean and safe to walk on almost immediately.

## 1. Clean solution goes down

Water, with detergent where needed, flows from the solution tank onto the floor just ahead of the brushes. Many machines let you set the flow to match how dirty the floor is.

## 2. Brushes or pads scrub

Disc brushes are the most common and suit smooth floors. Cylindrical brushes also pick up small debris as they scrub. Pads are used for polishing or gentler cleaning.

## 3. The squeegee and vacuum dry the floor

A rear squeegee gathers the dirty water while a vacuum motor lifts it into a separate recovery tank. The clean and dirty water never mix.

## Choosing a size

—Hand-held scrubbers for small rooms, kitchens and tight spaces.

—Walk-behind scrubbers for retail, schools and mid-size warehouses.

—Ride-on scrubbers for large warehouses, factories and car parks.

GOOD TO KNOW

If your floor has lots of loose debris, sweep first or consider a combination sweeper-scrubber.

WHERE TO NEXT

[Scrubber machines for sale](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/scrubber-machines/)

[Walk-behind scrubbers](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/scrubber-machines/walk-behind-scrubber-machines/)

[Ride-on scrubbers](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/scrubber-machines/ride-on-scrubber-machines/)

Want a machine recommendation?

[Get a free quote](https://sweepers.com.au/free-quote/)

## Keep reading

[All guides & FAQs](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/)

[ARTICLE · 4 MIN Benefits of scrubber machines Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/benefits-of-scrubber-machines/)

[GUIDE · 4 MIN Why is my scrubber leaving streaks or water behind? Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/scrubber-troubleshooting/)

[ARTICLE · 4 MIN Floor cleaning machine terms explained Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/floor-machine-glossary/)

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**Sweepers PTY LTD** · 122 Bromley St, Cornubia QLD 4130, Australia · 1300 387 713 · 07 3287 9960 · sales@sweepers.com.au · https://sweepers.com.au/