---
title: "Why is my scrubber leaving streaks or water behind? | Sweepers PTY LTD"
url: https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/scrubber-troubleshooting/
description: "The usual causes of a poor finish from a floor scrubber, and how to fix each one."
---

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

GUIDE4 MIN READ

# Why is my scrubber leaving streaks or water behind?

The usual causes of a poor finish from a floor scrubber, and how to fix each one.

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 scrubber that leaves water or streaks usually has a squeegee, suction or solution problem. Most causes take minutes to check before calling for a service.

## Common causes and fixes

Symptom

Likely cause

Fix

Water trails behind the machine

Worn, nicked or rounded squeegee blades

Turn the blades to a fresh edge or replace them

Water left at the ends of the squeegee

Squeegee height or tilt out of adjustment

Adjust so the blade contacts the floor evenly

Weak or no suction

Blocked suction hose or squeegee inlet

Clear debris from the hose and squeegee

Suction stops mid-job

Recovery tank full and the float has shut off the vacuum

Empty the recovery tank and clean the float

Poor suction with an empty tank

Recovery tank lid or drain hose seal leaking air

Check the lid gasket and drain cap seal

Floor stays wet everywhere

Solution flow set too high for the floor

Reduce the flow until the floor is just wet

Streaks or dull patches

Too much detergent, or a worn or wrong brush or pad

Check the dilution and the brush or pad

Water left on turns

Turning too sharply or driving too fast

Slow down and make wider turns

## Prevent it

—Rinse the squeegee and recovery tank after every use.

—Inspect squeegee blades daily.

—Empty and rinse the recovery tank before it fills completely.

—Use the detergent and dilution the manufacturer recommends.

GOOD TO KNOW

If the problem continues after these checks, book a service and we will find the fault.

WHERE TO NEXT

[Servicing & parts](https://sweepers.com.au/servicing-and-parts/)

[Filters, squeegees and parts](https://sweepers.com.au/product-category/filters/)

[How scrubber machines work](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/how-scrubber-machines-work/)

Want a machine recommendation?

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

## Keep reading

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

[GUIDE · 5 MIN How scrubber machines work Read](https://sweepers.com.au/knowledge/how-scrubber-machines-work/)

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

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

---

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