The brushes on your walk-behind floor scrubber are the most important part of the cleaning process. Choosing the right brush type and maintaining it properly makes the difference between spotless floors and wasted effort.
Brush Types Explained
Nylon brushes: Most common. Flexible, gentle on floors, good for general cleaning. Available in soft, medium, and stiff grades. Soft for polished floors, medium for daily cleaning, stiff for heavy soil.
Polypropylene brushes: Stiffer than nylon. Best for removing heavy buildup, gum, and adhesive residue. Can scratch softer floors—use with caution.
Natural fiber brushes (tampico): Made from plant fibers. Used for scrubbing textured floors or surfaces where synthetic brushes are too aggressive.
Abrasive pads: Not brushes but pads that attach to the brush deck. Used for burnishing, polishing, or deep cleaning. Different colors indicate grit level.
Brush Size and Pattern
The brush diameter determines cleaning width. Standard walk-behind scrubbers use 13-17 inch brushes. The bristle pattern (straight, crimped, or spiral) affects dirt pickup. Crimped bristles hold more dirt and last longer.
When to Replace Brushes
Replace brushes when: bristles are worn down to 50% of original length, the brush no longer makes full contact with the floor, you see streaking after cleaning, or brush life has exceeded 6 months with daily use. A good rule: replace every 3-6 months depending on usage.
Storage and Care
Rinse brushes after each use to remove dirt and chemical residue. Store brushes hanging or on their side to prevent bristle deformation. Never store brushes resting on bristles. Rotate brushes periodically for even wear.
BIOCCE Compatible Brushes
BIOCCE walk-behind scrubbers use standard 17-inch brush decks compatible with most common brush types. We recommend nylon brushes for general use and polypropylene for heavy cleaning. Contact us for brush recommendations for your specific floor type.