Cleaning Equipment For Custodial Services

March 3, 2025

Cleaning equipment plays a pivotal role in the facility management and custodial service industries, ensuring that teams can properly maintain a space’s cleanliness and hygiene. As the demand for effective and sustainable cleaning practices continues to grow, custodial professionals rely on continuous innovation in equipment to meet the rising standards of cleanliness and sanitation.

There is far more to custodial services than just a mop, bucket, broom, and dustpan. To run an effective and efficient program for large facilities, custodial service providers must invest in the right equipment. There are also many factors to evaluate when choosing equipment– including the size of the custodial program, anticipated cleaning requirements, building traffic and downtime, the size of the cleaning team, and the environmental implications of each tool and cleaning product.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach for cleaning equipment, there are some classic tools of the trade that should be considered by custodial professionals, along with innovative enhancements that free up time, energy, and resources.

Wet/dry vacuums are indispensable for maintaining cleanliness in facilities of all sizes. These machines are versatile and capable of handling routine tasks like removing dirt, debris, and chemical residues. Additionally, they are essential for emergency situations, such as extracting water from flooded areas caused by leaks or severe weather. With their dual functionality, wet/dry vacuums are a foundational tool for any custodial program.

Facilities with significant carpeting or upholstered furniture rely heavily on commercial carpet extractors. These machines are specifically designed to remove stubborn stains and deep-seated dirt, making them invaluable for maintaining a clean and professional appearance. In extreme cases, carpet extractors simplify restorative cleaning by tackling heavy soiling and deep-set debris, prolonging the life of carpets and minimizing replacement costs.

For facilities with hard flooring, floor scrubbers are a must-have. These machines ensure thorough and consistent cleaning of surfaces, regardless of material. Properly maintained hard floors are not only more visually appealing but also last longer, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Choosing the right floor scrubber depends on factors such as the type of flooring, the facility’s size, and traffic patterns, but their benefits are universal.

As custodial programs evolve, so does the need for innovative cleaning solutions that enhance efficiency and meet growing environmental expectations. While advanced tools may not be necessary for every facility, they offer significant benefits for operations that require greater scale, precision, or sustainability. When considering upgrades, custodial providers should ask:

Several innovations are reshaping the custodial services industry, including:

Autonomous Mobile Robots are an innovative way to improve efficiency in every area of facilities management. Within the custodial services space, autonomous cleaners provide consistent, quality cleaning to large spaces. AMRs don’t replace hardworking team members—they free up time for people to focus on projects that require hands-on work.

Autonomous floor cleaning equipment is one of the most common use cases of AMRs in facilities management. Equipped with sensors, artificial intelligence, and additional technology to ensure safe operations around building occupants, autonomous cleaners can be set up to run multiple routes without assistance. These machines are best used in facilities with large, accessible spaces.

Aqueous ozone technology offers a natural and effective alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals. This cleaning technology converts oxygen (O₂) from the air into ozone (O₃) using electricity. This ozone gas is then diffused into tap water. The extra oxygen atom in the ozone creates nanobubbles, which attack and destroy contaminants on surfaces, leaving only water and oxygen behind. Aqueous ozone is safe for the environment and reduces reliance on harsh substances.

Equipment for aqueous ozone varies in design and application, including wall-mounted dispensers, portable backpack units, and rolling carts. This versatility makes it suitable for various facility sizes and cleaning requirements. By incorporating aqueous ozone technology, custodial teams can achieve superior cleaning results while supporting environmental sustainability.

Electrostatic sprayers gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain a valuable tool for disinfecting large areas quickly and effectively. These devices combine disinfectant with ambient air, aerosolizing the solution for even coverage. The electrostatic charge ensures the disinfectant adheres to surfaces uniformly, reducing chemical usage and application time.

Most electrostatic sprayers are portable, battery-powered, and easy to operate, making them a practical choice for busy custodial teams. However, their use requires training to ensure safety and compliance with manufacturer guidelines. Due to their aerosolizing nature, electrostatic sprayers should only be used in unoccupied spaces to avoid health risks to building occupants.

By combining classic tools with innovative solutions, custodial professionals can enhance their cleaning programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability, and hygiene. With careful consideration and investment in the right equipment, the custodial services industry continues to adapt to the evolving needs of modern facilities.

Lane is the Vice President of Facility Systems and Support with SSC Services for Education. He has worked in facilities management and custodial services for over 28 years with SSC Services for Education. He has extensive experience in evaluating custodial equipment and technology, determining the best fit for specific facilities and training teams for smooth implementation.

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Cleaning, cleaning equipment, cleaning tools, custodial services, Energy Efficiency, Facility Management, FE-February-2025, Maintenance, SSC Services for Education, Sustainability

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