Control Panel Explained: i-mop Lite
Let’s get cleaning!
The revolutionary i-mop Lite mopping machine features a very simple control panel system for easy user training and operation. Aside from its manoeuvrability and cleaning power, the i-mop is well regarded for its ease of use and ergonomics. And the best part is, the i-mop Lite is lighter and simpler to operate than its XL and XXL counterparts.
This article will explain each i-mop Lite control panel setting in detail with examples of when the setting may be most suitable to use. An explanation video can be viewed here which explains the same settings in a condensed format.
What if I use an i-mop XL or XXL? Don’t worry! View the i-mop XL/XXL Control Panel Explained article here.
Getting Started…
The i-mop Lite features a 4-button control panel that activates the desired cleaning setting when pressed. When a cleaning setting is chosen, the operator places their hands on the control handles to activate the machine. This activation occurs from holding the blue levers that are positioned directly in front of the control handles.
Setting 1: Brushes + Water
To activate, press the brush icon and either the single or double water droplet icons. They will light up green when activated.
The scrubbing brushes or pads will rotate and water will be released on the floor.
This setting is a great option for a standard clean. The brushes will use the dispensed water as it scrubs, creating a lather on the floor. Ensuring the correct dosage is added to the solution tank will ensure the lather is not too thick when cleaning. As the suction vacuum is not activated using this setting, the water solution will remain on the floor during the cleaning process.
Tip when you first activate the i-mop using this setting, hold the i-mop stationary for a couple of seconds to allow the water a chance to release on the floor. Scrubbing a floor with no water (i.e ‘dry’ scrubbing) can potentially damage sensitive floor types.
The advantage of the Brushes + Water setting is to increase the dwell time of the cleaning solution on the floor, giving it extra time to react with the dirt and other impurities. The operator can also scrub the desired area multiple times prior to activating the vacuum setting and drying the floor area. Increased cleaning results will be achieved.
Tip optional splash guards can be installed to prevent water flickering when using this setting.
Setting 2: Brushes Only
To activate, press the brush icon. It will light up green when activated.
The scrubbing brushes or pads will rotate on the floor.
This setting is very useful for double scrub cleaning. This setting is useful if an operator has already applied water to the floor using the Brush + Water setting and would like to continue scrubbing without excess water. Usually, in this instance, the operator will let the water dwell on the floor for a couple of minutes and proceed to clean the area again with the Brushes Only setting.
Tip it is highly discouraged to use the Brushes Only setting if there is no water already on the floor. Scrubbing a floor with no water (i.e ‘dry’ scrubbing) can potentially damage your floors and grout.
The advantage of the Brushes Only setting is that it provides an opportunity to double scrub for deeper cleaning. By scrubbing once with water being released, and scrubbing a second time with water already on the floor, is one of the most thorough cleaning techniques an operator can do.
Setting 3: Brushes, Water and Suction
To activate, press the brush icon, suction icon and either the single or double water droplet icons. They will light up green when activated.
The scrubbing brushes or pads will rotate, water will be dispensed and the vacuum squeegee assembly will dry the floor.
This setting is the perfect all-in-one cleaning choice, allowing users to scrub and dry the floors in a single pass. This setting is excellent for maintaining a floor at the most basic level and is highly convenient for quick cleaning requirements. Keep in mind the floors may not be 100% dry using this setting, so slipping caution is still necessary.
Tip filling up the solution tank with warm water will help the floors dry faster. Avoid hot temperatures.
Please note the suction setting should only be used to collect water, it is not a dry vacuum cleaner setting and is not suitable for collecting dust or debris.
The advantage of the brushes, water and suction setting is it allows anyone to still achieve a great cleaning result without spending excessive time. It is also fantastic for spot cleaning purposes such as cleaning a spillage or mark.
Setting 4: Brushes + Suction
To activate, press the brush icon and suction icons. They will light up green when activated.
The scrubbing brushes or pads will rotate and the vacuum squeegee assembly will collect water and dry the floor.
This setting complements the Brushes + Water or Brushes Only setting as it will allow the operator to pick up any dirty water on the floor without releasing more water at the same time.
Tip it is highly discouraged to use the Brushes + Suction setting if there is no water already on the floor. Scrubbing a floor with no water (i.e ‘dry’ scrubbing) can potentially damage your floors or grout.
The advantage of the brushes and suction setting is it reduces wastage of the solution tank water when collecting water already on the floor, increasing cleaning efficiency and saving resources. Just like the Brushes, Water + Suction setting, enables the operator to double scrub and collect the dirty water later.
Please note the suction setting is not a dry vacuum cleaner setting and is not suitable for collecting dust or debris.
Difference Between Water Dosage Settings
The i-mop Lite has a single-drop or double-drop water dosage setting. They can be used individually or together. The purpose of this is to provide the operator with different water dosage levels to control the desired amount of water/cleaning solution. This is dependent on the type of floor and the level of soiling on the surface.
Tip use more water for highly soiled areas that require increased cleaning solution for more aggressive cleaning.
The i-mop XL and XXL Basic, Plus and Pro models also feature a water booster setting.
Conclusion
The i-mop Lite Control Panel is a very simple yet highly effective cleaning machine for operators to use and adapt to. The practice of using different cleaning settings will allow operators to determine the best cleaning practice for their floors and will guarantee a more successful cleaning session.
If you still have questions regarding your i-mop and the control panel, please speak to one of Capital Equipment Hire’s sales representatives who will be more than happy to assist you.