The Best Heavy Duty Clean Up Sponges

A stack of large yellow sponges. Bright yellow are new sponges, the darker sponges are about six months old.

Every art studio needs cleaning, and large yellow sponges are one of the most effective cleanup tools. They can wipe, mop up liquid, and be used over and over again. If you are working with clay, this is a must have tool in the studio. Small sponges, rags, or towels will simply not compete with the large surface area, long life, flexibility, and reusability of these sponges.

The only problem is that most large yellow sponges for sale online are low-quality generics that can disintegrate and fall apart, sometimes within weeks.

The best large sponge I’ve found is the Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty Grouting and Concrete Sponge. For the past several years, I’ve been using these sponges in a busy community ceramics studio and the sponges will hold up under heavy use for six months or more. There is simply not a comparable sponge on the market and I believe these sponges are worth the slightly extra price, especially when they are being used day after day and don’t need to be replaced as often.

Shopping tip: Lowes generally has the best prices for these sponges. At the time of this post, Lowes had a 6 pack for $15.49 and the same pack of sponges was $32 at Amazon.

For our guide to wheelthrowing and other small sponges, click here.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick for Heavy Duty Large Sponges

• Advantages of Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty Grout Sponges

• Other Quality Sponge options

• What you can do with large yellow sponges

• Wrap-up: The best Heavy Duty Large Yellow Sponges

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Top Pick for Large, Heavy Duty Sponges

Detail of the pore structure on a new Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty sponge.

The Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty Grouting and Concrete Sponge is the top pick for the best large yellow sponge. As of this writing, they typically cost around $16–$32 for a 6 pack of sponges, or they can be purchased individually as well. They cost a bit more than other options, but the exceptional life span of these sponges makes them a solid investment for your studio.

The Advantages of Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty Sponges

These sponges just last and do the job you expect them to do in an art studio, such as clean up, light mopping, or removing glaze. If you were using these sponges for grouting or plaster work, you might think of them as semi-disposable. But in a studio, you want a tool that will last and be useful, and these are a versatile option.

One of the best features of these high-quality polyester sponges is their ability to pick up and then easily squeeze out a large volume of water. These heavy duty sponges hold up for any job and can last six months or longer, even in a shared studio such as a busy ceramics studio. In an individual studio, these sponges might even last a year or two or longer with light usage.

To research large sponges, I’ve bought just about every type of large sponge and put them to use in academic and community studios used by one hundred or more students every week. In this environment, sponges receive almost constant use throughout the day. Some of the supposedly “heavy duty” sponges started to break down in a few weeks—these were typically sponges from generic multipacks. The Armaly ProPlus Sponges are the longest-lasting cleanup sponge that I have used and would recommend for every studio.

Armaly ProPlus Sponges 6 Pack
Lowes: $15.49
Amazon: $32.79

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Other Large Sponge Options

QEP Grouting Sponge

The QEP sponges are a great deal at around $9 for a pack of six.

The QEP Grouting, Cleaning and Washing Sponge is another great option for large sponges, and at $9 for a 6 pack, offers an exceptional value. I’ve used these and they do work, they’re just not as long lasting as the Armaly ProPlus sponges. Amazon reviewers also praise the QEP sponges for toughness but quite a few found it to be too tough and didn’t wring out as well. I’d take a tough but not as absorbent sponge over one that breaks down, so if you are looking to save a few bucks, definitely give the QEP sponges a try.

QEP Sponge 6 Pack
$8.97

Creative Hobbies Large Sponges

Creative Hobbies 4 Pack of Large Sponges

Another option is the Creative Hobbies Value Pack of 4 Sponges, currently around $12 for a 4 pack on Amazon. These cost a bit more per sponge than the QEP, but also offer an good value.

Creative Hobbies 4 Pack of Large Sponges
$12

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The Armaly ProPlus Grouting Sponges.

Uses For Large Yellow Sponges

• Clean up

• Pottery wheel and throwing clean up

• Light mopping

• Glaze clean up on bisqueware

• Wetting watercolor paper

• Plaster work

• Grouting

• Concrete

• Tile installation

• Household cleanup

• Car and boat washing

Wrap Up: The Best Heavy Duty Large Yellow Sponge

In our research, we’ve found the Armaly ProPlus Heavy Duty Grouting and Concrete Sponge to be the best large yellow sponge on the market. It combines exceptional durability with a relatively soft sponge that will pick up large amounts of water. In short, it will do what you need a big sponge to do and work over and over, lasting six months or more. Sure, it costs a bit more but the long life is worth it.

The QEP Grouting and Creative Hobbies Large Yellow Sponges are also good options that are more affordable. All three work great, we just expect the Armaly ProPlus to have a significantly longer life in the studio.

What sponges do you use in the studio? Let us know in the comments.

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You might also enjoy:

Best Wheelthrowing and Pottery Sponges

Best Cleanup Tools for Ceramic Studios

Best Aprons for Pottery and Ceramics

Best HEPA Vacuum for Ceramic studios

Gift Guide For Potters

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Sink Trap Buyer's Guide for Art Studios: For Ceramics, Sculpture, Plaster and More

Note: Originally published 2021, updated August 2025.

A sink trap is a vital tool for keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy particles from clogging your plumbing. If you are working with these materials, don’t just assume your plumbing will be fine; be proactive and install something! This guide will cover a variety of sink traps, and touch on DIY methods.

The first step for clear drains is to keep clay, plaster, and heavy particles out in the first place.

Let me repeat: pre-clean everything to keep clay and sediment out of the sink. And never pour wet plaster down a sink. You can pre-clean your clay and glaze tools in a bucket, bin or trash can filled with water. Let this settle over time, decant the clear water and discard the waste. Warning! It will get stinky. But so will a sink trap.

See more clean up advice and reommendations at the end of this article.

Even with pre-cleaning, it’s inevitable that some particles will go down the drain, so you will need some sort of trap. Many plumbers will simply install a grease trap or other system that is more appropriate for restaurants. But there are a few products designed especially for clay, plaster, and other sediment, and they are much easier to use and clean than a grease trap.

The Gleco Trap System, pictured here with 64 oz jars.

TOP PICK: Practicon Gleco 64 oz System

The top pick for a sink trap is the Gleco 64 oz Sediment Trap System. The Gleco is similar to other systems with an inlet and outlet pipe and a screw-top bottles that act as a settling tank. When full, the bottles can be disposed, or cleaned and reused. But the side drain is the big extra feature with the Gleco system. This valve allows you to drain standing water before removing the bottle. This feature really help keep your sink area clean and allows you to quickly and efficiently swap out the bottles as they fill.

The Gleco 64 oz System is currently around $107 to $117 for the kit.

The clearance needed for the different size Gleco Systems.

The Gleco System with a drain has four jar sizes: 32, 43, 63, and 128 oz. All the jars are interchangeable. Due to the weight of the jars as they fill, many users recommended that the two larger sizes sit on something—plan to add wood shims or support underneath the jar. You’ll also need to measure your undersink area before selecting a jar size. The minimum clearance between the floor and outlet pipe ranges from 11.5 inches to 20 inches, depending on the bottle size. You may also need to get extra plastic piping to fit the system into your sink.

For more info on keeping your pipes clean and other sediment trap systems, keep reading.

Larger Settling Tanks: 3.5 and 5 Gallon Options

In recent years, Practicon Gleco has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tanks, which are simple settling tanks without a settling tank.

Practicon has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tank options to the Gleco line. These are simple settling tanks that are sealed into your drain system. They don’t have a release spigot, making them much cheaper, but they do have a pressure release valve that is released before changing buckets. The buckets can be discarded, or emptied, cleaned, and replaced. These are very similar to the Buffalo Trap-Eze system that has been on the market for some time, but at a slightly lower price.

The 3.5 and 5 Gallon systems cost around $60.

Shopping links At Amazon: The 43 oz and 64 oz Systems come with the pipes and two bottles, and replacements jars are available. These kits cost around $107 to $117. The 3.5 Gallon and 5 Gallon systems come with buckets and pipes, and cost around $60. Note that the 3.5 and 5 gallon systems are just settling tanks, they don’t come with the water drain valve that makes changing jars easier. But the larger systems are good for busier studios.

Gleco 43 oz System | Gleco 64 oz System | Gleco 3.5 Gallon System | Gleco 5 Gallon System

Gleco 32 oz jars | Gleco 43 oz jars | Gleco 64 oz jars | Gleco 128 oz / Gallon Jars

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Practicon Gleco Sediment Trap System

• Buffalo Trap-Eze System

• Keystone Metal Sink Trap

• Rohde Sediment Tank

• DIY Systems

• Recommendations for keeping your sink clog-free

• Summary

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Buffalo Trap-Eze Systems

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 oz bottle system.

Designed for dental offices, these are also ideal solutions for pottery and craft studios. There are two basic models of this system: the 64 oz bottle system which is very similar to the Practicon Gleco system but without a side drain valve, and then a few simple bucket systems that attach to your plumbing with flexible hoses.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 ounce system is a decent option, but if you were to get this style, I would choose the Gleco system. As of 2025, this 1/2 gallon system is still listed on the Buffalo Dental website, but it is hard to find it for sale.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket sediment trap.

But where the Buffalo Trap-Eze system really shines is the larger systems with 3.5 or 5 gallon buckets. This is a super simple settling tank that connects to your existing plumbing with flexible hoses. Easier to install (and cheaper) than the Gleco system, it’s a great option that just about anyone should be able to install without too much trouble. Just make sure you have enough clearance under your sink for the buckets and for the attachment to your outlet pipe. In recent years, Practicon has added very similar products to their line, so there are options to consider with this style of system.

These buckets don’t contain baffles or separate compartments, but if you make sure to preclean all your tools and hands, these will work well to trap those fine particles that do make their way down the drain. And the full buckets can be disposed, or cleaned and reused.

Some users report problems with these leaking. Make sure to tightly seal the lid to the bucket for this system to work. If you read clay forums, many potters use these traps without any problems. Both of these systems are around $65.

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Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is a 2 gallon metal canister-style sink that also accommodates disposable liner bags. This style is somewhere in between the Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket systems and a regular grease trap. The metal fittings may be more long-lasting and durable than a plastic bucket, but you’ll also have to factor in the time of opening and cleaning. In general, if your system is easy to clean (like the Gleco) you’ll be more likely to do it often.

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is available at a variety of ceramic suppliers.

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Rohde Sedimentation Tank

The Rohde Sedimentation Tank, pictured here with the lid off.

Available in Europe, the Rohde Sedimentation Tank is a three-chambered plastic tub on a wheeled, stainless-steel base. It’s an ideal solution for any pottery studio, especially a busy community or academic studio. It measures 450 x 603 x 520 mm (17.7 x 24.8 x 20.5 inches). To my eye, it looks like a commercial version of many of the DIY settling tanks people make out of storage tubs and buckets. Rohde—if you are reading this, please start distributing worldwide!

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DIY Sedimentation Tanks

Practically any ceramic forum has guides and instructions on how to build a DIY settling tank. While these may not be appropriate or up to code for a commercial or academic studio, these will work for home or private studios.

The basic idea is running your drain into a bucket or two for settling. These buckets are inside a larger storage tub, which has an outlet. And definitely build a small platform or casters so this can be moved for cleaning.

With the right tools, parts, and caulk, anyone can build a system like this. However, it might be easier to just order something like the Gleco or Buffalo trap system…but you’ll know what is right for your studio. Personally, I use a trap system along with extra-careful pre-cleaning (read below) and never have a problem.

Click here for a great guide to a DIY sediment trap system.

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Clean Up Tips and Tricks

With just a bit of planning, you will never have a problem with your sinks or drains clogging from clay or other heavy particles. The solution: pre-clean buckets. Make it a goal to never have clay chunks come anywhere near your sink!

The Three Bucket System

A prewash bucket or three will give you plenty of space to wash and clean clay tools, splash pans, and dirty hands before using the sink. For an individual studio, this can be a simple tub or 5 gallon bucket. For a busy studio, it could be a trash can full of water. Or try a “three bucket system” where you progressively move from dirty to clean water. With a system like this, you might not even need to use the sink except to rinse off your hands. It is also very efficient, as the dirty water is constantly reused, which is definitely a concern for any area affected by drought.

The Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container, an ideal size for pre-cleaning.

In a personal studio, I still prefer to use a big, wide trash can of water as that allows me to dip splash pans and other large tools in the water for pre-cleaning. If this bucket gets smelly, use the method described here for sanitizing.

My favorite option for clean up is the Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container. It’s tall enough that you don’t have to bend over to clean, and it’s not super huge like a 44 gallon. You can also get a wheeled caster dolly, which makes it easy to move around the studio. These cans are the same style as the older Rubbermaids, and they are thicker walled and stronger than the current models of Rubbermaid waste containers.

Amazon Basics also has a simple 32 gallon trash can.

Other options:

Generic 32 gallon trash can with caster and lid combo package. Shop at Amazon

Rubbermaid Brute 32 Gallon vented trash can. (The fluted vents make it harder to clean) Shop at Home Depot

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A drain cover / strainer will help catch large chunks.

Sink Strainer

Your final defense before your trap is some sort of sink strainer. Get the size that fits your drain. This will keep any chunks of clay or bits of hard plaster from going down the drain.

The 4 pack pictured here should cover most sink sizes.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for sink traps and sedimentation tanks for pottery, sculpture and craft studios, but these same systems will work in dental offices or anywhere that is using heavy particles that will sink and potentially clog pipes. The top pick is the Gleco system for it’s ease of use and innovative side valve. The Buffalo Trap-Eze system is also a great option because it is so easy to install. You can also make your own system. The main thing, though, is to follow best practices of keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy stuff out of the sink in the first place. Setting up your studio with a pre-clean bucket or trash can is an easy solution that will pay off in clean pipes and help you avoid costly plumbing bills or problems down the road.

What do you use in your studio for a sediment trap? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Cleanup Tools for Ceramic and Art Studios

The Carlisle Mop Bucket, one of two top picks for a studio mop bucket.

Updated and revised, June 12, 2021

In a studio, it’s important to have the right clean up tools to keep things neat, organized, and safe. This is especially true in ceramic and sculpture studios, where dust can be an issue. And while any sort of clean up tool will be better than nothing, high-quality, well-designed tools do stand the test of time and most importantly, really work.

This post is an overview of quality clean-up tools that get the job done. These are the exact tools that I use in my studio.

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Table of Contents

• Dust Pan and Bench Brush

• Long Handle Dust Pans / Lobby Pans

• Brooms

• Sweeping Compound

• Mop and Bucket: Rubbermaid Commercial and Carlisle

• Large Yellow Sponges

• HEPA Vacuum

• Walk Behind Floor Scrubbers

• Clean-Up Recommendations

• Summary

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Dust Pan and Bench Brush/Duster

The Rubbermaid Commercial Dust Pan and Bench Brush/Duster are simply the best dust pan and brush combo that I’ve ever used. The pan is sturdy, functional, and hangs nicely on the wall. It is 12.25” wide and about 3 inches deep at the tallest point.

The bench brush is where you really step up your cleaning game: It’s a heavy-duty brush with relatively soft bristles that clean evenly and completely, and can be washed if needed.

This combo is great for cleaning dirty tabletops, sweeping up larger chunks of clay, sawdust, brushing off a kiln shelf, or for light-duty floor cleaning.

When compared to other dust pan and brush combos, there is simply no comparison. These are long-lasting, functional upgrades to your studio. They will last years, if not decades, under normal use.

The Rubbermaid Commercial 12.5” Dust Pan

The Rubbermaid Commercial Bench Brush / Particle Duster

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Long Handle Dust Pans / Lobby Pans

A long handle dust pan and broom are your other tool for dealing with chunks and dust. They really save your back and make cleanup that much easier. And in a shared studio space such as a community studio, having a long-handled dust pan will greatly increase the likelihood of studio members doing their part to clean up.

Oxo Good Grips Sweeping Sets

The slightly larger Oxo Good Grips Sweep Set with the extendable handle broom.

The Oxo Good Grips Sweeping Sets are my favorite long-handle dust pans and broom combos. Thoughtfully designed and sturdy, it’s what I currently use in my studio and I even purchased the smaller combo for use at home.

The larger “extendable handle” set (shop at Amazon) has a 10.8” wide dust pan that is 3.5 inches tall. The dust pan handle is 35” high, and the broom handle can be extended from 35” to 53” inches.

The smaller set (shop at Amazon) has a 9.5 inch wide dust pan that is 3 inches tall, and the dust pan and broom are around 35 inches tall or 38.5 inches when hanging upright.

Both sets are made from the same sturdy plastic and design, including a swiveling dust pan that can lock in place. The thick rubber “comb” on the dust pan help clean the bristles of the broom. This is especially good for removing hair and dust balls that stick to the broom.

The dust pan handle also contains a handy snap, so the set clicks together for easy storage both upright or hanging. In the hanging mode, the head of the broom can be easily tucked into the dust pan. It’s an all-around great combo.

Rubbermaid Commercial Long Handled Lobby Dust Pan

Another great long-handle dust pan option is the Rubbermaid Commercial Lobby Dust Pan. It has a much larger dust pan than the Oxo version, making it perfect for academic studios and larger spaces, such as community or garage studios. It is heavy duty, holds a large amount of dust and trash, and the pan swivels for picking up and dumpling. For storage, it will sit on the ground or can be hung up by the handle hook.

Rubbermaid Commercial Long Handle Lobby Dust Pan

Rubbermaid Commercial Lobby Broom. Just 7.5” wide, so a standard broom may be better for studios.

This dust pan pairs well with either a standard angle broom or the small lobby broom. The lobby broom is 7.5” wide, putting it on the smaller side if your goal is to clean up dust. I generally prefer a standard angle broom (see below) but the lobby broom does have a shorter handle, hangs up easily, and is good for sweeping larger chunks into the dust pan.

My only complaint about this dust pan is it doesn’t have a clip to hold a broom in place. But like most other Rubbermaid Commercial products, this is a well-built tool that will last forever.

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Brooms

The Rubbermaid 10.5” Angle Broom.

Angle Broom

If you are working in a studio that generates dust, such as a ceramic studio or woodshop, you need to be mindful when sweeping and generating any sort of dust. Sweeping compound can help trap dust at the ground level before it gets in the air, but another way to avoid creating airborne dust is to sweep gently with a soft-bristled broom. Move dirt deliberately into piles, then get it into your dust pan and you should be fine.

The best all-purpose broom for a studio is a simple angle broom. My favorite is the Rubbermaid Commercial 10.5” angle broom. It’s a quality broom and if you ever do actually wear out the brush head, you can buy replacement heads.

Push Broom

Rubbermaid Commercial Smooth Surface Fine Duty brush head for a push broom.

For larger rooms, you may want to also have a push broom or two. These are especially great for larger academic studios, outdoor concrete pads, or hallways. It’s harder to maneuver these around table legs and chairs.

As mentioned above, the way to go with possibly dusty floors is to get the softest bristles possible. For a push broom, the Rubbermaid Commercial Smooth Surface Fine Duty brush head is the way to go. Pair it with a broom handle, and you’ll have a great broom.

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Sweeping Compound

SpillFix all purpose absorbent / sweeping compound.

Anytime you are sweeping a dry or dusty floor, sweeping compound will greatly reduce or eliminate any potential airborne dust and help you grab all the dust and debris. Sweeping compound is typically some form of oily sawdust. It is tacky enough to grab dust and dirt, but dry enough that there is no trace of oil left on the floor. Some sweeping compounds also double as absorbents for oil or other materials.

The best way to use sweeping compound is to fill a plastic cup with a bit of sweeping compound and fling it in a low, horizontal motion in order to distribute it evenly. Then, sweep as normal.

For busy studios, sweeping compound can be ordered in large bags or drums from most hardware stores or warehouse supply stores. Sweeping compound will dry out over time, so it’s best to order what you can use in 6 to 12 months. For smaller studios or if you are trying sweeping compound for the first time, the smallish jar of SpillFix linked below is a great way to test it out. Once you start using sweeping compound, you’ll wonder how you ever swept a studio floor without it.

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Mop and Bucket

Rubbermaid WaveBreak Wringer Bucket

A mop and wringer bucket is an important part of any studio clean-up operation, especially if you are working with clay and want to avoid dust. The best wringer bucket is the Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebreak Bucket Wringer Set and for the mop, my preference is the Rubbermaid Side Gate Mop Handle with a blue mop head.

Rubbermaid Side Gate Mop Handle

I know this post is starting to seem like it’s all Rubbermaid Commercial products, but I have used and can vouch for the quality, durability, and design of these products. (For a review of a Rubbermaid product I don’t endorse, read about 10 gallon buckets here) The good news on wringer buckets is there are a variety of side-press wringer buckets that are all about the same price and are highly reviewed, including Carslisle and Amazon Basics.

The main additional feature of the Rubbermaid is the “WaveBreak” system, essentially two flanges inside the bucket to help control the water when you are rolling the bucket. For me, the WaveBreak doesn’t add much, but I do appreciate the quality of the caster wheels and the wringer system on the Rubbermaid.

For a mop head, I find that the blue headband-style mop heads hold the longest. I prefer the standard 20” length, but there are options out there.

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The Carlisle Mop Bucket is available in a 35 and 26 quart size.

Carlisle Mop Buckets

For an alternative to the Rubbermaid Mop Bucket, check out the Carlisle Mop Buckets. They are available in two sizes: 26 quart and 35 quart, and a variety of colors. Options are good! And the smaller size is appropriate for smaller studios. They do not feature the “Wavebreak” middle bumper found on the Rubbermaid bucket, but this actually makes it easier to clean out the grime that settles to the bottom of the bucket.

I use and stock the 35 quart Rubbermaid bucket in larger studios, but in my own personal studio, I have the 26 quart Carlisle bucket. The mop wringer top part is the same size as the larger model, but the 4.5 gallon bucket takes up less room while providing enough water for cleanup. The casters don’t seem as robust as the Rubbermaid buckets, but overall, it’s basically the same, well-built mop bucket.

The Carlisle Mop Buckets are also available in a five colors.

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Large Yellow Sponges

Armaly ProPlus Grouting and Cleanup Sponge

Large yellow sponges are one of the best cleanup tools for the size, versatility, and ability to pick up large volumes of liquid. I use them every day in the studio and have tried just about every brand name and generic out there.

My advice is to go for quality on yellow sponges, and my favorite is the Armaly ProPlus Grouting and Cleanup Sponge. It does cost more, but it lasts so much longer. The generic packs you’ll find online contain sponges that usually fall apart in weeks. The Armaly Pro sponges last 6 months or longer under heavy use in the community studio I manage, and should last even longer in a personal studio.

Another decent option is the QEP yellow sponge, which will also last longer than generics. For a full rundown of heavy-duty cleanup sponges, click here. If the prices online seem too high, you may be able to find these sponges for less at big box hardware stores.

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HEPA Vacuum

Nilfisk Alto Aero 26 Hepa Vacuum.

A quality HEPA vacuum is a must-have in any studio, especially if you are working with clay, plaster, or wood and generating dust. It’s always best to wet mop (or use sweeping compound) to avoid putting dust in the air, but if you do use a vacuum, you want to know that you have good filters and are not putting the fine dust back in the air. And for situations like cleaning the inside of a kiln, you definitely need a good vacuum.

The Nilfisk Alto Aero HEPA vacuum is a good balance of quality, and design. It is certified for drywall dust abatement. It’s on the more expensive side for a wet/dry vac, but it’s on the cheaper side for high quality HEPA dust vacuums. (I personally use a 20-year-old Nilfisk GM80. Those are great vacuums if you have $1400…)

I have used other Nilfisk vacuums at various shops and have always been impressed with their quality. Expect this to be an investment that lasts for years or decades.

For a complete review of HEPA vacuums that work for silica dust abatement, click here.

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Walk Behind Floor Scrubbers

The Clark Vantage 14, a walk behind floor scrubber made by Nilfisk-Advance.

For larger studios, a battery-operated floor scrubber can be a quick and effective way to clean up. These machines put water down, scrub and clean with a rotating head, and then a rear squeegee helps collect water that is sucked back into the machine.

Available in a variety of sizes, these machines will make short work of even thousands of square feet of studio space. They do costs thousands of dollars, making them more appropriate for larger studios. But in the end, a unit like this will save time and result in cleaner floors. One piece of advice is to definitely get a cordless model.

A smaller option for this type of machine is the Clarke Vantage 14, which is made by Nilfisk-Advance. It has a 14 inch scrubber head, 3 gallon capacity, 100 minutes of battery life, and produces a relatively quiet 64 dB of noise when in operation.

Tennant T2 Walk Behind Floor Scrubber

The Tennant T2 floor scrubber.

A larger, battery-powered floor scrubber is the Tennant T2. It has a 17 inch wide scrubbing disc, a 7 gallon capacity for water or cleaning solution, and a 9.5 gallon reservoir for soiled water. It has a quiet, 68 dB operating noise and is somewhat compact at 44 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 36 inches tall.

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Clean Up Recommendations

Here is how I clean up:

Tables and countertops
Use bench brush and dust pan to clean large chunks. Then wipe clean with water and large yellow sponges.

Floors
Spot-sweep as needed with broom and long-handled dust pan.
Use sweeping compound and sweep. Vigorous sweeping can produce airborne dust, so work slowly and carefully.
After sweeping, then mop floors. If needed, a second mopping should get things spotless.

Kiln room
Kilns are vacuumed as needed with a HEPA vacuum.
Floors are cleaned as described above.
As kiln rooms are sources of a lot of dust from ware storage, kiln wash, kiln shelf maintenance, etc, I am extra vigilant about cleaning frequently in kiln rooms.

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Summary

This post has covered all the clean up tools I use in my own studio and studios that I manage. These recommendations are made based on years of personal experience and what has worked for me and other studio members. Cleaning up is an incredibly important part of the art making process, and you want to have the right tools to make the job efficient and effective.

What clean up tools do you use in your studio? Let us know in the comments.

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