To make a notable first impression on guests, employees, and clients, the cleanliness and appearance of a business or commercial facility shouldn't be underestimated. But keeping the floors clean, sanitized, and safe is no easy task. Using a traditional mop and bucket is no longer the best way to clean floors, as it puts a greater physical strain on workers, is less successful in fully cleaning, and adds extra time for labor and drying.
A high-quality, automatic floor scrubber or buffer can improve the efficiency of daily cleaning in various environments, including schools, offices, gyms, retail shops, warehouses, malls, government buildings, lobbies, and more.
Our updated Floor Scrubbers and Buffers Buying Guide outlines what is most important to consider when selecting a new cleaning machine to increase efficiency and ensure reliable results.
- What is a Floor Scrubber?
- What is a Floor Buffer?
- Choosing the Right Scrubber or Buffer
- Top Floor Scrubber and Buffer Brands
- Maintenance Expectations
- FAQs About Floor Scrubbers and Buffers
What is a Floor Scrubber?
A floor scrubber is designed to clean floors by ejecting a detergent or cleaning solution directly onto the floor. Then, a brush or scrubbing pad rotates to clean the floor, loosening dirt and dust. Finally, a vacuum sucks up the leftover liquid and trash to leave behind clean and dry floors safe to walk on. This process happens in one pass for maximum efficiency, increasing employee productivity.
Disc scrubbers are versatile, allowing for interchangeable pads and brushes with different levels of abrasiveness to effectively clean various surfaces. Because they leave floors completely dry, floor scrubbers are perfect for enhanced sanitizing and cleaning power in hospitals and other medical facilities.
- Upright Floor Scrubber: Similar to an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand-held upright scrubber is convenient for small, quick jobs requiring maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas such as corners, skirting boards, and ceilings.
- Walk-Behind Floor Scrubber: A walk-behind scrubber is ideal for small facilities, as it is easy to maneuver around tight spaces or under furniture and requires less room for storage.
- Ride-On Floor Scrubber: Cover larger areas with a ride-on scrubber, finishing the job faster and with less physical exertion.
An orbital scrubber (part of the floor scrubber family) uses a combination of high-speed rotations with circular motions in a random pattern, leaving behind no streaks or swirl marks. However, an orbital scrubber can only use floor pads, not brushes.
What is a Floor Buffer?
A floor buffer is mainly used to buff and polish surfaces, leaving floors cleaner and shinier while refreshing the sealant layer from imperfections and damage. This process extends the lifespan of the floor and keeps it in better condition, which makes it easier to clean. However, while a buffer does use a polishing solution, it does not have a vacuum to suck up the liquid and debris left behind.
Choosing the Right Scrubber or Buffer
- Brush/Pad Size: Depending on the size of the area that needs to be cleaned or polished, brush heads are available in various sizes.
- Machine Size: Storage can be tricky, so consider the machine's size, whether it will fit through doorways and aisles, and where it will be stored. If it travels from different locations, consider how it will be transported.
- Power Source: For areas without many electrical outlets, a battery-powered scrubber or buffer may be the best option for completing a cleaning job.
- Tank Size: Cleaning routine efficiency won't improve if you stop every five minutes to empty and refill the tanks. Big tanks can handle big jobs, so check the sizing options.
Top Floor Scrubber and Buffer Brands
Nilfisk
Since 1928, Nilfisk Advance has provided high-quality floor-cleaning machines for commercial and industrial jobs. The Pacesetter floor buffer series is designed with heavy-duty construction and is available in different sizes and speed options. A selection of Advance floor scrubbers include battery-operated models ranging from compact to micro, all providing clean and dry floors in a single pass. For another option for cleaning or buffing, the Nilfisk orbital scrubbers deliver streak and swirl-free clean floors with high-speed rotation.
Clarke
Included in the Nilfisk brand group, Clarke floor maintenance equipment is trusted and reliable to get the job done in tough environments. The all-metal Clarke commercial floor buffers feature triple planetary gearboxes for a productive cleaning routine. From upright to rider to walk-behind models, Clarke commercial floor scrubbers deliver clean floors with high-performance efficiency. Use a Clarke orbital floor scrubber to clean hard floors with wet or dry applications.
Viper
The highly-respected Viper line is included in the Nilfisk group with rugged and durable machines applicable to various commercial applications. With walk-behind and ride-on options, Viper floor scrubbers are available with or without batteries to provide clean, dry floors with improved productivity. The heavy-duty Viper floor buffers are built with an all-metal construction to stand up to rigorous daily use.
Bissell BigGreen
Well-known in both household and commercial worlds, Bissell BigGreen floor cleaning products deliver high-quality results with innovative technology for small and big cleaning tasks. The Bissell BigGreen upright floor scrubbers are as easy to use as an upright vacuum cleaner, but scrub and dry floors in a single pass. Maintain hard floors like marble, brick, and concrete with a Bissell BigGreen orbital floor scrubber.
NaceCare
With intuitive controls and rugged designs, NaceCare floor scrubbers and buffers are built to complete tough jobs. The NaceCare floor scrubbers give clean, dry floors in a single pass. High-speed power on the NaceCare heavy-duty floor buffers manages tough jobs to leave behind polished floors.
Maintenance Expectations
- Brush and Pad Replacements: Depending on the type of floor, the finishing effect, and what needs to be cleaned up (fine dust, debris, or heavy messes), you may need to invest in different kinds of brushes or scrubbing pads. Brushes and scrubbing pads will eventually wear down and need replacing for both a scrubber and a buffer.
- Battery-Powered Options: Most battery-powered models offer rechargeable wet or AGM batteries. Wet batteries require a routine maintenance schedule to ensure proper functioning, while AGM batteries are ready to go without regular maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Scrubbers and Buffers
What is the difference between a floor scrubber and a floor buffer? How does it work?
A floor scrubber dispenses cleaning solution, scrubs with a brush head or scrubbing pad disc, and uses a squeegee and vacuum to pick up the detergent and dirty water as the machine moves over the floor. They are available as a disc scrubber or orbital scrubber.
A floor buffer also distributes solution directly onto the floor to clean and polish the surface. It does not include a vacuum to pick up any liquid and debris left behind.
What is the life expectancy of a floor scrubber?
With regular maintenance, a quality machine typically lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Other factors to consider include the operational environment and usage intensity, as wear and tear on the machine will affect its lifespan beyond requiring replacement pads or brushes.
Do I Need a Floor Scrubber or Floor Buffer?
A new auto scrubber can be a game-changer for commercial floor cleaning. Whether you select a floor buffer or scrubber, or a ride-on, handheld, or walk-behind machine, the increased efficiency of floor cleaning alone is worth the investment.
Still trying to decide which floor scrubber or floor buffer is best for you? Call our product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help you clean your floors effectively.
