Floor Buffers vs Floor Scrubbers: Which Do I Need?
Two of the most effective pieces of equipment for maintaining pristine floors are floor buffers and floor scrubbers. While they may look similar, scrubbers and buffers provide very different functions, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Alpha Power Cleaners is an expert in domestic, commercial and industrial cleaning equipment. Our article will help you to make an informed decision about your next cleaning equipment purchase or hire.
What is a floor buffer?
Floor buffers are used to address damage and imperfections in the sealant layer of a floor. If the surface is looking dull or scratched, a floor buffer can rejuvenate it and bring back its lustre. Think of buffing a floor like sanding a piece of wood — you are stripping imperfections on the top layer to create a smooth and uniform look.
Floor buffers are versatile pieces of equipment and can accommodate a variety of attachments for various home improvement purposes.
However, a standard floor buffer is composed of a rotating circular pad, polishing agent and power. Most floor buffers will use mains electricity, but some large units use combustion engines, although these are only recommended for buffing large industrial floors.
It’s important to note that while many floor buffers eject a polishing agent, they aren’t capable of sucking any liquid back up.
What are the benefits of floor buffers?
- Save cleaning time — polished floors are far easier to clean than unpolished floors
- Versatile — with the various attachments, floor buffers can be used for a variety of applications and on a range of surfaces
- Simple to operate — much more convenient than traditional floor polishing methods
- Build up a floor’s resistance to wear and tear — floor buffers keep your floors in better condition for longer
What is a floor scrubber?
The purpose of a floor scrubber is to clean the floor. Similarly to the floor buffers, floor scrubbers use a liquid solution and rotating brush head to scrub at the floors.
But they’re more than just scrubbers. These machines dispense cleaning solution and vacuum it back up, giving you clean, polished and dried floors in just one pass.
While floor buffers are more concerned with maintaining the finish of a floor’s surface, floor scrubbers are designed to keep the floors clean.
What are the benefits of floor scrubbers?
- Efficient cleaning — cleaning with a floor scrubber is quicker and uses less water than a mop and bucket
- Quick drying times — floor scrubbers dry quickly, making them suitable for use in areas with heavy footfall
- Simple to use — floor scrubbers are intuitive and can be pushed easily or driven by a single person
Alpha Power Cleaners is a leading provider of ride-on and walk-behind floor scrubber dryers. Available on flexible hire contracts, you can hire a commercial floor scrubber for as little or as long as you need it. We know everything there is to know about floor scrubbers, and we even offer comprehensive maintenance contracts for each of our units. We offer floor scrubbers from the world’s most reputable brands, including Karcher, Tennant and more.
Contact us today to place your order or for more information.
