| Automatic Floor Machines |  | Self-contained machine that dispenses, scrubs and takes up cleaning solution in a single-pass operation Typically electric or battery powered Single or multiple disks Riding, robotic or walk-behind 175-300 rpm range Typically used for cleaning and scrubbing |
| Single-Disc Floor Machine |  | Manually operated swing machine Used for scrubbing, buffing and stripping Comes in various sizes (13˝ to 23˝ disc) Typically 175 rpm Usually electric |
| High-Speed Buffers |  | Typically used for buffing and spray-buffing Typical speeds 300 to 1100 rpm Range in size from 13˝ to 23˝ |
| Ultra High Speed Buffer/Burnisher |  | Used for quick buffing and burnishing, thereby reducing labor costs Usually a single-disc Operate in the 1100- to 2000-plus rpm range Propane, battery or electric Various sizes |
| Wet-Vac |  | A vacuum cleaner that picks up maintenance solutions Typically used when scrubbing or stripping a floor with a single disc swing machine Unlike an automatic machine, this would be done in a separate operation. |
| Machine Pads |  | A nonwoven nylon, polyester, or natural fiber disc up to 1˝ thick. Each disc has various types and sizes of intertwined fibers, some of which may have grit particles bound to fiber on the surface For scrubbing, stripping, buffing Coarseness of the pad determines its use: least coarse for buffing, with increasing coarseness for scrubbing and stripping Pads are color-coded to designate their coarseness and use. Lighter-color pads tend to be less abrasive, with darker color pads being the most abrasive. Pad manufacturers generally follow these guidelines:– Natural fiber – burnishing – White – polishing – Beige – buffing – Red – spray-buffing and light scrubbing – Blue/Green (medium abrasive) scrubbing and stripping – Brown (extremely abrasive – not recommended for resilient flooring) – Black (extremely abrasive – not recommended for resilient flooring) |
| Machine Brushes |  | Used as an alternative to pads A circular brush with bristles of varying stiffness and abrasiveness, depending on whether it’s to be used for scrubbing, buffing or stripping Bristles are made of natural or synthetic fibers or grit-impregnated nylon Always follow brush manufacturer’s guidelines for choosing the floor machine brush with the appropriate stiffness and abrasiveness Advantageous on embossed surfaces and slip resistant flooring |
| Mops | Dust Mops Used under dry conditions for the removal of loose surface soil, grit and dirt Available in widths from 12˝ to 72˝ Alternatives include vacuums, brushes and brooms Wet Mops Available in various sizes (16oz, 20oz, 24oz, 32oz, etc.) Usually cotton, rayon or blends of cotton, rayon or other synthetics Looped end or cut end Used in wet methods for the application and removal of maintenance solutions and rinse water Specialty Mops T-shirt, chamois for use on slip-retardant products. Finish Mops Designed to absorb, release and spread floor finishes (polish). May be cotton, rayon, blends or microfiber. Microfiber Mops Composed of tiny (micro) fibers which provide more surface area. Used for cleaning and/or finish application. Use less maintenance solution than traditional mops. Longer product life compared to traditional mops. |