When keeping your floors looking great, using the right equipment is crucial. Floor buffers and burnishers are famous for achieving a polished, clean floor. Although they may seem similar, these tools have unique features designed to meet specific needs.
This week's blog post will examine floor care in more detail and discuss the differences between floor buffers and burnishers. By the end, you will better grasp each tool’s benefits, helping you make an informed decision.
What are both used for?
Floor burnishers are specially crafted machines engineered to improve the lustre and overall appearance of clean floors. These devices utilise rapid rotations to produce friction, which generates heat and emphasises the floor’s natural gloss. They are typically employed on hard surfaces like vinyl, marble, and concrete to impart an additional sparkle and sheen to the flooring.
A floor buffer, on the other hand, is a rotary floor machine designed to scrub, clean, and polish hard floors. It employs a rotating pad or brush to eliminate dirt, stains, and scuff marks from the floor surface. Floor buffers are excellent for regular maintenance and thorough cleaning, resulting in shiny and refreshed floors.
Floor Types
The type of flooring you have is an essential factor in deciding whether a floor buffer or a floor burnisher is the best option for you.
Floor buffers are versatile and can be used on various flooring materials, including hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl. They are suitable for addressing different floor conditions like scuffs, stains, or wear and are particularly helpful in restoring shine to dull or damaged floors.
On the other hand, floor burnishers are best suited for already clean and well-maintained floors. They are most effective on hard surfaces such as marble, terrazzo, or concrete, where they can enhance the natural shine. It's crucial to avoid using a floor burnisher on dirty or uneven floors, as this may result in subpar performance and potential damage. This knowledge empowers you to make the right choice for your specific floor conditions.
Size & Maneuverability
The size and manoeuvrability of floor buffers and floor burnishers are critical in their effectiveness in different spaces.
Floor buffers are typically larger and heavier than floor burnishers, requiring more physical effort to operate and manoeuvre. While this makes them more suitable for larger areas where efficiency is essential, they can be challenging to use in tight corners or smaller rooms.
On the other hand, floor burnishers are usually more compact and lightweight, offering easier manoeuvrability. Their smaller size makes them well-suited for smaller spaces or areas with obstacles. Whether working in a crowded retail store or a narrow hallway, a floor burnisher can easily reach corners and edges that may be difficult for a floor buffer to access.
Let’s Talk Performance
Regarding speed and performance, floor buffers and burnishers operate at different levels.
With their lower speeds, floor buffers are best suited for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. They effectively remove dirt and grime from the floor surface, making them capable of tackling stubborn stains with ease. In contrast, with their high-speed operation, floor burnishers are designed to create a glossy finish on clean floors, making them a common choice in commercial settings.
On the other hand, floor burnishers are high-speed machines that can operate at speeds of 1,500 RPM or more. The higher speed enables them to create the desired glossy finish on clean floors. Consequently, floor burnishers are commonly used in commercial settings where maintaining a high level of shine is crucial.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintaining your floor maintenance tools in good working condition is crucial for prolonging their lifespan and ensuring they perform optimally. Let's explore the maintenance requirements for floor buffers and floor burnishers.
Floor buffers generally need more maintenance than floor burnishers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The pads or brushes on the buffer may wear out more quickly and require regular replacement. It's also important to periodically inspect and lubricate the motor and other mechanical components of the floor buffer to ensure smooth operation.
One of the key advantages of floor burnishers is their lower maintenance needs. Since they are used on clean floors for polishing purposes, the pads or burnishing pads tend to have a longer lifespan. Nevertheless, it's still essential to regularly clean and inspect the burnishing pads for any debris or wear. Additionally, like floor buffers, the motor and other mechanical parts should be checked for proper functioning.
Noise Level
Minimising disruption to the peace of your surroundings is a priority for many when it comes to floor maintenance.
Let's compare the noise levels of floor buffers and floor burnishers. Due to their higher power and larger size, floor buffers tend to generate more noise. The rotation of pads or brushes, combined with the motor's operation, can create significant noise. While this may not be a concern in industrial or commercial settings, it's worth considering if you plan to use the floor buffer in a residential or noise-sensitive environment.
On the other hand, floor burnishers, being smaller and operating at higher speeds, generally produce less noise than floor buffers. This makes them more suitable for noise-sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools, or office buildings.
Assessing your floor maintenance needs is essential when deciding between a floor buffer and a burnisher. A floor buffer is an excellent option if you need a tool to deeply clean and restore the shine to different types of floors. On the other hand, if you already have clean floors and want a high-gloss, professional finish, a floor burnisher would be more suitable.
When deciding, it's crucial to consider factors such as the type of flooring, the level of shine you desire, the size of the area to be cleaned, and any noise requirements. Equally important is the role of regular maintenance and proper usage in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the chosen tool.
Resources:
Here are additional resources for you to increase your janitorial knowledge further and stay updated on new trends in facility maintenance.
Distinct Cleaning News and Media Post: Easy to read blog articles on various topics and trends in the commercial janitorial space.
Request An In-Person Appointment Use this link to request an appointment with a representative from our sales team to discuss your facility’s cleaning needs.
Janitorial Coaching Hub: The goal of the Janitorial Coaching Hub is to help cleaning business owners build, grow, and establish their cleaning companies by providing them with the tools to be successful. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to receive this valuable information in real-time.
