Choosing the right walk-behind or ride-on floor scrubber is only part of the cleaning equation: the floor scrubber pads you use are just as important. The color of floor pads indicates their scrubbing aggressiveness. Every color is designed specifically for different applications. We break down the varying floor scrubber pad colors below to help you choose the best one for your equipment and needs.
Black Floor Scrubber Pads
These are the most aggressive of all floor scrubber pads. They will remove all finish from flooring and are used for complete stripping. Black pads have an open weave that removes finish without “clogging.” These floor pads may be best if you need to remove floor finish from smooth concrete, industrial flooring or commercial vinyl.
Brown Floor Scrubber Pads
Brown floor scrubber pads are slightly less aggressive than black pads. These can be used for stripping certain types of flooring and for deep cleaning very dirty floors. They shouldn’t be used on soft flooring, but they can be used on smooth concrete or commercial vinyl flooring.
Green Floor Scrubber Pads
Less aggressive than their brown and black counterparts, green floor scrubber pads are great for both routine cleaning and scrubbing and recoating. These pads are ideal for applications where aggressive cleaning is needed without removing finish. Green floor pads can be used on softer floors, like linoleum, than brown pads.
Blue Floor Scrubber Pads
Blue pads are perfect for routine cleaning on hard floors with moderate soil levels. They are able to remove heavy marks and soils and can be used to prep floors for recoating and burnishing. Suitable for applications from 300 to 500 RPM, blue floor pads may also remove a thin layer of emulsion polishes.
Red Floor Scrubber Pads
Typically used for floors with light levels of soil, red pads can remove debris and dirt while restoring a shine to hard surface floors.
Beige Floor Scrubber Pads
Less aggressive than their red counterparts, beige floor pads are often used for spray cleaning before buffing. They can also be used for routine cleaning on floors that are lightly soiled.
Light Blue Floor Scrubber Pads
Opt for these pads during the burnishing process. Burnishing polishes hard floors, leaving them looking like new with a noticeable shine. To achieve that shiny finish, use them on waxed floors at speeds up to 2000 RPM.
White Scrubber Pads
The softest option, white floor scrubber pads are for burnishing. Because they are the softest type of floor pad, they leave the brightest shine. Avoid using them at high speeds and stick to medium speeds of about 350 RPM to prevent overheating.
Choosing the right floor scrubber and pads is essential to cleaning efficiency and productivity. We are happy to recommend the best floor scrubbers and pads for your needs in Los Angeles, San Diego, the Central Valley, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information!
