How to Choose the Right Brush or Pad Based on the Type of Floor

Effective floor maintenance starts with choosing the right brush or pad — not just the right machine. Different floor materials require specific levels of scrubbing power and surface contact to ensure cleanliness without causing wear or damage. Selecting the correct accessory maximizes cleaning efficiency, extends floor life, and enhances overall appearance.

1. Understanding Floor Scrubber Categories and Accessories

Floor scrubbers can be categorized by operation type, walk-behind or ride-on, and by scrubbing system, typically using disc or roller (cylindrical) brushes.
Regardless of the machine design, the consumable accessory, brush or pad, is what directly interacts with the floor surface and determines the cleaning result.

• Brushes are ideal for textured, uneven, or porous surfaces where deeper agitation is required.
• Pads are recommended for smooth, coated, or polished floors that need gentle or finishing maintenance.

Choosing the correct brush or pad for your floor type is the most important step toward achieving professional cleaning results.

2. Types of Brushes and Pads

Brush Types

Brushes are typically made of polypropylene (PP) bristles of different stiffness levels. The choice depends on how soft or hard the floor surface is:

• Soft PP Brush (0.3 mm):
  Suitable for delicate or coated floors. Provides gentle cleaning without scratching.
• Standard PP Brush (0.5 mm):
  Ideal for general cleaning on medium-hard floors such as ceramic or terrazzo.
• Hard PP Brush (0.7 mm):
  Designed for rough or industrial floors, providing strong scrubbing for heavy dirt.

Tip: Always start testing with a softer brush to prevent potential floor damage.

Pad Types

Floor pads are color-coded according to their aggressiveness and cleaning purpose:

• White Pad:
  Extra soft: used for polishing or cleaning smooth, high-gloss floors. Can be used with water to enhance shine.
• Red Pad:
  Medium strength: removes light soil and restores gloss on finished floors.
• Black Pad:
  Heavy-duty: used for stripping old wax or deep cleaning. Effectively removes stubborn dirt and coatings, restoring the original surface.

3. Matching Brushes and Pads to Floor Types

Each flooring material has its own cleaning requirements. Below are general recommendations:

Before full use, always test on a small section with the softest accessory first. This helps avoid scratching or removing protective coatings.

Compatibility Reminder: Brushes and pads vary in size and attachment type. Always choose accessories that match your scrubber model. Using genuine manufacturer parts ensures the best fit, performance, and durability.

Conclusion: Choose Smart, Clean Better

Selecting the right brush or pad is not a minor detail, it’s a strategic choice that determines cleaning quality, efficiency, and long-term floor protection.
By understanding the characteristics of your floor and using accessories designed for that surface, you’ll achieve superior results with less effort and lower maintenance costs.