Floor Scrubber vs Buffer: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re trying to upgrade your cleaning arsenal for better productivity or you’re starting your own cleaning business, you’ll come across two similar pieces of equipment: the floor scrubber vs buffer.

While they do have a few similarities, they are very different, and should not be used interchangeably. A floor buffer is used to address damage and imperfections in a floor’s sealant layer, be it scratches or even just a dull, unsightly look.

On the other hand, floor scrubbers are used for more general cleaning needs. They apply a cleaning solution, scrub it into the floor, and then vacuum it up. 

You may find that you need a floor scrubber and buffer, but you’ll typically use the scrubber far more frequently. Either way, SweepScrub is your trusted choice whether you need an industrial floor scrubber machine or a floor buffer machine. We carry the top brands at the lowest prices.

Browse our catalog or get in touch with our world-class customer service team to elevate your cleaning process, or learn more about the floor buffer vs floor scrubber nuances below!

What is the Difference Between a Floor Scrubber and a Buffer?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between a floor scrubber and a buffer and get into a more thorough comparison so you can see the role each plays in your cleaning routine. 

What are Floor Scrubbers?

So, what is a floor scrubber? These powerful machines are used to deep-clean hard floor surfaces by scrubbing away dirt, stains, and grime. They use a combination of water, a cleaning chemical (which will depend on the specific soil or floor type), and scrubbing brushes or pads.

We have a separate comparison of floor scrubbing vs mopping, and there, we discuss how floor scrubbers are far superior for one simple reason - you’re not spreading around the mess. These machines put down a cleaning solution, scrub it into the floor, and pick it up all in a single pass.

There are two main types of floor scrubbers: walk-behind and ride-on models. They each have their place, but really, it comes down to your budget and the scale of your cleaning needs:

• Walk-Behind Scrubbers: Ideal for small to medium-sized areas and are manually pushed by the operator. They’re commonly used in schools, offices, and retail stores.
• Ride-On Scrubbers: Perfect for larger spaces like warehouses and industrial facilities as they allow operators to cover a greater area in less time and without manual effort.

Floor scrubbers are the cleaning method of choice for a range of applications - warehouses, factories, kitchens, gyms, you name it. Anywhere that has expansive flooring that needs routine cleaning can count on a scrubber for effective, efficient results.

But, how do they compare to a floor buffer? Let’s look at the other side of the floor scrubber vs buffer comparison below. 

What are Floor Buffers?

A floor buffer, often referred to as a burnisher or polisher, serves a very different purpose. These are used to restore the shine to hard floors by polishing and smoothing the surface. They are not used for cleaning.

Instead, they work to enhance the appearance of the floor by removing minor scuffs and scratches, giving the surface a high-gloss finish like the day it was installed. Similar to floor scrubbers, buffers will fall into one of two categories:

• Low-Speed Buffers: These operate at around 175 RPM (revolutions per minute) and are ideal for daily maintenance in commercial spaces like office buildings or schools.
• High-Speed Buffers: These run at speeds of 1,500 RPM or higher. They’re used for polishing floors to a high-gloss finish in hotels, hospitals, retail spaces, and more.

There is a third type of buffer you’ll come across in some scenarios, known as the orbital buffer. These move in a random orbit pattern as the name suggests, which helps reduce the risk of floor damage in sensitive areas.

You’ll typically only use a buffer on a smooth floor surface such as commercial tile floors, marble flooring, or vinyl composition tile (VCT). They’re put to work after the floor has been cleaned, as you wouldn’t want to buff more mess into the floor.

These may not be used quite as frequently as scrubbers, but they’re just as important in settings where appearances matter - be it a showroom or hospitality setting.

Floor Scrubber vs Buffer: Which Equipment is Right For You?

If you still aren’t sure whether you need a floor buffer vs floor scrubber, we’ll compare and contrast them side by side below to leave you with a clear understanding of which better aligns with your flooring’s unique needs.

Key Differences in Functionality

First, think about what you’re trying to do - are you trying to speed up your cleaning process while achieving better results? Or, are you trying to breathe fresh life into a dull, weathered floor that’s lost its shine?

Floor scrubbers are designed primarily for deep cleaning, tackling tough dirt, grime, and stains by scrubbing and vacuuming in one process. Meanwhile, buffers are specialized for surface polishing and restoring shine, rather than removing deep-seated dirt.

Floor Type Considerations

You can potentially rule out a buffer by considering your floor type, too. You’d never use one of these on a rough, abrasive surface like concrete (with sealed concrete being the exception). They’re mainly reserved for smooth surfaces like marble, hardwood, and VCT.

On the other hand, floor scrubbers are far more versatile and can be used on just about any flooring - indoors OR outdoors! That includes tile, concrete, and even textured flooring where deep cleaning is needed.

You’ll find this is the best approach to cleaning anywhere that experiences heavy foot traffic - school hallways, warehouse or factory floors, fitness centers, parking lots, you name it.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Each machine has its own ease of use and maintenance requirements as well. Floor scrubbers tend to be easier to operate especially if you’re using a ride-on model. 

You still need to care for the pads or brushes you’re using along with monitoring cleaning solution tanks. But, they’re almost always equipped with automatic features for putting down water and picking it up. Many are auto-maneuver, too - you just need to control the direction.

Now, operating a buffer isn’t necessarily rocket science, but it does require a bit more knowledge and practice to make the most of this type of equipment. There is a heightened risk of damaging the floor when buffing it compared to cleaning it.

But since there are far fewer moving parts on a buffer, it’s really just a matter of maintaining the polishing pads you use. They need a bit less maintenance. 

Cost and Budget Considerations

Let’s talk budget. How much does a floor scrubber cost? It varies greatly, with affordable walk-behind options starting at under $1,500. Meanwhile, more advanced models that you ride on with massive cleaning paths can easily cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.

It’s tough to stomach an investment this sizable, but think about the savings on labor since you’re able to clean expansive areas far faster than you’d otherwise be able to. These can pay for themselves over time.

On the other hand, buffers are much more affordable upfront, starting at around $900 with more sophisticated, larger buffers still only costing $3,000 to $4,000. But, remember that these are used for very different scenarios, so you’re not necessarily comparing apples to apples here.

Again, though, a buffer is still a great investment in protecting the appearance of your floor in certain settings where aesthetics matter. Think about how much you paid for the flooring (or, if you inherited it, the cost of replacement) - when viewed this way, buffers are well worth it!

Do You Need a Floor Scrubber and Buffer?

You should have a better understanding of the nuances between a floor buffer vs floor scrubber now. But since each plays a different purpose, it’s worth considering whether or not it makes sense to have both in your cleaning arsenal.

It ultimately depends on your flooring. If you have rough flooring, a buffer might not make sense. A scrubber will do just fine on its own. On the other hand, smoother floor types can certainly benefit from this dynamic duo.

In settings like hotels, restaurants, and gyms, you’d typically use a floor scrubber to clean and sanitize the floor before buffing to restore shine and polish. This gives you the best of both worlds, resulting in an impeccable appearance that’s also hygienic.

Of course, this means budgeting for two different pieces of equipment in your cleaning arsenal, but we believe it can be worth it. This is especially true in areas where you have guests or customers, like hospitality or retail settings. What price tag can you put on first impressions?

Plus, you may be able to finance the purchase and pay for it over time so it’s less daunting. You just need to find a reliable supplier that can work with you for this investment. The good news? Your search ends at SweepScrub!

Trust SweepScrub For All Your Cleaning Equipment and Supplies! 

Whether you need a floor scrubber vs buffer, or both, SweepScrub has you covered with the most sought-after models from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. You’ll also enjoy affordable prices and exceptional customer service every step of the way.

Whether you want a commercial walk-behind floor scrubber or industrial ride-on floor scrubber, you’ll gain access to a variety of models from Tennant, Clarke, Nilfisk, and many more. We have a machine for everyone, no matter the scale of your facility, the messes you deal with, or your budget.

The same is true of our buffer lineup, with low and high-speed buffers alike. You can find solutions from Nobles, Tennant, Advance, and more. Plus, you can always count on us for replacement parts like pads or brushes to keep your equipment running smoothly.

We even have commercial floor sweepers and industrial sweeper scrubbers if you want to explore other solutions to keep your facility in tip-top shape. 

If you still aren’t sure whether you should invest in a floor buffer vs floor scrubber, or get both, our customer service team is on standby ready to talk over your needs and help you make the right choice. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your cleaning arsenal today at SweepScrub!

Wrapping Up Our Floor Buffer vs Floor Scrubber Comparison

That does it for our comparison of the floor scrubber vs buffer. We hope this guide has left you with a clear understanding of the role each plays and which is right for you. 

Ultimately, they serve very different purposes - although buffers can be used for light cleaning in some cases, a scrubber is far better suited for this task. Buffers are better for polishing after you’ve removed dirt and grime from a flooring surface. This means you may use both as part of your routine cleaning regimen.  

You can learn more about how to use a commercial floor scrubber in our blog, with resources like using a floor scrubber on a gym floor, floor scrubber troubleshooting, how to change pads on floor scrubber, how long does a floor scrubber last, or what are sweepers and scrubbers used for.

From the best floor scrubber to sweepers and vacuums, buffers, cleaning chemicals, and more - remember that SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for all your cleaning needs. So, elevate your floor care today and save time while bringing out the best in your flooring!