How to Use a High Speed Floor Buffer

Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

Floor buffers are an upright electrical cleaning device similar to vacuum cleaners in size and shape. They are used to both clean and shine non-carpeted flooring. High-speed floor buffers are typically used in hospitals, schools and businesses because they can quickly and effectively clean and polish large expanses of floor. High-speed buffers are able to polish so well due to pads that can rotate as much as 2000 revolutions per minute. The high speeds create heat, which aids in creating a bright shine. Floor buffers, especially heavy high-speed buffers, can be difficult to operate. Use these steps for using a high-speed buffer.

Steps

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1
Clear the floor of furniture and other objects.
- Place chairs on top of tables and move them to the edges of the room. If possible, move everything out of the room into a hallway or another room. Buffers can clean spills and remove some dirt, but large pieces of debris should be picked up before buffing.
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2
Examine your scrub brush or polishing pad for cleanliness.
- Replace a buffer pad that appears used or soiled. Using a dirty buffer pad can scratch the floor, especially at such high speeds. ^{[1]
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- Check for defects in the pad such as missing portions of pad fabric or unevenness.
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3
Move to a back corner of the room to begin. ^{[2]
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- Locate the farthest corner from the entrance of the room you are buffing in order to prevent stepping on the freshly buffed floor as you work. Walking over a floor that has just been buffed might scuff or dent the surface.
- Make sure there is a close electric outlet and that your high-speed floor buffer cord is long enough to span the entire room. If it's not, plan your buffing route around the location of the other outlets to prevent having to walk over a buffed portion of floor.
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5
Turn the buffer on. ^{[3]
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- Locate the "on" switch. This button is usually positioned with other control buttons on the arm of the appliance. Consult the owner's manual if you cannot find the controls.
- Choose an appropriate setting for the type of floor and type of dirt. Some high-speed floor buffers have multiple settings that allow you to select different rpms.
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6
Proceed slowly in a back and forth pattern across the room. ^{[4]
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- Move laterally throughout the room starting from the right. Work very slowly and carefully. Change up your direction and begin working from left to right to guarantee even buffing.
- Overlap about 1/3 of each row as you continue to buffer. This ensures you don't miss a spot.
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7
Examine the pad 1 to 2 times during the process of buffing.
- Check for rips, large pieces of debris or an excessively grimy pad. Replace the pad as needed.

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Question

What are the uses of a floor buffer?

Community Answer

Its use is to clean and polish hard floor surfaces.

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How often does the high speed buffer need to be serviced?

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Every 3 to 6 months; otherwise, every time it has mechanical issues. If it constantly needs to be repaired, you probably need to get a new one.

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Are there time limitations when using a high-speed buffer?

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It depends on the size of your space, the power of the buffer (battery vs. electric) and the brand of the buffer.

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Tips

High-speed floor buffers can be used on all hard, non-carpeted surfaces.

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There are 2 main types of buffing pad: cutting and polishing. Cutting pads are best used for cleaning extremely dirty floors, as they are made of more abrasive material. Polishing pads are most effective for finishing off a floor after it has been cleaned.

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Replacement buffer pads can be obtained through the floor buffer manufacturer's website or by calling the manufacturer's customer service line. You can also find replacement pads at commercial cleaning supply outlets or home improvement stores.

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Warnings

Do not linger in one area for more than 2 seconds. This will cause you to apply too much cleaner or polish in 1 area, which can result in an uneven floor.

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Things You'll Need

High speed floor buffer
Buffing solution
Polishing cream
Buffer pads

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