Floor pads were first introduced in 1958.  Since their introduction, floor machine pad technology has continued to evolve, producing a maze of pad colors, levels of abrasiveness, fibers, thickness and special uses. 

The history of floor pads, as with floor finishes, evolved along with the introduction of higher speed floor machines.  The original high-speed machine (300 rpm average), utilized polyester or high-speed hair floor pads said to be superior, although the nylon pads or conventional hair pads could be used.  With the advent of 1000-rpm burnishers, manufacturers began introducing special “high speed” pads made more porous with synthetic polyesters on hair.  Conventional floor pads were overheating and quick to load under the higher speeds, some dyes would even fade in color.

When floor machines began being produced at even higher speeds, new floor pad problems arose.  Manufacturers have since developed “ultra high speed” pads that work on machines producing rpms in the 2400 range.  The heat generated from the higher speeds was the most significant problem with earlier pads.  It was discovered that the binder, or the glue that holds the pad material together, needed to be specially compounded.  A special resin had to be found that would be compatible with the heat generated.  As higher speed machines were designed, the sizes of the machines also expanded.  This meant that pad diameter sizes also had to increase to fit the newer machines.  All of these earlier problems have since been overcome.

• Pad Fibers – Synthetic fiber floor pads are commonly used in hard surface floor care.  They are durable and economical.  Synthetic pads range from ¼” to 1” thickness and are generally available in 10” to 24” diameters.  However, not every manufacturer offers pads in all sizes.  Pads are made of nylon, polyester or animal fibers, and gather abrasive qualities from either the pad filler or from added abrasives.  Materials used for the abrasive texture vary, but for the most part they are usually made up of one of the following:

Silicone Carbine – This material is used in heavy stripping pads.

Aluminum Oxide – Used in scrubbing and some other type pads.

Flint Garnet – This material is used to make buffing or polishing pads.

All of these materials are aggressive and hard, but can be controlled through different styles and types of construction.  In quality floor pads, the abrasive material is impregnated completely through the pad, or it least it should be.  This gives the pad excellent wearing qualities over other pads that only use surface coatings.  As the filler material is worn down, more of the abrasive material is exposed.  This means about the same amount of abrasive material is exposed to the floor all the time.  The abrasives are mixed with resin globules sprayed over or through the pad.  With some pads, each individual fiber is coated.

• Pad Colors – The function of a pad is still predominantly identified by its color, i.e. stripping, buffing, scrubbing, and polishing.  Some manufacturers have introduced an array of newer colors.  Traditionally, brown and black pads are used for stripping.  Scrubbing pads are usually blue, olive, or light brown.  Buffing pads are red, beige or white.  With most pads, the darker the color the more abrasive.  It is best, however, to be sure what color or type of pad is best for the job to be performed.

• High Speed Pads – Are made of various materials, such as polyester, hog’s hair and other animal fibers.  Nylon pads should never be used on ultra high-speed machines, only polyester or hair.  Most companies that manufacture conventional floor pads should never be used on high-speed equipment, because they can bleed colors into the floor surface.  They also will not last as long, because they are not designed for the higher speeds and greater pressures.

• Pad Cleaning and Care – Floor pads are designed to be used over a long period of time.  As with any other tool of custodial work, if they are not properly cared for, they will not last.  Floor pads need to be cleaned after each use for longer life.  Synthetic nylon, polyester synthetic and natural hair floor pads can be wet or dry cleaned.  To dry clean, the floor machine, with the pad still attached, is placed on a special screen.  The machine is then turned on and run on the screen, causing the dry soil to be extracted.  Wet cleaning methods tend to vary, according to the type of pad fiber.  Synthetic pad manufacturers recommend soaking the pad overnight in a stripper and water solution, followed the next day with a high-pressure water rinse.  The natural hair pad manufacturers do not recommend soaking, but rather prefer the pressure from a water hose, or washing with mild detergents.  The use of a mechanical washing machine is not recommended for either synthetic or natural fiber pads.  Hand cleaning usually provides the best results.  With both wet-cleaning methods, all residues from the floor finish must be removed before the pad is allowed to be left to drip or air dry.  The disadvantages of floor pad cleaning include its inability to restore the abrasive qualities of the pad.  Pad manufacturers report that once a floor pad is washed, its effectiveness decreases roughly by 10%.  With 2-3 more washings, the effectiveness of the pad drops down near 25%.  Wash a pad 4-5 times, and the pad’s effectiveness is cut almost in half.