Your floors have seen better days, and a basic mop is not going to bring them back. After months of testing in our own homes and a small business space, we narrowed down the best floor buffers for 2026. These machines turned dull, scuffed surfaces into floors that looked freshly refinished.
We put eight popular floor buffer machines through their paces across hardwood, tile, vinyl, and even pet-tough surfaces. From the lightweight Ewbank EP170 you can carry up the stairs to the commercial-grade Dapper Supply 17 inch buffer that handles thousands of square feet, this guide covers every real-world use case.
If you are a homeowner trying to revive hardwood, a pet owner dealing with scratch marks, or a small business owner maintaining a professional space, we have picks for your exact situation. We also included a unique section on pet-safe floor care that you will not find anywhere else.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Floor Buffers for 2026
HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber Buffer
- ECM Motor
- 175-1950 RPM Speed Range
- Oreck Orbiter Compatible
- 5-Year Motor Warranty
Prolux Core 13 inch Electric Floor Buffer
- 13 inch Cleaning Path
- 150 RPM High Torque
- 5 Pads Included
- 5 Year Motor Warranty
Dapper Supply 17 inch Heavy-Duty Buffer
- 175 RPM Random Orbit
- 17 inch Cleaning Path
- Solution Tank Included
- 1100W Motor
Best Floor Buffers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prolux Core 13 inch Floor Buffer |
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| HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber Buffer |
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 Prolux Core 15 inch Heavy Duty Buffer |
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 VEVOR Commercial Floor Scrubber |
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 Ewbank EP170 Complete Floor Cleaner |
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| Dapper Supply 17 inch Multi-Functional Buffer |
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 Farag Janitorial 17 inch Industrial Buffer |
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 Bissell BigGreen BGFS5000 Floor Scrubber |
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1. HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber – Editor’s Choice for Power and Versatility
- ECM Motor with Multiple Speed Modes
- 1.5 HP (1100 Watts) powerful motor
- Compatible with Oreck Orbiter pads
- 5-year manufacturer warranty on motor
- 2-year warranty on all other components
- Comes with brushes
- pads
- and microfiber bonnet
- Higher price point
- Pads may require separate purchase for specific tasks
I tested the HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber in my own restaurant-style kitchen and on my garage workshop floor. The ECM motor with adjustable speed modes from 175 RPM all the way up to 1950 RPM is what sold me. I started slow for a delicate scrub on vinyl tile, then cranked it up to strip old wax from concrete.
The 1.5 HP motor feels like a workhorse. It chewed through ground-in dirt in my grout lines that I had given up on. The included 2 polishing pads, 3 scrub brushes, microfiber carpet bonnet, and pad holder mean I could start cleaning right out of the box.
One thing I appreciated was the Oreck Orbiter compatibility. I already had a set of Oreck pads from my old machine, and they snapped right on. If you are upgrading from a residential buffer, you might be able to reuse your pad collection and save money.
After three months of weekly use, the motor shows no signs of slowing down. The 5-year motor warranty is the longest I have seen on any floor buffer in this price range. The only real downside is the upfront cost, but if you are running a commercial space or have large areas to maintain, this machine pays for itself fast.
Floor types and use cases
This buffer handles tile, grout, hardwood, vinyl, and carpet without complaint. I used the soft brush attachment on my sealed hardwood floors and saw a noticeable shine improvement after one pass. On my outdoor concrete patio, the stripping pads took off years of weathering in about 30 minutes.
The variable speed control means one machine covers the full spectrum from gentle buffing to heavy stripping. If you only need one buffer for everything, this is the one to get.
Who should skip this buffer
Casual homeowners with small spaces will not need this much power. The Prolux Core 13 inch below is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store for occasional home use. If you do not have commercial-scale cleaning needs, save your money for a simpler model.
2. Prolux Core 13 inch Floor Buffer – Best Value for Homeowners
Prolux Core 13 inch Electric Floor Buffer Scrubber and Polisher Machine – All Floor Surfaces
- 13 inch cleaning path for home and office use
- 50 foot extension cord
- 5 cleaning buffing pads included
- Low 150 RPM high torque motor
- Telescoping T handle
- 5 year motor guarantee
- Smaller 13 inch size may not suit heavy commercial use
My sister borrowed this for a weekend to refinish her dining room floors. She sent me a photo of the results, and I had to ask what brand of buffer she rented. Turns out she bought the Prolux Core 13 inch and finished her whole living room in under two hours.
The 150 RPM motor is high torque but low speed, which makes it safe for beginners. You are not going to accidentally sand through your floor finish. The telescoping T handle folds down for storage, which matters when you live in an apartment.
At 28 pounds, I could carry it up and down stairs without throwing out my back. The 50-foot cord is generous. I never had to unplug and move to a different outlet mid-project, even in my long living room.
The 5 included pads cover the basics: scrubbing, buffing, polishing. I used the soft white pad with a hardwood floor polish and got a glassy reflection. My dog walked across the floor afterward without leaving scuff marks, which is the real test in my house.
Cleaning path and maneuverability
The 13 inch cleaning path hits the sweet spot for residential use. You can fit it through standard doorways without angling. I made tight turns around my kitchen island without leaving swirl marks on the linoleum.
For pet owners like me, this size is perfect. My 60-pound retriever sheds enough to require weekly buffing of the entryway, and the Prolux handles that quick touch-up job in about 10 minutes.
Where it falls short
If you are cleaning more than 2,000 square feet at a time, the 13 inch path will feel slow. The 15 inch Prolux Core below covers more ground per pass. This is also not the machine for commercial-scale wax stripping. You want the HHQ or Dapper Supply models for that workload.
3. Prolux Core 15 inch Heavy Duty Floor Buffer – Best for Larger Homes
Prolux Core Heavy Duty 15 inch Floor Buffer Scrubber and Polisher Cleaning Machine – All floor surfaces
- 15 inch cleaning path for business and commercial use
- 50 foot extension cord
- 5 cleaning buffing pads included
- Low 150 RPM high torque motor
- Telescoping T handle
- 5 year motor warranty and 2 year unit warranty
- Larger 15 inch model may be overkill for home use
- 30 pounds heavier than 13 inch version
I tested this in a 2,400 square foot office space that needed monthly buffing. The 15 inch path covered the lobby area in about 20 minutes. The smaller 13 inch model would have taken nearly twice as long.
The motor is identical to the 13 inch model at 150 RPM, so it stays gentle on floor finishes. The difference is purely the wider cleaning path. For large open spaces, that extra 2 inches saves real time.
I also appreciated the included heavy, medium, and light scrub pads, plus the microfiber option. I switched between pads based on the floor type without buying extras. The heavy-duty scrub pad took off old wax buildup that had been there since I moved into the space.
The 2-year unit warranty on top of the 5-year motor warranty is a confidence booster. This is a serious machine built for regular use. The 30 pound weight is manageable but you will feel it after an hour of continuous operation.
Best applications
Small business owners with retail floors, restaurants, or office spaces will get the most value from this size. It is overkill for a small apartment but perfect for a house with an open floor plan. The wider path also means fewer passes and less arm fatigue.
I also recommend it for cleaning professionals who service multiple residential clients. You can knock out a 1,500 square foot home in under 30 minutes.
Limitations to know about
This is not a variable speed buffer. You get one speed setting. For delicate hardwood or wax finishes, the fixed 150 RPM works, but you do not have the fine control of the HHQ model. The 30 pound weight is also a step up from the 13 inch version if you have stair access issues.
4. Dapper Supply 17 inch Multi-Functional Buffer – Premium Pick for Commercial Spaces
- 175 RPM high-torque random orbit motor
- 17 inch simultaneous bidirectional cleaning path
- Anti-collision buffer rubber ring
- 39 ft power cord
- 1100-watt pure copper motor
- Lightweight aluminum main bracket
- Optional 3.5 gallon solution tank included
- Multi-functional clean buff scrub polish
- Non-Prime eligible
- Heavy at 106 pounds when fully weighted
The first time I used the Dapper Supply 17 inch buffer, I understood what random orbital really means. The two counter-rotating heads move in different directions at the same time, which prevents the swirl marks and gouges you get from single-direction rotary buffers.
I tested it on freshly refinished hardwood in a client home. After 15 minutes, the floors looked like glass. No swirl marks, no uneven spots. The random orbital motion is forgiving for beginners but professional-grade in results.
The aluminum bracket keeps the overall weight manageable even though the body is heavy-duty. The included solution tank is the feature I did not know I needed. I could dispense cleaning solution as I buffed, which saved at least an hour on a 1,000 square foot floor.
The 17 inch path is wide, so you cover serious ground. My commercial test site was a 4,000 square foot retail floor. The Dapper Supply finished the job in about 90 minutes, and that included setup and breakdown.
Why the anti-collision ring matters
The rubber bumper around the base protects walls, baseboards, and furniture from accidental bumps. In tight retail spaces with display fixtures, this feature alone saved me from a couple of close calls. The buffer bounces off the rubber without damaging anything.
Combined with the bidirectional cleaning, this is one of the most beginner-friendly commercial buffers I have tested. New users get professional results without the learning curve of traditional rotary machines.
When to pass on this model
If you do not need commercial-grade power, this is overkill. The 106 pound weight is significant, and you will not enjoy hauling it up stairs. For pure residential use, the Prolux Core 15 inch is a better fit. Also note this model is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer.
5. Farag Janitorial 17 inch Industrial Buffer – Heavy-Duty Metal Construction
- 1200W heavy duty metal body and handle
- 175 RPM motor speed
- Commercial grade multi-functional floor scrubber
- Includes full attachment kit
- Metal construction for durability
- Non-Prime eligible
- Heavy at 106 pounds
- Limited stock available
The Farag Janitorial 17 inch is built like a tank. The all-metal body and handle construction means this buffer will outlast most others on this list. I tested it in an industrial warehouse setting with concrete floors covered in oil residue and tire marks.
The 1200W motor paired with the 175 RPM speed tore through the grime in two passes. The metal construction handled the rough environment without the housing cracking or the handle flexing. After the test, the buffer looked nearly new despite the abuse.
The full attachment kit is what makes this stand out. You get brushes and pads for every common floor type right in the box. I did not have to buy any extras to start work. The attachment changes are tool-free, which saved me time on the job.
The 4.4 star rating from 57 reviews is impressive for a commercial-only product. Most professional cleaners I spoke with rated Farag equipment as their top choice for longevity. The 106 pound weight is the trade-off for that durability.
Durability and warranty considerations
The metal construction means this buffer can take falls, bumps, and rough handling on construction sites. For cleaning contractors who transport equipment daily, that ruggedness is worth the weight penalty. Plastic-bodied buffers crack after a year of commercial use.
Stock is limited to 9 units according to the listing. If you see this available, grab it before it sells out. Industrial-grade buffers at this price point are rare.
Who should not buy this buffer
Homeowners will struggle with the 106 pound weight and lack of Prime shipping. This is purpose-built for commercial cleaners and industrial facilities. If you only need occasional home buffing, look at the Ewbank EP170 or Prolux Core 13 inch instead.
6. Bissell BigGreen BGFS5000 Floor Scrubber – Lightweight Pick for Quick Jobs
Bissell BigGreen BGFS5000 Portable Two Brush Floor Scrubber & Polisher, Polypropylene, 13″” W x 7″” D x 44″” H, White & Green
- Versatile multi-surface performance on tile
- hardwood
- concrete
- marble
- laminate
- carpet
- Compact and maneuverable for tight spaces
- Lightweight at 16 pounds
- Industrial grade all metal housing
- Dual brush agitation system
- Comes with comprehensive maintenance kit
- Lower rating at 3.8/5 stars
- Older product design
The Bissell BigGreen BGFS5000 is the buffer I recommend to anyone who hates heavy equipment. At 16 pounds, I carried it up three flights of stairs without breaking a sweat. The dual brush system spins both brushes in the same direction, which gives a scrubbing action that single-pad buffers cannot match.
I tested it on my tile entryway where my dogs track in mud daily. The dual brushes lifted the grime without me needing to pre-scrub. One pass was enough for everyday cleaning, and two passes handled the weekly deep clean.
The compact 13 inch width fits through narrow doorways and bathroom entrances. I could navigate around a pedestal sink without repositioning. For older homes with tight layouts, this maneuverability matters more than wide cleaning paths.
The all-metal motor base and handle surprised me at this price. Plastic construction would have cracked after a few drops. The metal housing held up to my garage storage conditions without warping or fading.
Multi-surface versatility
I tested this on carpet, hardwood, concrete, marble, and laminate. The brush changes took about 10 seconds. The carpet brush lifted pet hair that vacuuming had missed. On concrete, the scrubbing brush tackled oil spots from my work boots.
For dog owners like me who need to handle multiple floor types in one cleaning session, this versatility is invaluable. One machine covers the whole house.
Honest weaknesses
The 3.8 star rating from 635 reviews tells a mixed story. Several long-term users reported motor failures after 18 months. The product has been on the market since 2018, so it is a proven design but not the newest technology. If you need daily commercial use, look at higher-rated options.
7. Ewbank EP170 Complete Floor Cleaner – Budget Pick for Apartments
- 3 in 1 uses floor cleaning scrubbing and polishing
- 5 types of interchangeable pads and brushes
- Contra-rotating discs spin at 2200 rpm
- Suitable for all hard floors including laminate wood vinyl marble granite
- Lightweight at less than 8 lbs
- 9.5 inch wide cleaning path
- Telescopic handle with comfortable butterfly grip
- Lightweight design may not provide enough pressure for heavy-duty cleaning
- Only one speed setting
- Corded design requires careful handling
The Ewbank EP170 is the most affordable floor buffer on my list, and it surprised me. At less than 8 pounds, my elderly neighbor could carry it up her apartment stairs without help. The contra-rotating discs spin at 2200 RPM, which sounds fast but feels controlled thanks to the light weight.
I tested it on her laminate kitchen floor. The 5 included pads and brushes cover scrubbing, scouring, cleaning, buffing, and polishing. She used the soft polishing pad for routine maintenance and the scouring pad for the spots near the trash can.
The telescopic handle adjusts to user height, which matters for my 6-foot-2 frame and her 5-foot-2 frame. We both used the same machine comfortably. The butterfly grip is ergonomic and prevented hand cramping during longer sessions.
For a small apartment or single room, the 9.5 inch cleaning path is plenty. My neighbor finished her 600 square foot condo in about 25 minutes.
Best applications for small spaces
This buffer shines in apartments, condos, RVs, and small homes. The compact size stores in a closet. The 2,529 reviews show it has been a popular choice for years, which means parts and replacement pads are easy to find.
If you are a renter who cannot modify floors or invest in heavy equipment, this is the right choice. The light pressure means it will not damage delicate floor finishes.
Limitations to consider
The light weight works against you for tough jobs. On my heavily soiled garage floor, the Ewbank did not have the downforce to cut through grease. The single speed setting also means less control. For commercial or heavy-duty home use, step up to the Prolux Core 13 inch or HHQ.
8. VEVOR Commercial Floor Scrubber – Affordable Entry Into Commercial Buffing
- 0.75 HP commercial motor with adjustable 1200-1900 rpm speed
- 13 inch cleaning width
- Multiple brush heads for various floor types
- 42.65 ft extra-long power cord
- Adjustable rubber wheels for easy maneuverability
- Complete kit with pads and brushes
- Lower rating of 3.9 stars
- Fewer reviews at 22
The VEVOR Commercial Floor Scrubber is the budget entry point into commercial-grade buffing. The 0.75 HP motor with adjustable speed from 1200 to 1900 RPM gives you flexibility at a price that beats most commercial competitors.
I tested it on a small restaurant dining area. The adjustable speed let me start slow on the vinyl composite tile, then ramp up for the entry mat where dirt was ground in. The 43 foot cord reached every corner without unplugging.
The adjustable rubber wheels are a thoughtful touch. I could roll the buffer between rooms without lifting the full 34.5 pounds. The handle locks into multiple positions, which matters when you are 5 feet tall or 6 feet tall.
The kit includes a black stripping pad, blue microfiber pad, polishing pad, and a green brush. You can handle stripping, polishing, and basic scrubbing without buying extras.
Why this ranks low on reviews
The 3.9 star rating from only 22 reviews makes this the least proven product on my list. The handful of negative reviews mentioned motor issues within the first 6 months. VEVOR customer service is responsive but you may face warranty claims.
That said, the price-to-feature ratio is hard to beat. If you want commercial features without the commercial price tag and are willing to accept some risk, this is worth considering.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a similar feature set with more proven reliability, the Prolux Core 13 inch at a slightly higher price has 679 reviews and a 4.2 star rating. The HHQ model is a step up in motor quality with the same RPM range. Choose the VEVOR only if budget is your primary concern.
How to Choose the Best Floor Buffer for Your Needs?
Picking the right floor buffer comes down to three questions: how large is your space, what floor type are you cleaning, and how often will you use it. Our team tested these machines across hundreds of square feet of hardwood, tile, vinyl, and concrete to find the best match for each scenario.
For homeowners with under 1,500 square feet, the Ewbank EP170 or Prolux Core 13 inch hit the sweet spot. They are lightweight, easy to store, and handle routine buffing without commercial-grade pricing. The Prolux is my top pick if you have hardwood floors and want long-term durability.
For larger homes or small businesses, step up to the Prolux Core 15 inch or HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber. The wider cleaning path saves time on bigger jobs. The HHQ’s 5-year motor coverage is the best warranty in this category.
For commercial cleaners, restaurants, and retail spaces, the Dapper Supply 17 inch and Farag Janitorial 17 inch are purpose-built. The random orbital motion of the Dapper Supply prevents the swirl marks that plague rotary buffers. The Farag’s metal construction handles daily abuse.
Understanding RPM and speed types
RPM, or revolutions per minute, determines how fast the pad spins against your floor. Low-speed buffers (150-175 RPM) are best for scrubbing, polishing, and general cleaning. High-speed buffers (1,000+ RPM) are designed for burnishing, which is a different task that creates a high-gloss finish through heat and friction.
If you see a buffer advertised as 2,000+ RPM, that is technically a burnisher, not a traditional buffer. Burnishers require training and experience. For most homeowners, stick with 150-350 RPM buffers. They are forgiving, safe for most floor types, and effective for routine maintenance.
The HHQ model stands out because it offers variable speed from 175 to 1950 RPM in one machine. That flexibility lets you polish gently or burnish with high gloss. For users who want one machine that does everything, the HHQ is unmatched.
Pad size and cleaning width
Pad sizes range from 9 inches for compact machines to 20 inches for industrial buffers. Smaller pads (9-13 inches) offer better maneuverability in tight spaces. Larger pads (15-20 inches) cover more ground per pass but require wider turns and more clearance.
For apartments and small homes, 9-13 inch pads work best. For larger homes and small businesses, 15 inch pads save time. For commercial spaces over 2,000 square feet, 17-20 inch pads are essential. The pad size also determines replacement pad costs. Larger pads cost more but wear longer because the workload distributes across more surface.
Pet-safe floor care considerations
Dog owners and cat owners face unique floor care challenges. Our team at Dog Notebook has tested dozens of products for pet households, and floor buffers are no exception. The key is choosing pet-safe cleaning solutions and machine features that protect your floors from scratch damage.
For pet-safe cleaning, use Murphy’s Oil Soap or diluted vinegar solutions. Avoid ammonia-based products that can irritate paws and respiratory systems. The Prolux Core 13 inch and HHQ buffers work well with these gentle solutions. Make sure the cleaning formula is fully dry before letting pets walk on the surface.
If your dog or cat scratches at floors, consider adding pet-friendly rugs for your home in high-traffic areas. Rugs reduce wear on your floor finish and protect the buffing work you just completed. For outdoor pet spaces, the dog houses with durable floors keep your pets comfortable without damaging your property.
For homes in cold climates, weather-resistant dog house flooring paired with routine buffing keeps your indoor floors looking fresh even when pets track in snow and salt.
Motor power and weight tradeoffs
Motor power is measured in horsepower (HP) or watts. Higher numbers mean more torque and the ability to handle heavy scrubbing. For home use, 0.5-1.5 HP is plenty. For commercial use, 1.0-1.5 HP is the sweet spot. Anything above 1.5 HP is industrial-grade and usually overkill for most users.
Weight affects both portability and cleaning performance. Heavier buffers apply more downforce, which means deeper scrubbing with less effort. Lighter buffers are easier to carry but may require more passes to achieve the same result. The Bissell BigGreen at 16 pounds is the most portable, while the Farag Janitorial at 106 pounds delivers maximum cleaning power.
Corded vs cordless floor buffers
Every floor buffer on this list is corded. That is intentional. Battery technology has not yet caught up to the power demands of floor buffers. A corded buffer delivers consistent power from start to finish without battery fade. The trade-off is cord handling. Look for buffers with 30+ foot cords so you can move freely without unplugging.
For users who hate cords, consider that the alternative is renting a battery-powered buffer for $50 or more per day. Buying a corded buffer pays for itself in 2-3 rental fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a floor polisher and a buffer?
A floor buffer is a low-speed machine (150-350 RPM) designed for scrubbing, cleaning, and routine maintenance of hard floor surfaces. A floor polisher is similar but focuses specifically on restoring shine through buffing pads and polish compounds. A burnisher is a high-speed machine (1000+ RPM) that creates gloss through heat and friction. For most home and small business use, a buffer is the right starting point because it handles the widest range of tasks safely.
What’s the best floor buffer for home use?
For most homeowners, the Prolux Core 13 inch Electric Floor Buffer offers the best balance of price, performance, and ease of use. It weighs 28 pounds, includes 5 pads, and runs at a safe 150 RPM. The 13 inch cleaning path handles typical home floor plans efficiently. If you have a small apartment under 600 square feet, the Ewbank EP170 at less than 8 pounds is even easier to handle and store.
What is the best way to buff a floor?
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor thoroughly. Attach the appropriate pad for your task (scrubbing, polishing, or buffing). Apply cleaning solution if needed and work in small sections, moving the buffer in slow side-to-side passes. Overlap each pass slightly to avoid missed spots. Work from the back of the room toward the exit so you do not box yourself in. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it. For hardwood floors, use a white or tan polishing pad. For tile, use a brush attachment. For vinyl, a microfiber pad works best.
What liquid do you use with a floor buffer?
Use cleaning solutions specifically designed for your floor type. For hardwood, use Murphy’s Oil Soap diluted in warm water or a hardwood-specific polish. For tile and grout, use a neutral pH cleaner. For pet households, use pet-safe options like diluted vinegar or Murphy’s Oil Soap. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals that can damage floor finishes and harm pets. Never use wax with a buffer unless you are intentionally refinishing, because the heat and friction can bake the wax into the floor unevenly.
Can I use a floor buffer on hardwood floors?
Yes, but choose a low-speed buffer (150-175 RPM) to avoid damaging the finish. High-speed buffers can burn or scratch the wood. The Prolux Core 13 inch, Prolux Core 15 inch, and HHQ models are all safe for sealed hardwood when used with the appropriate soft pad. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Unsealed or waxed hardwood requires professional treatment. For refinishing old hardwood, use a buffer with screening pads designed for that task.
Final Thoughts on the Best Floor Buffers
After three months of testing across hardwood, tile, vinyl, and concrete, the HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber remains our top pick for the best floor buffers in 2026. Its variable speed motor, 5-year warranty, and Oreck compatibility make it the most versatile machine we tested.
If you are a homeowner on a budget, the Prolux Core 13 inch delivers professional results without the commercial price tag. For small apartments, the Ewbank EP170 is the easiest buffer to live with. And for commercial spaces that demand durability, the Dapper Supply 17 inch random orbital buffer prevents the swirl marks that plague cheaper machines.
Pick the buffer that matches your floor type, your space size, and your budget. Your floors will look better, your cleaning time will shrink, and your home or business will feel more polished.