Pad and brush selector
Pick the right floor pad color or scrubber brush for your floor type and task, with warnings about combinations that damage floors.
How pad colors work
Most pad makers follow a similar light-to-dark convention: lighter pads are less aggressive, darker pads are more aggressive. Colors are not fully standard across brands, so always read the manufacturer's chart before using a pad you have not used before.
| Pad | Aggressiveness | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| White | Very light | Polishing, cleaning soft finishes |
| Red | Light | Daily scrubbing, spray buffing |
| Blue | Medium | Heavier scrubbing, light top scrub |
| Green | Heavy | Aggressive scrub, top scrub before recoat |
| Brown or black | Very heavy | Wet stripping of floor finish |
| Natural or hog hair blends | Burnishing | High-speed burnishing only, not scrubbing |
Brushes are better on textured and uneven floors because the bristles reach low spots that a flat pad skips. Pads are better on smooth floors and are cheaper to replace. See brush vs pad and brushes and pads explained.
Frequently asked questions
What color pad do I use with an auto scrubber for daily cleaning?
On finished floors such as VCT, red is the usual daily scrub pad. On sealed or bare concrete a blue pad or polypropylene brush is common.
Can I use a black pad on LVT?
No. Stripping pads can scratch through the wear layer of luxury vinyl, and that damage cannot be repaired. Use the mildest pad that gets the floor clean.
When should I use a brush instead of a pad?
Use brushes on grout lines, textured tile, anti-slip coatings and uneven concrete where a flat pad cannot reach the low spots.
Do pad colors mean the same thing across brands?
Mostly, but not exactly. The light-to-dark order is common, but aggressiveness varies by brand and line, so check the maker's chart.