Floor Buffers As the use of floor scrubbers expanded from corporate buildings to schools and municipal buildings, there began to be some variations on the device. Floor buffers were invented for use on linoleum and similar floor coverings. In addition to cleaning the floors, the automated floor buffer also buffs the surface of the floor to attain the highest degree of shine. Floor buffers often use rotary brushes like those of the floor scrubber, but they are typically made of a softer material to avoid causing any damage. Once the floor is buffed to a nice level of shine, it may look even cleaner than it would have otherwise.