Cleaning and Polishing Fluids and Method of Use

Abstract

Cleaning and polishing fluids are described. In particular, cleaning and polishing fluids comprising water, polymers, and silicates are described. These cleaning and polishing fluids exhibit good performance, particularly when used with abrasive pads in cleaning processes.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Cleaning fluids, sometimes referred to as cleaning agents, are typically used as part of a regular floor maintenance system. Cleaning removes dirt but does not significantly increase the gloss of the surface. Polishing is typically performed as a separate, high-speed burnishing process. The burnishing process is often noisy, messy, and time-consuming, and is therefore typically not performed when the facility is open.

[0002] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning and polishing fluid. In particular, the cleaning and polishing fluid comprises water, a polymer, and a silicate, wherein the water is more than 98% by weight of the fluid.

[0003] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises the steps of: dispensing an aqueous solution containing more than 98 weight percent water, a polymer, and a silicate onto a hard floor surface; bringing the hard floor surface into contact with a polishing pad that moves in the presence of the aqueous solution; and drying the hard floor surface.

[0004] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises the step of contacting a hard floor surface with a polishing pad in the presence of an aqueous solution containing more than 98 weight percent water, a polymer, and a silicate.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a floor cleaning and polishing fluid. In particular, the method comprises the steps of: providing a concentrate comprising water, a polymer, and a silicate; and diluting the concentrate in water such that the water constitutes more than 98% by weight of the fluid.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for maintaining a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises the steps of cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the same first time point to increase an initial first gloss to a resulting first gloss; and, after a certain interval, cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the same second time point to increase an initial second gloss to a resulting second gloss. The steps of cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the same first and second time points comprise the steps of dispensing an aqueous solution containing more than 98 weight percent water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface; contacting the hard floor surface with a polishing pad moving in the presence of the aqueous solution; and optionally, repeating the dispensing, contacting, and drying steps through multiple passes. At the first time point, at the second time point, and during the interval, the hard floor surface is not burnished. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a floor cleaning machine used to bring a moving abrasive pad into contact with a hard floor surface in the presence of a cleaning and polishing fluid. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first on-floor test configuration. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the second floor-top test configuration. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] Typically, cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing its gloss (polishing) are considered separate steps requiring separate equipment and time blocks, and are treated as separate processes.

[0009] The cleaning fluid is typically neutral or near-neutral in pH to avoid damaging or deteriorating the floor finish. An automatic floor scrubber (or automatic scrubber) is usually used with the cleaning fluid. The automatic scrubber includes a rotating hub for a non-woven pad, a tank and distributor for the cleaning fluid or water, a squeegee and vacuum cleaner for collecting and removing the used fluid, and a tank for holding the collected used fluid. During the time the liquid is in contact with the floor, the non-woven pad, rotating at a low speed (approximately 100 to 250 rpm), contacts the hard floor surface to remove dirt. A swing (rotating) scrubber may also be used to clean the floor.

[0010] Automatic scrubbers are self-propelled, driven, or pushed at typical walking speeds. Consequently, the contact time between any distributed fluid and the hard floor surface before it is re-sucked into the machine is very short. In some cases, the contact time is less than 10 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 3 seconds, or even less than 2 seconds.

[0011] At least in part, due to these shortened contact times, cleaning fluids, or daily or routine maintenance processes using such cleaning fluids, are generally considered to be an incomplete solution. While cleaning with automatic scrubbers and conventional cleaning fluids can help remove floor dirt, such processes were not thought to contribute to a significant increase in gloss.

[0012] Burnishing is used to restore or enhance a dull gloss on hard floor surfaces. Burnishing typically utilizes high-speed rotating nonwoven pads in the absence of liquid (i.e., an effective amount of liquid or water) (although some residual or trace moisture may be present). Providing high rotational speeds to the pads requires more powerful motors, which generate more noise. Additionally, many types of burnishers require propane combustion, emitting unpleasant exhaust fumes and increasing the carbon footprint.

[0013] Typical systems using cleaning fluids require a burnishing step to achieve a high-gloss final polish on the floor surface, even when using cleaning fluids commercially available as restorers. For at least some of the reasons described herein, facilities and facility management professionals prefer to burnish as rarely as possible. However, the perception that a shiny floor is a clean floor persists.

[0014] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein surprisingly provide excellent cleaning performance without any burnishing step, while also improving the appearance of floor finishes. In particular, despite the typical short floor contact times used in automatic scrubber tanks and processes, the cleaning and polishing fluids described herein improve the gloss of coated hard floor surfaces. Also surprisingly, such cleaning and polishing fluids are effective for economical dilution in water exceeding 98 or even 99 weight percent. For example, the cleaning and polishing fluids explored in this invention were effective at a dilution of 1 ounce (approximately 29.6 mL) of the concentrated formulation per 6 gallons (approximately 22,712 mL) of water.

[0015] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein are primarily water. The fluid may be more than 95 wt% water, more than 97 wt% water, more than 98 wt% water, more than 99 wt% water, or even more than 99.9 wt% water. In addition to water, these fluids comprise polymers and silicates. Optionally, these fluids may comprise surfactants (including anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, or combinations thereof). Optionally, these fluids may comprise siliconates. Optionally, these fluids may comprise wetting agents. Optionally, these fluids may comprise solvents. Other additives, such as colorants, fragrances, etc., may be provided as desired.

[0016] The polymer may take on a wide variety of forms and may comprise one or more polymers (including, but not limited to, polymers, copolymers, and terpolymers). In some embodiments, the polymer may be an emulsion. In some embodiments, the polymer may be a self-crosslinking polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer may be an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof. An acrylic polymer comprises only one type of acrylate monomer, whereas an acrylic copolymer comprises two or more different types of acrylate monomers. A styrene-acrylic copolymer comprises at least one type of styrene monomer and one type of acrylate monomer. Acrylate monomers may include acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methacrylamide, etc. Styrene monomers may include styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, etc. Commercially available acrylic copolymers include methyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / methacrylic acid (MMA / BA / MAA) copolymer, methyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid (MMA / BA / AA) copolymer, etc.

[0017] Commercially available acrylic polymers include, for example, Morglo II Latex from Omnova Solutions, Inc., Chester, South Carolina. Other commercially available acrylic copolymers include Rhoplex B-924, Roshield 3188, and Duraplus 3 from Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan; Megatran 220 and Megatran 240 from Interpolymer Corporation, Canton, Massachusetts; and MAC 34 and AC 2728 from Alberdingk Boley, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina.

[0018] Available acrylic urethane copolymers include Hybridur series products such as Hybridur 870 and 878 from Air Products, Inc., APU 10140, APU 10600, and APU 10620 from Alberdink Bolly, Inc., and NeoPac R-9036 and E-129 from DSM NeoResins, Inc., Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA.

[0019] Available urethane polymers include solvent-free polyurethane dispersions of the U series, such as U 6150 and U 9380 from Alberdink Bolly, Inc., Bayhydrol UH 2558 and UH 2606 from Bayer Materials Science, NeoRez R-2180, NeoRez R-2005, NeoRez R-9029 and NeoRez R-2190 from DSM NeoResines, Inc., and Sancure and Turboset polyurethane dispersions available from Lubrizol Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

[0020] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises an acrylic chemical component combined with a polyurethane (poly(urethane-acrylate) copolymer). Polyurethane and polyacrylate may be used together to achieve a hard and tough coating. In other embodiments, the film-forming polymer matrix comprises a copolymer consisting of urethane and acrylic polymer chains. In one embodiment, the acrylic urethane copolymer may be added to a commercially available acrylic composition. In some embodiments, an epoxide may also be used as part of the polymer composition. In various embodiments, a polyacrylate-epoxide may be used. Any of the aforementioned polymers or polymer compositions may be present in any suitable amount.

[0021] In some embodiments, the silicate may be an alkali metal silicate. Alkali metal silicates are generally represented as M2O:SiO2, where M is lithium, sodium, or potassium. The weight ratio of SiO2 to M2O may range from about 1.4:1 to about 3.75:1. In some embodiments, the silicate may be lithium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate may be sodium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate may be potassium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate may comprise a combination or blend of alkali metals. The silicate may be present in any suitable amount.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluid comprises siliconate present in any suitable amount. The siliconate may be an alkali metal siliconate comprising alkali metal salts formed of sodium, potassium, or lithium, and blends and combinations thereof. Generally, where included, such cleaning and polishing fluids comprise less siliconate than silicate (on a weight percent basis). In some embodiments, such fluids comprise a wetting agent.

[0023] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein may have a high (basic) pH even after dilution with water due to the presence of silicates and optional siliconates. In some embodiments, the pH of the fluid is greater than 9. In some embodiments, the pH is greater than 9.5. In some embodiments, the pH is greater than 10. The pH may be adjusted or changed using any suitable acid, base, or buffer.

[0024] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein provide advantages when a pad having only coarse abrasives comes into contact with a hard floor surface in the presence of the fluid. Examples include the 3M™ Red Buffer Pad 5100, available from 3M Company (St. Paul, Minnesota, USA). Additionally, interestingly, the benefits for both cleaning and polishing are enhanced when used with a pad having fine abrasive particles. For the purposes of this description, fine abrasive particles are particles having a size of 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles may include diamond. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles may include silicon carbide. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles may include aluminum oxide. Suitable pads include the Scotch-Brite™ Clean & Shine Pad and the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus, both of which are available from 3M Company (Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA).

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a floor cleaning machine used to bring a moving abrasive pad into contact with a hard floor surface in the presence of a cleaning and polishing fluid. The automatic scrubber (110) as illustrated is a walk-behind model, but any suitable automatic scrubber (including ride-on or self-propelled types) or even a swing scrubber or other floor scrubbing device or machine may be used.

[0026] The abrasive pad (120) is attached to the automatic scrubber (110) via an attachment mechanism (not specifically shown), which may be, for example, a central hub or an attachment prong. The abrasive pad moves, that is, rotates in some cases, or, depending on the mechanism of the scrubbing machine, moves or shakes in orbital motion or random orbital motion, and is positioned in contact with the hard bottom surface (130).

[0027] The hard floor surface (130) may be any suitable surface, including vinyl composition tile (VCT), solid vinyl tile, stone floor, or any other suitable natural or manufactured floor surface for which the use of an automatic scrubber is recommended. In some embodiments, the hard floor surface is coated with a floor finish or a protective coating. In FIG. 1, the hard floor surface is indicated by a break line to show that it may have any large or small dimensions.

[0028] A polishing pad (120) comes into contact with a hard floor surface (130) in the presence of an aqueous solution (140) distributed from inside a tank within an automatic scrubber (110) in FIG. 1 (however, it may be distributed or applied in other ways, including from a separate machine or even by hand or a mop). As the automatic scrubber moves across the hard floor surface (130) (to the right from the perspective of FIG. 1), a squeegee (112) attached to the automatic scrubber (110) ensures that substantially all of the used aqueous solution (which may contain floor dirt) is sucked into the used fluid holding tank within the automatic scrubber.

[0029] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein may be provided as fluids available for immediate use or as concentrates. Concentrates may contain 40 to 60 weight percent water. Diluted formulations may be prepared using concentrates and any suitable water source.

[0030] Because the methods and formulations described herein can produce cleaner and glossier floors when used with an automatic scrubber or any other (non-burnishing) process, the gloss can be increased without burnishing by repeating the cleaning and polishing steps after a predetermined interval. In some embodiments, the interval is 24 hours or more (i.e., a daily maintenance program). In some embodiments, the interval is 12 hours or more.

[0031] With the described method and formulation, burnishing may be used rarely or even not at all. Burnishing may be performed only every month, or every three months, or every six or twelve months.

[0032] Examples

[0033] Materials used in the examples

[0034]

[0035] Equipment used in the test in the examples

[0036] Automatic scrubbers: Single-head T3, 20-inch, and dual-head T300, 12-inch (both available from Tennant Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).

[0037] BKY Gardner Spectro-Guide Sphere (6834) color spectrophotometer (available from BYK USA, Wallingford, Connecticut)

[0038] Gloss-Haze-DOI / RIQ Meter (available from RHOPOINT Instruments, West Sussex, UK).

[0039] Preparation of the example

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041]

[0042] Preparation of Examples 1 and 2

[0043] 58.44 g of deionized water and 1.62 g of ethyl carbitol (available from Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan, USA) were added while stirring in a 200 mL glass beaker containing a magnetic stirring bar, followed by the addition of 16.23 g of acrylic emulsion (R5191, 41% solids, available from Essential Polymer Inc., Merton, Wisconsin, USA), and then 0.97 g of EasyWet-20 (available from Ashland Chemical, Ohio, USA). After stirring the mixture for 30 minutes, 2.92 g of EcoSurf EH-6 (available from Dow Chemical, Michigan, USA) was added to the beaker, followed by the addition of 6.82 g of Tomadol-900 (available from Evonik Corporation, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA). After stirring this mixture for 30 minutes, 9.74 g of lithium silicate (available from W.R. Grace & Co.-Corn, Columbia, Maryland, USA, 20% solids) was added. The beaker was covered with alumina foil and the final mixture was stirred overnight to be ready for use.

[0044] Example-2 was prepared according to the same procedure as in Example-1, except that 3.25 g of OFS-0777 siliconate (available from Dow Corning Company, Midland, Michigan, USA) was added together with lithium silicate.

[0045] Preparation of test samples

[0046] Vinyl composition tiles (VCT) were laid on flat concrete of a size (24 x 40 sf) sufficient for conducting the test. The VCT was scrubbed with a Tennant T3 automatic scrubber using water and Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pads and allowed to dry prior to coating. Three coats of each finish were applied at a rate of 2,000 sq ft per gallon using microfiber pads. Each coat was allowed to dry for 45 minutes prior to applying the next layer. After a curing time of 2 days, the test area was scrubbed once with a Tennant T3 automatic scrubber using water and Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pads. Once dry, a uniform layer of carpet dirt was sprayed over the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0047] Test Procedure

[0048] After thoroughly rinsing the holding tank of the T300 automatic scrubber with water, one 12-inch 3M Red Buffer Pad 5100 or one 12-inch Scotch-Brite Clean & Shine Pad was loaded (see Bottom Pad column in Table 2). One ounce of Example-1 was uniformly diluted with six gallons of water in two five-gallon buckets and then added to the automatic scrubber tank.

[0049] The automatic scrubber was passed through the contaminated test section twice under the following test conditions: an intermediate setting of water flow, low or high pad pressure depending on the test section, and a lowest setting of walking speed.

[0050] Tests were repeated for each cleaner according to the above procedure at appropriate dilution ratios (at the manufacturer's recommended dilution where available) (Example-2: 1 oz to 6 gallons; 3M Neutral Cleaner Concentrated 3H (3H cleaner): 1 oz to 3 gallons; UHS SC cleaner: 1 oz to 8 gallons; No / Low Maintenance Floor Cleaner and Protector (No / Low cleaner): 1 oz to 2 gallons; Revive Plus SC Floor Maintainer / Rejuvenator (Revive Plus maintainer): 1 oz to 4 gallons).

[0051] Data Collection

[0052] Color values ​​(L, a, and b) were collected using a BKY Gardner Spectro-Guided Sphere (6834) color spectrophotometer. Five data points were taken for a given test tile using a template, and the average was used as the final measurement. Two sets of color data (L, a, and b) were collected: (1) after the application of the test grime, and (2) after the completion of the cleaning test. The color difference, Delta E, was calculated using the following formula:

[0053] Delta E = SQRT[(L 2 -L 1 ) 2 +(a 2 -a 1 ) 2 +(b 2 -b 1 ) 2 ]

[0054] A higher Delta E value indicates superior cleaning efficiency for the tested cleaning agent.

[0055] [Table 2]

[0056]

[0057] Test using Example 2 and 3H neutral cleaner on worn floor coating

[0058] Highly worn Scotchgard TM Tests were performed on semi-white vinyl composition tiles (VCT) coated with Low Maintenance 18 (LM-18) floor finish. Tests were performed on two 2 ft x 9 ft areas having such worn floors as shown in FIG. 2. The central area (210) (1 ft x 9 ft) was the existing section, and the left (220) and right (230) of the central area were sections tested under different conditions.

[0059] Data Collection

[0060] In addition to the collection of color data as described above, gloss readings (60 degrees) and DOI (image clarity) were also collected for each test section before and after the test using a gloss-haze-DOI / RIQ meter. Once again, five data points were taken for each test section, and the average was used as the final measurement.

[0061] procedure

[0062] Test using Example-2. The retention tank of the T3 automatic scrubber was thoroughly rinsed with water. 1 ounce of Example-2 was uniformly diluted with 3 gallons of water in a 5-gallon bucket and then added to the automatic scrubber tank. New Scotch-Brite TM A Clean and Shine Pad (C / S Pad) was loaded onto an automatic scrubber. The automatic scrubber was passed through section (230) 10 times under the following test conditions: medium setting of water flow, high pad pressure, and lowest setting of walking speed.

[0063] Test using 3H Neutral Cleaner The C / S pad was removed from the automatic scrubber, and both the removed pad and the automatic scrubber tank were thoroughly washed with running water to ensure that no residue from previous tests remained. 1 ounce of 3M TMConcentrated Neutral Cleaner 3H was uniformly diluted with 3 gallons of water in a 5-gallon bucket and then added to an automatic scrubber tank. Using the same conditions as described for Example-2, the test was performed with the same number of passes in Section (220).

[0064] Cleaning efficiency and surface restoration results are presented in Tables 3 and 4.

[0065] [Table 3]

[0066]

[0067] [Table 4]

[0068]

[0069] Test using Example 3 and Revive SC Plus cleaner on worn floor coatings

[0070] Highly worn Scotchgard TM Tests were performed on semi-white vinyl composition tiles (VCT) coated with Low Maintenance 18 (LM-18) floor finish. As illustrated in FIG. 3, tests were performed on two 2 ft x 9 ft areas, sections (310, 320) having such worn floors. The contaminated section (330) was prepared as follows: a uniform layer of carpet dirt was sprayed over the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0071] Example-3 was prepared according to Table 5 following the same procedure as Example-2.

[0072] [Table 5]

[0073]

[0074] procedure

[0075] Test using Example-3. The retention tank of the T3 automatic scrubber was thoroughly rinsed with water. 1 ounce of Example-3 was uniformly diluted with 6 gallons of water in two 5-gallon buckets and then added to the automatic scrubber tank. New Scotch-Brite TMA Clean and Shine Pad (C / S Pad) was loaded into an automatic scrubber. The automatic scrubber was passed through section (320) 20 times under the following test conditions: medium setting of water flow, high pad pressure, and lowest setting of walking speed.

[0076] Test using Revive SC Plus cleaner. The C / S pad was removed from the automatic scrubber, and both the removed pad and the automatic scrubber tank were thoroughly washed with running water to ensure that no residue from the previous test remained. 1 ounce of Revive SC Plus cleaning agent was uniformly diluted with 2 gallons of water in a 5-gallon bucket and then added to the automatic scrubber tank. The test was performed in Section (310) with the same number of passes and conditions as described for Example-3.

[0077] Cleaning efficiency and surface restoration results are presented in Tables 6 and 7.

[0078] [Table 6]

[0079]

[0080] [Table 7]

[0081]

[0082] General observations on the results

[0083] The above examples demonstrate that the working formulation exhibits comparable, if not superior, performance to other available floor cleaners on various floor coatings. In a wide variety of situations, the versatility of the formulation can be beneficial for facilities with different coating and floor types. Furthermore, the working formulation surpasses exemplary floor cleaners in terms of image gloss and clarity when its use over time is simulated as multiple passes.

[0084] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments and embodiments described above, as such embodiments are described in detail to facilitate the description of various aspects of the invention. Rather, the present invention should be understood to encompass all aspects of the invention, including various modifications, equivalent processes, and alternative devices that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claim 1 A cleaning and polishing fluid used in a floor cleaning machine, comprising water; a polymer; and a silicate, wherein the water is more than 98 weight percent of the fluid, and the fluid further comprises a siliconate, wherein the floor cleaning machine contacts a polishing pad moving in the presence of the fluid to a floor surface, and the floor cleaning machine does not perform burnishing by contacting a pad rotating at 750 rpm or more to a floor surface in the absence of an effective amount of water. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A cleaning and polishing fluid according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is an acrylic emulsion polymer. Claim 4 A cleaning and polishing fluid according to claim 1, further comprising a surfactant. Claim 5 A cleaning and polishing fluid according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the fluid is greater than 9. Claim 6 A method for cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing its gloss using a floor cleaning machine that contacts a moving abrasive pad with a hard floor surface in the presence of a fluid, comprising the steps of: dispensing an aqueous solution containing more than 98 weight percent of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface; contacting the hard floor surface with a moving abrasive pad in the presence of the aqueous solution; and drying the hard floor surface, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a siliconate, and the floor cleaning machine does not perform burnishing by contacting a pad rotating at 750 rpm or more with the floor surface in the absence of an effective amount of water. Claim 7 A method according to claim 6, wherein the time between the dispensing step and the drying step is less than 10 seconds. Claim 8 In claim 6, the drying step comprises a step of aspirating liquid from the hard bottom surface. Claim 9 A method according to claim 6, wherein the polishing pad does not contain fine abrasives, and the fine abrasives contain particles of 0.1 to 30 micrometers. Claim 10 In claim 6, the method comprises a polishing pad comprising a fine abrasive material having particles of 0.1 to 30 micrometers. Claim 11 A method according to claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is selected from coated stone floor, coated vinyl floor, coated vinyl composition tile floor, and solid vinyl tile floor. Claim 12 A method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of repeating the dispensing, contacting, and drying steps through multiple passes of a floor cleaning machine over the same floor surface. Claim 13 A method for maintaining a hard floor surface comprises: a step of simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at a first time point to increase an initial first gloss to a resulting first gloss; and, after a certain interval, a step of simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at a second time point to increase an initial second gloss to a resulting second gloss; wherein the steps of simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the first and second time points comprise: a step of dispensing an aqueous solution containing more than 98 weight% of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface; a step of contacting the hard floor surface with a rotating polishing pad in the presence of the aqueous solution; a step of drying the hard floor surface; and optionally, a step of repeating the dispensing, contacting, and drying steps through multiple passes; wherein, at the first time point, at the second time point, and during the interval, the hard floor surface is not subjected to burnishing; and wherein the aqueous solution further comprises siliconate; The above burnishing method means contact by a pad rotating at 750 rpm or more in the absence of an effective amount of water. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the above interval is 24 hours or more, a method. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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