Cleaning and polishing fluids and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Cleaning and polishing fluids are described. In particular, cleaning and polishing fluids comprising water, a polymer, and a silicate are described. These cleaning and polishing fluids exhibit good performance, in particular when used with a polishing pad during cleaning.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Cleaning fluids (sometimes referred to as cleaners) are commonly used as part of a routine floor maintenance regimen. Cleaning removes dirt, but does not significantly increase the gloss of the surface. Polishing is typically performed with a separate high-speed buffing process. The buffing process is typically loud, messy, and time-consuming, and is therefore typically not performed while the facility is open. SUMMARY

[0002] In one aspect, the present specification 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 greater than 98% by weight of the fluid.

[0003] In another aspect, the present specification relates to a method of cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises dispensing an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto a 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.

[0004] In yet another aspect, the present specification relates to a method of cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises contacting a hard floor surface with an abrasive pad in the presence of an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate.

[0005] In another aspect, the present specification relates to a method of making a floor cleaning and polishing fluid. In particular, the method comprises providing a concentrate comprising water, a polymer, and a silicate; and diluting the concentrate in water such that the water is greater than 98% by weight of the fluid.

[0006] In another aspect, the present specification relates to a method of maintaining a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface a first time to increase an initial first gloss to a resulting first gloss, and, after an interval, simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface a second time to increase an initial second gloss to a resulting second gloss. The steps of simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface a first time and a second time comprise dispensing an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto a hard floor surface; contacting the hard floor surface with a moving abrasive pad in the presence of the aqueous solution, and optionally repeating the steps of dispensing, contacting, and drying via multiple passes. The hard floor surface is not buffed at the first time, at the second time, and during the interval. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1is a schematic view of a floor cleaning machine for use in contacting a mobile abrasive pad with a hard floor surface in the presence of a cleaning and polishing fluid.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first on-floor test configuration.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second on-floor test configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Conventionally, cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing the gloss of the hard floor surface (polishing) are considered separate steps and treated as such, requiring separate equipment and blocks of time.

[0011] Cleaning fluids are typically neutral or near-neutral pH so as not to damage or degrade the floor finish. Automatic floor scrubbers (or auto scrubbers) are commonly used with cleaning fluids. Auto scrubbers include a rotating hub for a nonwoven pad, a tank and dispenser for cleaning fluid or water, a squeegee and vacuum for collecting and removing used fluid, and a tank for containing the collected used fluid. The nonwoven pad, rotating at low speed (approximately 100 rpm to 250 rpm) during contact of the liquid with the floor, contacts the hard floor surface to remove dirt. Oscillating (rotary) scrubbers can also be used to clean floors.

[0012] Auto scrubbers self-propel, ride, or push at a typical walking speed. Thus, any dispensed fluid has a relatively short contact time with the hard floor surface before it is suctioned back into the machine. 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.

[0013] Due at least in part to this shortened contact time, cleaning fluids or processes using such cleaning fluids for daily or routine maintenance are generally considered incomplete solutions. While cleaning with an auto scrubber and conventional cleaning fluid can help remove floor dirt, such methods are not considered to help significantly increase gloss.

[0014] Polishing is used to restore or increase dull gloss on a hard floor surface. Polishing uses a high speed rotating nonwoven pad, typically in the absence of liquid (i.e., effective amount of liquid or water: some residual or negligible moisture can be present). Providing the pad with high rotational speed requires a more powerful motor, which creates more noise. Additionally, many versions of polishers require propane combustion, releasing unpleasant exhaust fumes and an increased carbon footprint.

[0015] Typical protocols with cleaning fluids, even those marketed as refinishers, provide for a burnishing step to achieve a high gloss finish of the floor surface. For at least some of the reasons described herein, facility and facility management professionals prefer to burnish as infrequently as possible, if at all. But the perception that a shiny floor is a clean floor still exists.

[0016] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein surprisingly provide excellent cleaning performance while also enhancing the appearance of floor finishes without the need for any burnishing step. In particular, the cleaning and polishing fluids described herein improve the gloss of coated hard floor surfaces even in the case of the shorter floor contact times typically used in automatic scrubber tanks and processes. It is also surprising that such cleaning and polishing fluids are effective when economically diluted with greater than 98% or even 99% water by weight. For example, the cleaning and polishing fluids explored herein are effective at dilutions of 1 ounce of concentrate (approximately 29.6 mL) per six gallons of water (approximately 22,712 mL).

[0017] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein are primarily water. The fluids can be greater than 95% water by weight, greater than 97% water by weight, greater than 98% water by weight, greater than 99% water by weight, or even greater than 99.9% water by weight. In addition to water, these fluids also include a polymer and a silicate. Optionally, these fluids can include a surfactant (including an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination of these). Optionally, these fluids can include a siliconate. Optionally, these fluids can include a wetting agent. Optionally, these fluids can include a solvent. Other additives can be provided as desired, such as colorants, fragrances, and the like.

[0018] The polymer can be in a variety of forms and can include one or more polymers, including but not limited to polymers, copolymers, and terpolymers. In some embodiments, the polymer can be emulsion-based. In some embodiments, the polymer can be a self-crosslinking polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer can be an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof. An acrylic polymer includes only one type of acrylic ester monomer, whereas an acrylic copolymer includes two or more different types of acrylic ester monomers. A styrene-acrylic copolymer includes at least one type of styrene monomer and one type of acrylic ester monomer. The acrylic ester monomers can include acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methacrylamide, and the like. The styrene monomers can include styrene, a-methylstyrene, and the like. 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, and the like.

[0019] Commercially available acrylic polymers include, for example, Morglo II Latex from Omnova Solutions, Inc. (Chester S.C.). Other commercially available acrylic copolymers include Rhoplex B-924, Roshield 3188, and Duraplus 3 from Dow Chemical (Midland, MI), Megatran 220 and Megatran 240 from Interpolymer Corporation (Canton, MA), and MAC 34 and AC 2728 from Alberdingk Boley, Inc. (Greensboro, N.C.).

[0020] Commercially available urethane-acrylate hybrid polymers include the Hybridur series of products, such as Hybridur 870 and 878 from Air Products, Inc., APU 10140, APU 10600, and APU 10620 from Alberdingk Boley, Inc., and NeoPac R-9036 and E-129 from DSM NeoResins, Inc. (Wilmington, MA).

[0021] Commercially available urethane polymers include the U series of solventless polyurethane dispersions, such as U 6150 and U 9380 from Alberdingk Boley, 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 NeoResins, Inc., and Sancure and Turboset polyurethane dispersions from Lubrizol Corporation (Cleveland, OH).

[0022] In some embodiments, the polymeric composition incorporates a combination of an acrylic-based component with a polyurethane (poly(urethane-acrylate) hybrid). The polyurethane and polyacrylate can be used together to achieve a hard and tough coating. In another embodiment, the film-forming polymeric matrix comprises a hybrid copolymer composed of urethane and acrylic polymer chains. In one embodiment, an acrylic urethane hybrid polymer can be added to a commercially available acrylic-based composition. In some embodiments, an epoxide can also be used as part of the polymeric composition. In various embodiments, a polyacrylate-epoxide can be used. Any of the above polymers or polymeric compositions can be present in any suitable amount.

[0023] In some embodiments, the silicate can be an alkali metal silicate. Alkali metal silicates are generally represented as M20:Si02, where M is lithium, sodium, or potassium. The weight ratio of Si02to M20 can range from about 1.4: 1 to about 3.75: 1. In some embodiments, the silicate can be lithium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate can be sodium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate can be potassium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate can include a combination or blend of alkali metals. The silicate can be present in any suitable amount.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid includes a silanolate salt present in any suitable amount. The silanolate salt can be an alkali metal silanolate, including alkali metal salts formed with sodium, potassium, or lithium, as well as blends and combinations thereof. Generally, if included, these cleaning and polishing fluids include less silanolate salt (by weight percent) than silicate salt. In some embodiments, these fluids include a wetting agent.

[0025] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein can have a high (basic) pH, even after dilution in water, due to the presence of silicate salt and optionally silanolate salt. 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. Any suitable acid, base, or buffer can be used to adjust or modify the pH.

[0026] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein provide benefits when a pad with only a coarse abrasive contacts a hard floor surface in the presence of the fluid. Examples include 3M Red Polishing Pad 5100, available from 3M Company (St. Paul Minn.). Additionally, it is of interest that both cleaning and polishing have enhanced benefits when used with a pad having fine abrasive particles. For purposes of this specification, fine abrasive particles are particles having a size between 0.1 microns and 30 microns. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include diamond. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include silicon carbide. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include alumina. Suitable pads include Scotch-Brite ™ Red Polishing Pad 5100, available from 3M Company (St. Paul Minn.). Additionally, it is of interest that both cleaning and polishing have enhanced benefits when used with a pad having fine abrasive particles. For purposes of this specification, fine abrasive particles are particles having a size between 0.1 microns and 30 microns. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include diamond. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include silicon carbide. In some embodiments, the fine abrasive particles can include alumina. Suitable pads include Scotch-Brite ™ Cleaning and Polishing Pads, and Scotch-Brite ™ Vitrified Upgrade Floor Pad, both available from 3M Company (St. Paul Minn.).

[0027] Figure 1This 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 cleaning and polishing fluids. The automatic scrubber 110 shown is a hand-held model, but any suitable automatic scrubber (including ride-on or self-propelled), or even a swing scrubber or other floor cleaning equipment or machine can be used.

[0028] 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 pin. The abrasive pad is moved (in some cases rotated, or agitated or moved in a tracked or random track motion depending on the scrubber's mechanism) and positioned to contact the hard floor surface 130.

[0029] The hard floor surface 130 can be any suitable surface, including vinyl composite ceramic tile (VCT), solid vinyl ceramic tile, stone flooring, or any other suitable natural or artificial floor surface recommended for automatic scrubber applications. In some embodiments, the hard floor surface has been coated with a floor finish or protective coating. Figure 1 In this context, the hard floor surface is indicated by a break line to show that it can have any size, large or small.

[0030] The abrasive pad 120 is brought into contact with the hard floor surface 130 in the presence of an aqueous solution 140. Figure 1 Dispensing is made from within the tank of the automatic scrubber 110 (but may be done or applied in other ways, including from a separate machine or even by hand or mop). As the automatic scrubber moves across the entire hard floor surface 130 (from... Figure 1 (Angle to the right), attached to the automatic scrubber 110, the rubber broom 112 ensures that virtually all used water-based solution (which may contain floor dirt) is drawn upwards into the used fluid container inside the automatic scrubber.

[0031] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein are available as ready-to-use fluids or as concentrates. Concentrates may contain between 40% and 60% water. Diluent formulations can be prepared using the concentrate and any suitable water source.

[0032] Because the methods and formulations described herein produce cleaner and shinier floors when used with automatic scrubbers or any other (non-sanding) process, the cleaning and polishing steps can be repeated after specific intervals to increase shine without sanding. In some embodiments, this interval is at least 24 hours (i.e., a daily maintenance schedule). In some embodiments, the interval is at least 12 hours.

[0033] In conjunction with the methods and formulations, buffing can be used infrequently or even not at all. Buffing can be performed only monthly, or only every three months, or only every six or twelve months.

[0034] Examples

[0035] Materials used in the examples

[0036]

[0037] Apparatus used for testing in the examples

[0038] • Automatic scrubber: Single head T3 (20 inches) and double head T300 (12 inches) (both available from Tennant Company, Minneapolis, MN).

[0039] • BKY Gardner Spectro-Guide Sphere (6834) color spectrophotometer (available from BYK USA, Wallingford, CT)

[0040] • Gloss-Haze-DOI / RIQ meter (available from RHOPOINT Instruments, West Sussex, UK).

[0041] Preparation of the examples

[0042]

[0043] Preparation of Example-1 and Example-2

[0044] To a 200 mL glass beaker containing a magnetic stir bar was added 58.44 g of deionized water, 1.62 g of ethyl carbitol (commercially available from Dow Chemical, Midland, MI), while stirring, 16.23 g of an acrylic emulsion (R5191, 41% solids, purchased from Essential Polymer Inc., Merton, WI) was added, followed by 0.97 g of Easywet-20 (commercially available from Ashland Chemical, OH). After the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, 2.92 g of Ecosurf EH-6 (commercially available from Dow Chemical, MI) was added to the beaker, followed by 6.82 g of Tomadol-900 (commercially available from Evonik Corporation, Allentown, PA). After the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, 9.74 g of lithium silicate (commercially available from W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn, Columbia, MD, 20% solids) was added. The beaker was covered with aluminum foil and the final mixture was stirred overnight for use.

[0045] Example-2 was prepared following the same procedure as Example-1, except that 3.25 g of OFS-0777 silanol (commercially available from Dow Corning Co., Midland, MI) was added along with the lithium silicate.

[0046] Preparation of the test substrate

[0047] Vinyl composition tile (VCT) was laid out on a flat concrete in a size large enough to perform the test (24 x 40 sf). The VCT was scrubbed with water and Scotch-Brite ™ surface preparation pad using a Tennant T3 auto scrubber and allowed to dry prior to coating. Three coats of each finish were applied using a microfiber pad at 2000 square feet per gallon. Each coat was allowed to dry for 45 minutes before the next layer was applied. After a 2 day cure time, the test area was scrubbed once with water and Scotch-Brite ™ surface preparation pad using a Tennant T3 auto scrubber. Once dry, a uniform layer of carpet soil was sprayed on the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0048] Test procedure

[0049] The holding tank of a T300 auto scrubber was thoroughly cleaned with water and then loaded with a 12 inch 3M Red Scuff Pad 5100 or a 12 inch SCOTCH-BRITE Cleaning and Polishing Pad (see Floor Pad column in Table 2). One ounce of Example-1 was diluted evenly in two 5 gallon buckets with 6 gallons of water and then added to the auto scrubber tank.

[0050] The auto scrubber was run over the soiled test section twice with the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, low pad pressure or high pad pressure according to the test section, and minimum walk speed setting.

[0051] The test was repeated for each cleaner (Example-2: 1 ounce to 6 gallons; 3M Neutral Cleaner Concentrate 3H (3H Cleaner): 1 ounce to 3 gallons; UHS SC Cleaner: 1 ounce to 8 gallons; No / Low Maintenance Floor Cleaner and Restorer (No / Low Cleaner): 1 ounce to 2 gallons; Revive Plus SC Floor Maintenance / Restorer (Revive Plus Maintenance): 1 ounce to 4 gallons) according to the procedure above with the appropriate dilution ratio (for manufacturer recommended dilution, if any).

[0052] Data collection

[0053] Color values (L, a, and b) were collected using a BYK Gardner Spectro-Guide Sphere (6834) color spectrophotometer. Five data points were collected on a given test tile using a template and the average value was used as the final measurement. Two sets of color data (L, a, and b) were collected: (1) after application of the test soil, and (2) after completion of the cleaning test. Color difference ΔΕ was calculated using the following equation:

[0054]

[0055] A higher ΔΕ value indicates better cleaning efficiency of the cleaner being tested.

[0056]

[0057] Testing of worn floor coating using Example 2 and 3H neutral cleaner

[0058] Highly worn Scotchgard ™ Low Maintenance 18 (LM-18) floor finish coated semi-white vinyl composition tile (VCT) was tested. Two 2 foot by 9 foot areas of this worn floor were tested with Figure 2The center region 210 (1 ft x 9 ft) is the existing section, and the left side 220 and right side 230 of the center region are test sections with different conditions.

[0059] Data collection

[0060] In addition to collecting color data as previously described, Gloss-Haze-DOI / RIQ meter was used to collect gloss readings (60 degrees) and DOI (distinctness of image) for each test section before and after testing. Again, five data points were taken for each test section, and the average was used as the final measurement.

[0061] Procedure

[0062] Testing using Example-2. The holding tank of the T3 auto scrubber was thoroughly cleaned with water. One ounce of Example-2 was uniformly diluted in 3 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket and then added to the auto scrubber tank. New Scotch-Brite ™ The cleaning and polishing pad (C / S pad) was loaded onto the auto scrubber. The auto scrubber was run 10 times over section 230, which had the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, high pad pressure, and lowest walk speed setting.

[0063] Testing using 3H neutral cleaner. The C / S pad was separated from the auto scrubber, and both the separated pad and the tank of the auto scrubber were thoroughly cleaned with ample tap water to ensure that there were no residuals from the previous test. One ounce of 3M ™ Concentrated neutral cleaner 3H was uniformly diluted in 3 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket and then added to the auto scrub tank. The test was run in section 220 with the same number of passes under the conditions as described above for Example-2.

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

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] Testing of worn floor coating using Example 3 and Revive SC Plus cleaner

[0068] Highly worn Scotchgard ™ Low maintenance 18 (LM-18) floor finish coated semi-white vinyl composite tile (VCT) was tested. The test was run with two 2 ft x 9 ft regions, sections 310 and 320, of the worn floor as Figure 3The soiled section 330 was prepared as follows: a uniform layer of carpet soil was sprayed onto the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0069] Example-3 was prepared according to Table 5 following the same procedure as Example-2.

[0070]

[0071] Procedure

[0072] Testing using Example-3. The holding tank of the T3 auto scrubber was thoroughly cleaned with water. One ounce of Example-3 was uniformly diluted in two 5 gallon buckets with 6 gallons of water and then added to the auto scrubber tank. New Scotch-Brite ™ The cleaning and polishing pad (C / S pad) was loaded into the auto scrubber. The auto scrubber was run over section 320 for 20 passes with the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, high pad pressure, and lowest walk speed setting.

[0073] Testing using Revive SC Plus cleaner. The C / S pad was separated from the auto scrubber and both the separated pad and the tank of the auto scrubber were thoroughly cleaned with ample tap water to ensure no residue from the previous test was present. One ounce of Revive SC Plus cleaner was uniformly diluted in a 5 gallon bucket with 2 gallons of water and then added to the auto scrubbing tank. The test was run in section 310 with the same number of passes and conditions as described above for Example-3.

[0074] The cleaning efficiency and surface restoration results are listed in Tables 6 and 7.

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] General observations on the results

[0078] The above examples show that the working formulation performs comparably, if not better, than other available floor cleaners on a variety of floor coatings. The flexibility of the formulation in various situations can be advantageous for facilities with different coatings and floor types. Furthermore, the working formulation outperforms the example floor cleaners in terms of gloss and sheen when simulated over multiple passes to mimic its use over time.

[0079] The present application should not be considered limited to the specific examples and embodiments described above, as the detailed description of such embodiments is made for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the application. Rather, the present application should be construed to cover all aspects of the present application including various modifications, equivalent processes, and alternative devices falling within the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Use of a fluid for cleaning a hard floor surface while polishing the hard floor surface in a short contact time in a floor cleaning machine, the fluid comprising: water; an N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone based wetting agent; an emulsion based polymer, the polymer being an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof; an alkali metal silicate; and an alkali metal silanolate, wherein the water is greater than 98% by weight of the fluid, and wherein the contact time of the fluid with the hard floor surface is less than 10 seconds before being suctioned back into the floor cleaning machine, wherein the hard floor surface comprises a coated stone floor, a coated vinyl floor, a coated vinyl composition tile floor, or a solid vinyl tile floor, wherein an abrasive pad used by the floor cleaning machine comprises a fine abrasive, wherein fine abrasive comprises particles between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; and wherein the polishing does not require a sanding step, wherein sanding refers to contact with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or higher in the absence of an effective amount of water.

2. The use of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal silanolate is potassium silanolate.

3. The use of claim 1, wherein the polymer is an acrylic emulsion polymer.

4. The use of claim 1, wherein the fluid further comprises a surfactant.

5. The use of claim 1, wherein the pH of the fluid is greater than 9.

6. A method of cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing the gloss of the hard floor surface in a short contact time, comprising: dispensing an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight water, an N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone based wetting agent, an emulsion based polymer, an alkali metal silicate, and an alkali metal silanolate onto the hard floor surface, wherein the polymer is an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof; contacting the hard floor surface with a moving abrasive pad in the presence of the aqueous solution, wherein the abrasive pad comprises a fine abrasive, wherein fine abrasive comprises particles between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; and drying the hard floor surface, wherein the method is performed using a floor cleaning machine, and wherein the contact time of the aqueous solution with the floor surface is less than 10 seconds before being suctioned back into the floor cleaning machine, and wherein sanding refers to contact with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or higher in the absence of an effective amount of water.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the time between the dispensing and the drying is less than 10 seconds.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the drying step comprises suctioning liquid from the hard floor surface.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated stone floor.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated vinyl floor.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated vinyl composition tile floor.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a solid vinyl tile floor.

13. The method of claim 6, further comprising repeating the steps of dispensing, contacting, and drying via multiple passes.

14. A method of cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface in a short contact time, the method comprising: contacting a hard floor surface with an abrasive pad in the presence of an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98 wt% water, a N-octyl-2-pyrrolidinone based wetting agent, an emulsion based polymer, an alkali metal silicate, and an alkali metal silanolate, wherein the polymer is an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof, wherein the abrasive pad comprises a fine abrasive, wherein fine abrasive comprises particles between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; wherein the method is performed using a floor cleaning machine, and no sanding step is required, wherein the aqueous solution has a contact time with the floor surface of less than 10 seconds before being suctioned back into the floor cleaning machine, and wherein sanding refers to contact with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or higher in the absence of an effective amount of water.

15. The method of claim 6 or 14, further comprising a process of making the aqueous solution, the process comprising: providing a concentrate comprising water, a N-octyl-2-pyrrolidinone based wetting agent, a polymer, and a silicate; and diluting the concentrate in water such that the water is greater than 98 wt% of the aqueous solution.

16. A method of maintaining a hard floor surface in a short contact time, the method comprising: first simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface to increase an initial first gloss to a resulting first gloss; and after a certain interval, second simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor to increase an initial second gloss to a resulting second gloss; wherein the steps of first and second simultaneously cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface comprise dispensing an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98 wt% water, a N-octyl-2-pyrrolidinone based wetting agent, an emulsion based polymer, an alkali metal silicate, and an alkali metal silanolate onto the hard floor surface, wherein the polymer is an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof, contacting the hard floor surface with a rotating abrasive pad in the presence of the aqueous solution, drying the hard floor surface, and optionally repeating the steps of dispensing, contacting, and drying via multiple passes; wherein the abrasive pad comprises a fine abrasive, wherein fine abrasive comprises particles between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; and wherein the method is performed using a floor cleaning machine, wherein the aqueous solution has a contact time with the floor surface of less than 10 seconds before being suctioned back into the floor cleaning machine, and wherein during the first time, during the second time, and during the interval, no buffing of the hard floor surface occurs, wherein buffing is defined as contact with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or higher in the absence of an effective amount of water.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the interval is at least 24 hours.

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