Cleaning and polishing fluids and methods of use

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, especially when used with a polishing pad in a cleaning process.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Cleaning fluids, sometimes called cleaners, are commonly used as part of a regular floor maintenance regimen. Cleaning removes soiling but does not significantly increase the gloss of the surface. Polishing is typically performed in a separate high-speed burnishing process. The burnishing process is often noisy, messy, and time-consuming, and therefore is not typically performed when the facility is open. Summary of the Invention

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

[0003] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method includes applying an aqueous solution containing greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface, contacting the hard floor surface with a moving polishing pad in the presence of the aqueous solution, and drying the hard floor surface.

[0004] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface. In particular, the method comprises contacting the hard floor surface with a polishing 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 disclosure relates to a method for preparing a floor cleaning and polishing fluid. In particular, the method includes 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 yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for maintaining a hard floor surface. Specifically, the method includes cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the same first time to increase an initial first gloss level to a first resultant gloss level, and after an interval, cleaning and polishing the hard floor at the same second time to increase the initial second gloss level to a second resultant gloss level. The steps of cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the first and second times include applying an aqueous solution containing more than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface, contacting the hard floor surface with a moving polishing pad in the presence of the aqueous solution, and optionally repeating the applying, contacting, and drying steps through multiple passes. During the first time, the second time, and the interval, the hard floor surface is not burnished. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a floor cleaner used to bring a moving polishing pad into contact with a hard floor surface in the presence of a cleaning and polishing fluid. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first on-bed testing configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a second on-bed testing configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Traditionally, cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing the gloss (sanding) of a hard floor surface have been considered and treated as separate steps, requiring separate equipment and blocks of time.

[0009] The cleaning fluid typically has a 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. An automatic scrubber includes a rotating hub for a nonwoven fabric pad, a tank and dispenser for cleaning fluid or water, a squeegee and vacuum generator for collecting and removing the used fluid, and a tank for holding the collected used fluid. While the liquid is in contact with the floor, the nonwoven fabric rotates at a low speed (approximately 100 rpm to 250 rpm) and contacts the hard floor surface to remove soil. Swing (rotating) scrubbers may also be used to clean floors.

[0010] Automatic scrubbers are either self-propelled, ride-on, or pushed at typical walking speeds. Therefore, the contact time of any dispensed fluid with the hard floor surface before being 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] Due at least in part to this reduced contact time, cleaning fluids, or routine or routine maintenance processes using such cleaning fluids, have traditionally been considered an incomplete solution. While cleaning with automatic scrubbers and traditional cleaning fluids can help remove floor soils, such processes have not been considered to contribute to a significant increase in gloss.

[0012] Burnishing is used to restore or increase a dull sheen on hard floor surfaces. Burnishing typically uses a high-speed rotating nonwoven pad in the absence of liquid (i.e., an effective amount of liquid or water; some residual or trace moisture may be present). Providing a high rotational speed for the pad requires a more powerful motor, which generates more noise. Furthermore, many variations of burnishers require propane combustion, which produces unpleasant exhaust fumes and a gradual carbon dioxide footprint.

[0013] Even with cleaning fluids marketed as restorers, a typical cleaning fluid regimen defines a burnishing step to achieve a high gloss final polish of the floor surface. For at least some of the reasons described herein, facilities and facility management professionals prefer to burnish as frequently as possible. However, the perception that a shiny floor is a clean floor surface still exists.

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

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

[0016] The polymer can take a wide 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 an emulsion-based polymer. 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 contains only one acrylate monomer, while an acrylic copolymer contains two or more different acrylate monomers. A styrene-acrylic copolymer contains at least one styrene monomer and one acrylate monomer. Acrylate 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. Style monomers can include styrene, α-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.

[0017] Commercially available acrylic polymers include, for example, Morglo II Latex from Omnova Solutions, Inc. (Chester, SC). 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, NC).

[0018] Commercially available acrylic urethane hybrid copolymers include the Hybridur family of products, such as Hybridur 870 and 878, manufactured by Air Products, Inc.; APU 10140, APU 10600, and APU 10620, manufactured by Alberdingk Boley, Inc.; and NeoPac R-9036 and E-129, manufactured by DSM NeoResins, Inc. (Wilmington, MA).

[0019] Commercially available urethane polymers include U-series solvent-free polyurethane dispersions such as U6150 and U9380 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 available from Lubrizol Corporation (Cleveland, Ohio).

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

[0021] In some embodiments, the silicate may be an alkali metal silicate. Alkali metal silicates are commonly represented as MO:SiO, where M is lithium, sodium, or potassium. The weight ratio of SiO to MO 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 include a combination or blend of alkali metals. The silicate may be present in any suitable amount.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluid comprises a siliconate, present in any suitable amount. The alkali metal siliconate may be an alkali metal siliconate, including alkali metal salts formed with sodium, potassium, or lithium, as well as blends and combinations thereof. Generally, when included, these cleaning and polishing fluids comprise less siliconate (weight percent) than silicate. In some embodiments, these 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 can be adjusted or modified using any suitable acid, base, or buffer.

[0024] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein provide benefits when pads containing only coarse abrasives contact hard floor surfaces in the presence of fluid. Examples include 3M™ Red Buffer Pad 5100, available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. Interestingly, when used with pads containing fine abrasive particles, both cleaning and polishing benefits are enhanced. For purposes of this description, fine abrasive particles are particles having a size between 0.1 micrometers and 30 micrometers. In some embodiments, fine abrasive particles may include diamond. In some embodiments, fine abrasive particles may include silicon carbide. In some embodiments, 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 available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.

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

[0026] The polishing pad 120 is attached to the automated scrubber 110 via an attachment mechanism (not specifically shown), which may be, by way of example, a central hub or mounting prongs. The polishing pad is moved (possibly rotated, or oscillated or moved in an orbital or random orbital motion, depending on the mechanism of the scrubbing machine) and placed in contact with the hard floor surface 130.

[0027] The hard floor surface 130 may be any suitable surface, including vinyl composition tile (VCT), solid vinyl tile, stone flooring, or any other suitable natural or manufactured floor surface recommended for automatic scrubber use. In some embodiments, the hard floor surface is coated with a floor finish or protective coating. In Figure 1, the hard floor surface is shown with broken lines to indicate that it may be of any large or small size.

[0028] The scrubbing pad 120 is contacted with the hard floor surface 130 in the presence of an aqueous solution 140, which in FIG. 1 is dispensed from within a tank within the automatic scrubber 110 (although it may be supplied or applied in other ways, including by a separate machine or even by hand or 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 include floor soils) is sucked into a used fluid holding tank within the automatic scrubber.

[0029] The cleaning and polishing fluids described herein may be provided as either ready-to-use fluids or concentrates. Concentrates may contain 40% to 60% water by weight. Diluted preparations may be prepared using the concentrates and any suitable water source.

[0030] The methods and formulations described herein can produce cleaner, shinier floors when used with an automatic scrubber or any other (non-burnishing) process, so the cleaning and polishing steps may be repeated after certain intervals to increase gloss without burnishing. In some embodiments, the interval is at least 24 hours (i.e., a daily maintenance program). In some embodiments, the interval is at least 12 hours.

[0031] In conjunction with the methods and formulations described, burnishing may be used frequently or even not at all: burnishing may be performed only once a month, or once every three months, or once every six or twelve months. [Example]

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] Apparatus used for testing in the examples · Automatic scrubbers: Single head T3, 20 inch; dual head T300, 12 inch (both available from Tennant Company, Minneapolis, MN). BYK Gardner Spectral Guide Sphere (6834) Color Spectrophotometer (available from BYK USA, Wallingford, CT) · Gloss-Haze-DOI / RIQ meter (available from RHOPOINT Instruments, West Sussex, UK).

[0034] Preparation of Examples [Table 2]

[0035] Preparation of Example 1 and Example 2 To a 200 mL glass beaker containing a magnetic stir bar, 58.44 g of DI water and 1.62 g of ethyl carbitol (available from Dow Chemical, Midland, MI) were added, and while stirring, 16.23 g of acrylic emulsion (R5191, 41% solids, available from Essential Polymer Inc., Merton, WI) was added, followed by 0.97 g of Easywet-20 (available from Ashland Chemical, OH). After the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, 2.92 g of Ecosurf EH-6 (available from Dow Chemical, MI) was then added to the beaker, followed by 6.82 g of Tomadol-900 (available from Evonik Corporation, Allentown, PA). This mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, after which 9.74 g of lithium silicate (commercially available from W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn., 20% solids, Columbia, MD) was added. The beaker was covered with alumina foil, and the final mixture was stirred overnight before being ready for use.

[0036] Example-2 was prepared according to the same procedure as Example-1, except that 3.25 g of OFS-0777 siliconate (commercially available from Dow Corning Co., Midland, MI) was added along with the lithium silicate.

[0037] Preparation of test substrates Vinyl composition tile (VCT) was placed on flat concrete in a size (24 x 40 sf) large enough to conduct the test. The VCT was scrubbed with a Tennant T3 automatic scrubber using water and a Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad and allowed to dry before coating. Three coats of each finish were applied at 2000 square feet per gallon using a microfiber pad. Each coat was allowed to dry for 45 minutes before applying the next layer. After a two-day cure time, the test area was scrubbed once with a Tennant T3 automatic scrubber using water and a Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad. Once dry, an even layer of carpet soil was sprinkled onto the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0038] Test Procedure The holding tank of the T300 automatic scrubber was thoroughly rinsed with water and then loaded with one 12-inch 3M Red Buffer Pad 5100 or one 12-inch SCOTCH-BRITE Clean & Shine Pad (see Floor Pad column in Table 2). One ounce of Example-1 was diluted evenly with 6 gallons of water in two 5-gallon buckets and then added to the automatic scrubber tank.

[0039] The automated scrubber was passed twice over the soiled test section using the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, low or high pad pressure depending on the test section, and lowest walking speed setting.

[0040] The test was repeated following the above procedure with the appropriate dilution ratio for each cleaner (following the manufacturer's recommended dilution, if possible) (Example-2: 1 ounce per 6 gallons; 3M Neutral Cleaner Concentrated 3H (3H Cleaner): 1 ounce per 3 gallons; UHS SC Cleaner: 1 ounce per 8 gallons; No / Low Maintenance Floor Cleaner and Protector (No / Low Cleaner): 1 ounce per 2 gallons; Revive Plus SC Floor Maintainer / Rejuvenator (Revive Plus Maintainer): 1 ounce per 4 gallons).

[0041] Data collection A BKY Gardner Spectral Guide Sphere (6834) color spectrophotometer was used to collect color values ​​(L, a, and b). Using a template, five data points were taken on a given test tile, and the average was used as the final measurement. Two sets of color data (L, a, and b) were collected: (1) after application of the test stain, and (2) after the wash test was completed. The color difference ΔE was calculated using the following formula:

number

[0042] A higher ΔE value indicates better cleaning efficiency of the tested cleaner.

[0043] [Table 3]

[0044] Testing with Examples 2 and 3H Neutral Cleaner on Wear Floor Coatings Testing was performed on heavily worn semi-white vinyl composition tile (VCT) coated with Scotchgard™ Low Maintenance 18 (LM-18) Floor Finish. The test was performed on two 2-foot by 9-foot areas using this worn floor, as shown in Figure 2. The center area 210 (1 foot by 9 feet) was the existing area, while the left 220 and right 230 were test areas with different conditions.

[0045] Data collection In addition to collecting the color data described above, gloss readings (at 60 degrees) and DOI (distinction of image) were also collected for each test plot before and after testing using a Gloss-Haze-DOI / RIQ meter. Again, five data points were taken for each test plot, and the average was used as the final measurement.

[0046] procedure Testing with Example 2. The holding tank of a T3 automatic scrubber was thoroughly rinsed with water. One ounce of Example 2 was diluted uniformly with three gallons of water in a five-gallon bucket and then added to the tank of the automatic scrubber. A new Scotch-Brite™ Clean & Shine Pad (C / S Pad) was loaded into the automatic scrubber. The automatic scrubber was made 10 passes over section 230 according to the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, high pad pressure, and minimum walking speed setting.

[0047] Testing with 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 no residue remained from the previous test. One ounce of 3M™ Concentrated Neutral Cleaner 3H was diluted evenly with three gallons of water in a five-gallon bucket and then added to the automatic scrubber tank. Testing was performed in section 220 under the conditions described above for Example 2, with the same number of passes.

[0048] The cleaning efficiency and surface restoration results are tabulated in Tables 3 and 4.

[0049] [Table 4]

[0050] [Table 5]

[0051] Testing with Example 3 and Revive SC Plus Cleaner on worn floor coatings Testing was performed on heavily worn semi-white vinyl composite tile (VCT) coated with Scotchgard™ Low Maintenance 18 (LM-18) Floor Finish. The test was performed on two sections, 310 and 320, measuring 2 feet by 9 feet, using this worn floor, as shown in Figure 3. Soiled section 330 was prepared as follows: an even layer of carpet soil was sprinkled onto the test area and spread evenly using a dry microfiber pad.

[0052] Example-3 was prepared according to the same procedure as Example-2 according to Table 5.

[0053] [Table 6]

[0054] procedure Testing with Example 3. The holding tank of a T3 automatic scrubber was thoroughly rinsed with water. One ounce of Example 3 was diluted evenly with 6 gallons of water in two 5-gallon buckets and then added to the tank of the automatic scrubber. A new Scotch-Brite™ Clean & Shine Pad (C / S Pad) was loaded into the automatic scrubber. The automatic scrubber was run through section 320 20 times according to the following test conditions: medium water flow setting, high pad pressure, and minimum walking speed setting.

[0055] Testing with Revive SC Plus Cleaner. The C / S pad was removed from the auto-scrubber, and both the removed pad and the auto-scrubber tank were thoroughly washed with running water to ensure no residue remained from previous testing. One ounce of Revive SC Plus Cleaner was diluted evenly with two gallons of water in a five-gallon bucket and then added to the auto-scrubber tank. Testing was conducted in section 310 with the same number of passes and conditions as described above for Example-3.

[0056] The cleaning efficiency and surface restoration results are tabulated in Tables 6 and 7.

[0057] [Table 7]

[0058] [Table 8]

[0059] Overview of the results The above examples demonstrate that the exemplary formulations perform equally, if not better, than other available floor cleaners on a variety of floor coatings. The versatility of the formulations in a wide variety of situations can be beneficial for facilities with different coatings and floor types. In addition, the exemplary formulations outperform the exemplary floor cleaners in terms of gloss and image clarity when used over time and simulated with multiple passes.

[0060] Because the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate explanation of various aspects of the invention, the present invention should not be deemed limited to the particular examples and embodiments described above. Rather, the present invention should be understood to encompass all aspects of the invention, including various modifications, equivalent processes, and alternative devices, included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The present invention includes the following aspects. (1) A cleaning and polishing fluid comprising: Water and A polymer, a silicate, A cleaning and polishing fluid wherein the water is greater than 98% by weight of the fluid. (2) The cleaning and polishing fluid according to item 1, further comprising a siliconate. (3) The cleaning and polishing fluid according to item 1, wherein the polymer is an acrylic emulsion polymer. (4) The cleaning and polishing fluid according to item 1, further comprising a surfactant. (5) The solution according to item 1, wherein the pH of the fluid is greater than 9. (6) A method for cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing the gloss of the hard floor surface, comprising: applying an aqueous solution containing greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface; contacting the hard floor surface with a moving polishing pad in the presence of the aqueous solution; and drying the hard floor surface. (7) The method according to item 6, wherein the time between the dispensing and the drying is less than 10 seconds. (8) The method according to item 6, wherein the drying step includes suctioning liquid from the hard floor surface. (9) The method according to item 6, wherein the polishing pad contains a coarse abrasive but does not contain a fine abrasive, and the fine abrasive contains particles of 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers. (10) The method according to item 6, wherein the polishing pad comprises a fine abrasive, and the fine abrasive comprises particles of 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers. (11) The method according to item 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated stone floor. (12) The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated vinyl floor. (13) The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a coated vinyl composition tile floor. (14) The method of claim 6, wherein the hard floor surface is a solid vinyl tile floor. (15) The method of claim 6, further comprising repeating the steps of providing, contacting, and drying for multiple passes. (16) A method for cleaning a hard floor surface and increasing the gloss of the hard floor surface, comprising: A method comprising contacting a hard floor surface with a polishing pad in the presence of an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight water, a polymer, and a silicate. (17) A method for preparing a floor cleaning and polishing fluid, comprising: 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. (18) A method for maintaining a hard floor surface, comprising: cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at the same first time to increase the initial first gloss level to a resulting first gloss level; After the interval, cleaning and polishing the hard floor for the same second time to increase the initial second gloss level to a resulting second gloss level; wherein the steps of cleaning and polishing the hard floor surface at first and second times include applying an aqueous solution comprising greater than 98% by weight of water, a polymer, and a silicate onto the hard floor surface; contacting the hard floor surface with a rotating polishing pad in the presence of the aqueous solution; drying the hard floor surface; and optionally repeating the applying, contacting, and drying steps for multiple passes; The method wherein the hard floor surface is not burnished during the first time, the second time, and the interval. (19) The method according to item 18, wherein the interval is at least 24 hours. (20) The method according to item 18, wherein the burnishing is carried out by contacting with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or more in the absence of an effective amount of water.

Claims

1. A cleaning and polishing fluid for use in a floor cleaning machine, said floor cleaning machine contacting a moving polishing pad with a floor surface in the presence of said fluid; The fluid is Water and a self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion polymer; Silicates, Siliconate and a surfactant, the water is greater than 98% by weight of the fluid; The floor cleaner does not burnish by contacting the floor surface with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or greater in the absence of an effective amount of water.

2. 10. The cleaning and polishing fluid of claim 1, wherein the siliconate is an alkali metal siliconate.

3. 10. The cleaning and polishing fluid of claim 1, wherein the pH of the fluid is greater than 9.

4. 1. A method for cleaning and increasing the gloss of a hard floor surface using a floor cleaner that contacts a moving scrubbing pad with the floor surface in the presence of a fluid, comprising: applying a fluid onto the hard floor surface, the fluid comprising greater than 98% by weight water, a self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion polymer, a silicate, a siliconate, and a surfactant; contacting the hard floor surface with a moving polishing pad in the presence of the fluid; and drying the hard floor surface; The method does not include a burnishing step by contacting with a pad rotating at 750 rpm or more in the absence of an effective amount of water.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the drying step comprises suctioning liquid from the hard floor surface.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the polishing pad does not contain a fine abrasive having a particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers, and contains a coarse abrasive having a particle size larger than that of the fine abrasive.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the polishing pad comprises a fine abrasive having a particle size between 0.1 micrometers and 30 micrometers.

8. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the hard floor surface is selected from a coated stone floor, a coated vinyl floor, a coated vinyl composition tile floor, and a solid vinyl tile floor.

9. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising repeating the dispensing, contacting, and drying steps through multiple passes of the floor cleaner over the same floor surface.

10. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method is repeated on the same floor surface after an interval of at least 24 hours.

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