Flex Scrub Bristled Pads for Floor Polishing and Scrubbing
                     THE SCIENCE BEHIND BRISTLED FLOOR 
PADS
Understanding How Engineered Bristle 
Technology Delivers Superior Floor 
Performance
www.malish.com
The Limitation of Traditional Flat Pads
Flat surface pads rely on uniform contact across the floor, which makes them 
suitable for smooth and level surfaces. However, when used on textured tile, 
uneven concrete, or floors with grout lines, their limitations become clear. 
Because they maintain only surface-level contact, they offer limited penetration 
into grout lines and struggle to reach into surface irregularities where dirt and 
debris accumulate. On uneven concrete, this reduced contact leads to 
inconsistent cleaning performance and missed areas. Additionally, flat pads often 
experience faster wear due to friction concentration at high-pressure points, 
which shortens their lifespan and increases replacement frequency. To 
compensate for these limitations, operators frequently depend on stronger 
chemicals to achieve acceptable results. Ultimately, flat pads tend to clean only 
the visible surface rather than addressing the deeper structural texture of the 
floor. While effective in specific conditions, they are not always the ideal solution 
for surfaces that demand deeper, more adaptable cleaning performance.
How Bristle Geometry Changes 
Everything
Bristled floor polisher pads are engineered with 
flexible filaments that adapt to surface contours.
Key advantages:
• Multi-point surface contact
• Greater reach into grout lines and texture
• Controlled agitation without aggressive cutting
• Even distribution of cleaning force
Design drives performance.
Surface Penetration & Texture Control
Textured tile, concrete pores, and uneven floor surfaces require true vertical 
penetration—not just surface friction—to achieve effective cleaning. Flat pads 
often glide across the top layer, leaving dirt trapped within grout lines and 
surface imperfections. Bristled systems are designed differently. The flexible 
bristles bend and adapt to surface irregularities, reaching deeper into pores and 
textured areas that traditional pads cannot fully access. As the machine rotates, 
the bristles maintain consistent contact with the surface, ensuring balanced 
cleaning action across the entire floor. This flexibility allows them to lift embedded 
debris more efficiently, rather than simply pushing it around. Because the bristles 
continuously flex and recover during operation, they sustain performance 
throughout the cleaning cycle. The result is deeper, more thorough cleaning with 
fewer passes required. By combining controlled penetration with consistent 
surface contact, bristled technology improves cleaning effectiveness while 
enhancing overall operational efficiency and surface preservation.
Pressure Distribution & Machine Efficiency
Dynamic pressure distribution
Reduced concentrated friction points
Improved machine balance
Improved machine balance
Smoother rotational stability
Lower vibration during operation
Consistent contact across surface
Minimized surface stress
Controlled Abrasion vs Aggressive Removal
The goal isn’t to strip aggressively — it’s to 
refine intelligently.
Bristle systems:
• Provide measured abrasion
• Minimize unnecessary surface removal
• Reduce swirl marks
• Maintain finish integrity
Precision matters more than force.
Self-Cleaning Action During Rotation
As the pad rotates, its bristles flex and rebound with each revolution, naturally 
releasing trapped debris instead of allowing it to build up on the surface. This 
dynamic movement reduces clogging and keeps the pad performing at a 
consistent level throughout the cleaning cycle. Unlike traditional flat pads that 
quickly become saturated and lose effectiveness, engineered bristled designs 
maintain steady contact and agitation. The result is consistent cleaning 
performance across the entire floor area, even on textured or uneven surfaces. 
Because debris is continuously shed during operation, operators use less water 
and spend less time stopping to rinse or replace pads. Fewer interruptions mean 
smoother workflows and improved productivity during daily maintenance tasks. 
High-quality Pads for Floor Buffer that incorporate flexible bristle technology 
not only enhance cleaning efficiency but also support better resource 
management. Continuous cleaning action ultimately saves time, reduces waste, 
and delivers reliable results from start to finish.
Pressure Distribution & Machine Efficiency
• High-Strength Bristle Material
Designed to resist wear and maintain performance under repeated use.
• Reinforced Backing Structure
Provides stability and prevents deformation during machine operation.
• Shape Retention Under Pressure
Maintains consistent contact even during extended cleaning cycles.
• Extended Operational Lifespan
Reduces replacement frequency and lowers overall maintenance costs.
• Reliable Performance Over Time
Delivers consistent results without rapid breakdown or performance loss.
The Future of Surface Care Technology
Bristled floor pads represent a significant shift from traditional flat abrasion 
methods to engineered surface interaction designed for performance and control. 
Instead of relying solely on friction across a smooth surface, bristle technology 
adapts to floor contours, allowing deeper cleaning by reaching into grout lines, 
textured surfaces, and surface irregularities. This advanced design improves 
overall efficiency by reducing the number of passes required to achieve desired 
results, saving both time and labor. At the same time, the controlled contact 
provided by bristles helps protect the surface, minimizing unnecessary material 
removal and reducing the risk of damage. The outcome is consistent, predictable 
results across various floor types and conditions. By understanding the science 
behind bristle technology, professionals can make informed decisions when 
selecting tools for their maintenance programs. Choosing engineered bristled 
floor pads ensures smarter performance, delivering better cleaning outcomes 
while preserving floor integrity and optimizing operational productivity.
Conclusion: Smarter Surface 
Performance
Bristled floor pad technology represents a smarter 
approach to modern floor care. By combining 
engineered surface interaction with controlled abrasion, 
it improves cleaning depth while protecting floor 
integrity. The result is consistent performance, 
operational efficiency, and long-term value. When 
professionals understand how bristle systems function, 
they can confidently choose solutions that deliver 
reliable results across a wide range of surfaces and 
environments.
• Engineered surface interaction
• Consistent, measurable results
• Long-term floor protection
Contact Us
800-321-7044
[email protected]
www.malish.com
The Malish Corporation – U.S.A. 7333 
Corporate Blvd. Mentor, Ohio 44060