Daycleaning: The Role of Vacuums

With the push towards green, sustainability and energy efficiency, more custodial departments are considering the benefits of daycleaning. With that consideration comes the analysis of existing services such as vacuuming. Because of the noise and potential for distraction, or tripping hazard associated with the cord, this common cleaning task is not ideally completed while building occupants are working, or is it? To meet the need for quieter vacuums, manufacturers have introduced machines that emit less sound when in use. Battery-powered machines, which are now flooding the industry, can keep a janitor’s decibel level under 68, which is also the average noise level in an office building. The battery-powered technology also eliminates the tripping hazard associated with the vacuum cord. Even with these technological advancements to vacuums, it is still important to communicate with building occupants when cleaning. Although low-decibel vacuums are quiet, they are not silent and the disruption will not always be acceptable during the day. At the same time, building occupants must be aware that if they ask cleaners to skip vacuuming because of the noise, that service might not be conducted again until scheduled again. Both cleaners and building occupants must be flexible with daycleaning.