Carpet cleaning frequencies are continually being cut. How often should carpets be vacuumed, in both high- and low-traffic areas?

Carpets in light-to-medium traffic areas should be vacuumed at least every two to three days. High-traffic areas, including entrances, hallways, elevators and break rooms, should be vacuumed daily.

— David Parkes, general manager, Sanitaire, Charlotte, N.C.


A carpet can hold more than its weight in soil. When dirt is tracked into a building, 30 percent of it is deposited within the first three feet. If the dirt is left for another day’s worth of foot traffic, friction will wear the dirt into the carpet, dulling the fibers, and shortening the lifespan of the flooring. Daily vacuuming of high-traffic areas is the only way to prevent carpet from turning into a “dust sink.”  

Daily vacuuming can be a challenge. Costs are being cut, and facilities managers are being asked to do the same job in fewer hours and with fewer workers. Ergonomic backpack vacuums are designed to reduce cleaning time. Workers use a sweeping side-to-side movement that covers maximum square-footage in minimum time. These kinds of breakthroughs in vacuum technology allow reduced labor-time without sacrificing the quality of clean or the health of the building.

Low-traffic areas require less attention, but should be cleaned at least once a week.

— Jacalyn High, director of marketing, ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


The ideal cleaning program would be daily cleaning of carpets to reduce the particulates from embedding into the carpet fibers. Particulates left in the carpet are the leading cause of carpet wear and fiber damage. The more you vacuum, the longer the carpet will last. The best way to remove this type of particulate is with a vacuum that has a combination of both suction and brushed agitation, which keeps the carpet groomed as well.

— Brad Nyholm, product manager: commercial/dealer for Hoover/Royal Brands, TTI Floorcare North America, Glenwillow, Ohio



How often should filters be changed? What other areas need regular cleaning and how often should it be performed?

It depends on the environment and how the vacuum is being used. Ideally users should check the vacuum’s dust cup, filters, belt and brushroll often to maintain good performance. We also suggest emptying the dust cup after every use, or at least checking the vacuum bag or dust cup after each use to make sure it is not full. If it has reached the fill line, it should be emptied to maintain maximum suction power and performance. When vacuuming carpet fresheners or cleaners, powder, plaster dust or similar fine substances, the dust cup and filters will require more frequent maintenance.

To reduce cost of ownership and decrease repair and accessory expenses, facilities should look for high-quality, durable and easy-to-maintain vacuums. For example, models that feature washable filters can experience three years without the need to buy new filters for substantial cost savings. Bagless upright vacuum options also are ideal for eliminating the need to stock and replenish disposable dust bags — saving facilities up to $100 per year for every cleaner they operate, based on an average of two bag changes per week.  

In addition, features such as quick-change cords, belts and brushrolls that can be accessed without tools give users the ability to easily manage routine maintenance themselves and get right back to cleaning instead of halting work and wasting time and money on repair services.

— David Parkes, general manager, Sanitaire, Charlotte, N.C.


Proper filter maintenance is the best habit a vacuum owner can have. A vacuum’s superior suction power can only work when airflow is unobstructed. Filters checked every couple hours will consistently yield a superior clean. In a vacuum with four-level filtration, the intercept micro filter can be easily emptied into the nearest trashcan as often as desired to extend the life and suction power of the vacuum indefinitely. Look for rips and wear on the intercept micro filter, and replace when needed. Beyond that, the internal micro cloth filters can be hand-washed.

— Jacalyn High, director of marketing, ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


Filters need to be replaced based on what type of cleaning is being accomplished. For example, with dry wall dust the filter would need to be replaced frequently. During standard cleaning the filter will last much longer. Facilities are no different than a home, you need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule in all areas of a facility.

— Brad Nyholm, product manager: commercial/dealer for Hoover/Royal Brands, TTI Floorcare North America, Glenwillow, Ohio


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Convincing Employees To Use Backpack Vacuums
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Vacuuming During Day Cleaning


POSTED ON: 9/23/2011