Choosing Vacuums Based On Size And Accessories

There are a lot of factors to consider before investing in expensive equipment. In this Manufacturer Roundtable, Facility Cleaning Decisions took the compilation of questions we received from in-house custodial professionals and asked carpet equipment manufacturers to weight in. Here are their responses:

What are some of the most useful vacuum accessories?

Whatever the facility, these are the essentials. A floor tool that transitions from carpeting to hard flooring is a must to eliminate time loss from switching tools. An upholstery tool and a dust brush address detail cleaning on furniture, blinds, and architectural details. A crevice tool is one of the most essential tools for hard-to-reach areas. Crevice tools vary in length between 11 and 28 inches and can clean in tight places where you might otherwise need to move furniture or appliances to reach, which can be a huge time saver.
— Jacalyn High, Director of Marketing, ProTeam, Inc., Boise, Idaho

Areas along baseboards and around furniture tend to gather more dust. A good crevice tool for cleaning around these areas keeps dust levels down and will improve overall room appearance. Good quality dusting brushes are excellent for cleaning delicate areas or room vents which tend to collect more dirt. Upholstery brushes are very important for cleaning cloth surfaces on chairs, sofas and even drapes. These are areas that may often be neglected during the cleaning process.
— Larry Hartley, GM Field & Commercial Sales, Electrolux Small Appliances, and Tony Van, National Director Sales/Commercial, Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Charlotte, N.C.

How large of a vacuum head should be considered when purchasing?

Width of the vacuum cleaner brush roll is primarily based on a balance between, maneuverability, size of area to be cleaned and cost. Larger vacuums can clean more square footage per hour, thus saving time and labor cost. However too large of a vacuum may not fit well or be unmaneuverable in tighter spaces. ISSA publishes a guideline with ratings for the approximate hourly square footage that can be cleaned by various size vacuums.
— Larry Hartley, GM Field & Commercial Sales, Electrolux Small Appliances, and Tony Van, National Director Sales/Commercial, Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Charlotte, N.C.

It is recommended that vacuum cleaning path should relate directly to the size of the space that is being cleaned — the larger the space, the wider the cleaning path. This will deliver the highest levels of productivity. For example, a wide-area vacuum, typically offering a 30-inch wide cleaning path, is appropriate for large, open spaces, corridors or banquet rooms. When cleaning smaller rooms that contain furniture or desks, a standard upright vacuum with a 12-, 13- or 14-inch wide cleaning path is appropriate. Or a canister vacuum offering the flexibility of a wand can also be idea for small, congested spaces or when cleaning stairs.
— Jolynn Kennedy, Marketing Director, Tacony Corp, Tornado Industries, Chicago

What are the advantages of using vacuums on hard floors?

It is essential to vacuum hard flooring to effectively capture dust. Dust mops and brooms are notorious for kicking up dust and leaving it hanging in the air to settle after the cleaning crew is gone.
— Jacalyn High, Director of Marketing, ProTeam, Inc., Boise, Idaho

Vacuums have an inherent advantage over traditional sweeping of hard surfaces. Vacuums pick up the dust and contain it whereas sweeping pushes the dirt around, meaning some can be missed or become airborne and recirculate. Backpack vacuums, canister vacuums and two-motor uprights with a bare floor setting are all good options for cleaning bare floors.
— Larry Hartley, GM Field & Commercial Sales, Electrolux Small Appliances, and Tony Van, National Director Sales/Commercial, Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Charlotte, N.C.