Vacuum Care And Maintenance Tips

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:

Filters are an important component to vacuums. What type of care is required to keep filters working properly?

The first step is to choose a vacuum with dependable and low maintenance filtration. This varies greatly by vacuum. Depending on the type of filtration, bagged, shakeout bag, dirt cup, HEPA, etc., most filters should be checked for blockage when the vacuum is emptied and then inspected and/or cleaned no less than monthly. Properly cleaned, working filters prevent dust from recirculating back into the cleaning area and also prevents blockages which helps prolong the life of the vacuum. Some manufactures offer washable filters. This is an excellent feature that can significantly reduce maintenance costs.
— 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.

There are a number of different types of filters used on upright vacuums.  Today, most units, particularly higher-end machines, incorporate a HEPA filter cartridge to help improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by capturing or retaining higher levels of particulate and dust during the vacuuming process.  Many units also have a filter or bag indicator light, which signals to the operator that a collection bag or filter requires attention. As a general rule of thumb, HEPA filter cartridges should be changed twice a year, if not sooner.
— Jolynn Kennedy, Marketing Director, Tacony Corp, Tornado Industries, Chicago

How often should belts be replaced, bags be emptied and general maintenance be done on vacuums?

Today’s vacuum belts no longer require periodic replacement and are designed to offer much longer product life cycles than in the past. Belts today are generally manufactured with either teeth and/or ribs, and are not subject to stretching or wearing, as was the case in the past. The longevity of the vacuum belts depends on the duration of use of the vacuum each day. However, to increase your vacuum’s up-time, should a belt happen to break, it is always a good idea to have a spare vacuum belt on-hand for quick replacement.
— Jolynn Kennedy, Marketing Director, Tacony Corp, Tornado Industries, Chicago

The preventative maintenance program for your vacuums should be based on the frequency, duration and type of cleaning being done. For example on a hotel maid cart, bags are emptied every one or two weeks and the vacuum is inspected monthly with special attention given to wear or damage to belts, cords, brush rolls, filters and wheels. Also look for any signs of leakage or excessive noise. These machines are typically operated 5 to 15 hours per week and can operate up to three years or longer with monthly maintenance and an annual detailed maintenance of all wear parts.  
A busy department that operates the vacuum five to six hours a day will need a maintenance program that includes an end-of-shift procedure to empty the machine and a quick inspection of belts, filters, cords, wheels etc. This ensures any needed maintenance or machine/parts replacement is handled prior to the next shift, assuring maximum efficiency. Given the heavy-duty cycle of these machines, it’s a good idea to implement an end-of-month detailed inspection that includes replacing any worn parts.  
— 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.