It can be easy to overlook the routine upkeep of your commercial vacuum, especially if you tend to be of the opinion, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."

The failure to keep up with the maintenance of your commercial vacuum can significantly diminish its performance, says a blog from HP Products. A neglected vacuum leaves behind dirt and debris, which results in a “dirty” clean. Ineffective cleaning sacrifices the health and hygiene of your employees and patrons. In contrast, a well-kept vacuum along with proper cleaning can improve the indoor air quality of your facility Proper care of your vacuum will lengthen the useful life and limit the need for replacement and parts. Give your vacs a little TLC to increase cleaning effectiveness, save money and enhance the image of your facility.

By properly cleaning commercial vacuums can save you big in ways you may have never considered. Following a routine maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure ROI on your equipment investments.

HP Products offers the following tips to cleaning and maintaining vacuums:

Inspect Filter Bags Regularly – At the beginning of each shift, check the filter bag before use. Change the bag when it is 2/3 full. Do not wait for the bag to become totally full, as it restricts airflow and can diminish performance.

Check Micro Filter Compartment – Remove any dust and dirt. If the microfilter is visibly dirty or there is an odor when using the vacuum, change the filter.

Check Motor and HEPA Filters – If a HEPA filter is present, replace it when visibly soiled. Motor filters usually need to be replaced every 2 years or when visibly dirty, whichever comes first.

Check Brushes/Floor Tool – Remove the brush, then clean any strands of hair or carpet fibers wound around the agitator or mandrel. Scissors work well at removing these fibers, but avoid cutting brush bristles.

Keep Tool Storage Compartments Clean – Keep tool stow spots free of obstacles/debris to limit the transfer of dirt and allergens to clean areas and ensure that accessories perform as expected.

Inspect Suction Hoses and Electric Cables – If you suspect a clog due to lack of air flow, disconnect hoses and check for obstructions. If an obstruction is found, disconnect hose and re-install in reverse to pull the clog out. Check electric cables for any fraying or damage and replace when necessary.

(Wet Vacuums) Clean Tank – Remove and empty dirty water from the tank, then rinse and let dry for optimal cleaning results. Thorough cleaning of the tank is especially important to avoid the resulting odors from build-up of tough proteinaceous soils.

(Wet Vacuums) Check Squeegee on Floor Tool – Check for splits and cracks on squeegees before use. Damage to squeegees can cause streaking on floors and results in poor water pickup. The length of useful life depends on the types of surfaces cleaned.

When it comes to equipment, it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Stay on top of regular maintenance for a clean that won’t disappoint and satisfies your bottom line.