Buying a contemporary vacuum for residential use might not cost you a lot. However, buying a vacuum for commercial-scale will require you to spend several thousand dollars as these tools are expensive due to their advanced characteristics. One good thing about commercial vacuums is that they’re designed to be robust, powerful, and effective. But, depending on the commercial environment they’re routinely used on, these tools can pick a lot of dirt and debris that can make them ineffective over time. So, to extend the life of these vacuums while still keeping your floors and carpets looking fresh, you need to learn how to maintain your commercial vacuums.
Now, since commercial vacuums are believed to be robust, most owners tend to think that“If it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it.” Although I’m not advocating for anyone to attempt any home repairing here, what I’m simply trying to say is that failure to maintain your vacuum will significantly diminish its performance. With that said, this short guide will discuss major steps you’re supposed to follow to properly maintain the health of your commercial vacuum on a routine basis.
How to Maintain Your Commercial Vacuums: A Complete Guide
1. Read the Manual
The first step of maintaining your commercial vacuum is to try and understand the machine. You see, for you to operate any machine professionally, you need to first master its system to understand its working limit and its demands that come in the form of signals. To do this, you have to read the manual to understand its brain and to identify the different parts.
Also, the manual gives you a general guideline on where each part should go and which tools you need to use to open the machine and clean the interior components.
2. Consider Having a Backup Vacuum
The second step you need to take is to add a secondary vacuum cleaner in the picture. Remember, the second vacuum is not here to replace the primary one but rather to act as a backup whenever you’re planning to service the primary vacuum. You see, there are cases where dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate on crucial components forcing you to call a professional to check it out. In such rare cases, having a backup vacuum can help you continue with your daily cleaning routine while the technician checks the main vacuum.
Just to mention, the backup vacuum doesn’t have to be an expensive model. You can just pick a slightly smaller option that will get the job done.
3. Empty the Dirt Bag Often
After every cleaning ritual, it’s a good practice to inspect the dust bag to ensure it’s not overfilled with dirt and debris. In case it’s 2/3 full, then you should remove it to dispose of all the debris. Apart from just emptying the dust bag, it’s recommended that you check for any dust and debris that might have fallen in the zipper bag.
Although most vacuums will not require you to do this, you must remove any dust and debris from the zipper bag using a handheld vacuum with a hose. If the zipper bag is removable, then you can detach it from the vacuum to clean it with warm water. At least by doing this, you’ll maintain the structural integrity of your vacuum and that of your carpet.
4. Clean and Replace the Filters
Another maintenance step that must be considered is removing dust and debris from the filters. Since this is a pretty dirty job, it’s always recommended that you take your vacuum outside to avoid inhaling the dirt. So, to clean the filters, you’ll first have to peruse through the owner’s manual to identify the location of the filters.
With solid information at your disposal, you can now disassemble the vacuum to access the compartments of both the microfilters and the HEPA filters. For the case of reusable filters, you can wash them with warm water then dry them thoroughly before replacing them. For the case of the HEPA filter, you need to check whether it’s visibly soiled. If that’s the case, then you can simply replace it with a new one.
Besides the filters, another critical part you need to clean is the vacuum’s rollers. Since this vacuum is for commercial use, there are times when pet hair and other debris can get tangled on the rollers making it extremely difficult to move the vacuum freely.
5. Wipe Exterior Parts
Although a vacuum is tasked to clean your floor, it also needs to take a bath at least once in a while. This can be scheduled at least once every week where you can use a brush, a damp cloth, or a small vacuum to clean the exterior of your commercial vacuum.
When cleaning, you need to target those hard to reach areas where dirt and debris usually build up. Make sure that you clean the handle, the rollers, the bumper, and the frame. Also, ensure that you disconnect the vacuum from the main power outlet to avoid possible electrocution.
6. Clean the Cord and the Brushes
The last step you need to take when conducting routine maintenance of your commercial vacuum is thoroughly inspecting the electrical cord, the brushes, and the suction hose. To clean the cord, you only need to disconnect it from the power outlet to stretch it. Pick a damp cloth and wipe it clean from one side to the other.
When you’re done, inspect it for any cuts or rodent attacks before rolling it up using the figure 8 method. About the brushes, you need to inspect them thoroughly for any debris or pet hair that might have stuck between the bristles. You also need to check the bristles to ensure they’re all touching the floor.
Lastly, you need to inspect the hose for any obstructions. To do this, you need to remove the nozzles to check whether they’re blocked. Next, straighten the hose gently and try looking through it to see whether you’ll detect any debris. When you’re done, wash it thoroughly and leave it to dry up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining your commercial vacuum routinely is an extremely important task that improves the performance of your vacuum. Although I must confess that this job is quite dirty, it’s well worth it if you truly need to prolong the life of this valuable machine.
Thankfully, with the help of the owner’s manual, cleaning your vacuum will only eat away a few minutes of your time daily and as you adapt, the process will become even simpler something that will benefit both you and your investment.