Cleaning Tip of the Month

by Mike Schaffer
President - Tornado Industries

Maintenance and Care:
Keeping a Vacuum Cleaner Running Its Best

Vacuum cleaners account for almost 20 percent of all equipment purchases made by facility service providers. This is because they are usually the professional cleaner’s most important tool.

Due to their importance, it is imperative for vacuums to remain in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Keeping the machines operating correctly will allow cleaning work to be performed more productively and efficiently. In addition, a properly functioning vacuum cleaner is less likely to mar indoor air quality or damage floors and carpets.

Although backpack and canister vacuum models are common in commercial cleaning, the most frequently used vacuum cleaner is overwhelmingly still the upright. Accordingly, most of the maintenance tips listed here will apply to upright machines, while some will apply to all types of vacuum cleaners.

The Un-Connection

A common and potentially dangerous problem with vacuum cleaners is when the busy cleaning professional, usually in haste, unplugs the machine by pulling on the cord and not the plug itself. Pulling on the cord instead of the plug can weaken the connections and possibly cause an electric short. Most vacuum cleaners have specifically grounded plugs to protect the user, the machine, and the building. It is vital to always unplug the machine by its plug.

Better Roller Bars

Agitation is a major component of all cleaning work. A vacuum cleaner’s roller bar—designed with the proper denier and bristles per tuft—helps agitate and loosen soil from the carpet fibers. Over time, the bar can become covered with threads and debris hampering its effectiveness. Periodically check this area—with the vacuum cleaner off and turned upside down—by removing the housing that protects the beater bar.

How Is the Belt Holding Up?

An older vacuum cleaner’s drive belt may need to be changed every few months. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to remove the beater bar, and check the belt to see if it is worn or cracked. If it is worn, loosen the belt from the motor pulley, slide it off, and replace it. Make sure the belt turns the beater bar in the correct direction so dust and debris are deposited into the machine. Newer vacuum cleaners often have belts that are geared or have sprockets, which rarely wear out and usually perform better than rubber belts.

Fine Filters

The vacuum cleaner’s filters are important. Filters protect the machine’s motor and inner workings, and exhaust filters prevent impurities from escaping the machine and becoming airborne. On newer vacuum cleaner models, the filter can usually be easily removed. To do so, follow manufacturer’s directions to lift it out and check for any secondary filters. Although the filter can be vacuumed to help extend its life, HEPA filters need to replaced over time or the “suction ability” of the machine will be hindered.

Bag Care

Air-filtration bags must be frequently changed because if they become too full, the machine’s suction power will decrease. Some more advanced machines, such as our CV30s, have indicator lights, informing the user when it is time to change the bag; otherwise, regularly check the bag. Once the bag is three-quarters full, it is time for a new bag. Some newer machines also have lever controls that make bag changing easy and prevent impurities from being released in the changing process.