October Cleaning Tip:
By Mike Schaffer - President, Tornado Industries

Vacuuming Tips:  Increase
Cleaning Power and Decrease
Worker Strain

Everyone knows how to vacuum, right? Well, maybe there are a few things even the most experienced cleaning professionals can learn. Here are some tips to make vacuuming more effective, more thorough, and less strenuous.

• Always vacuum in a push forward/pull back motion, allowing some overlap…but not much. Embedded soils are more effectively removed when the machine is pulled back over the same area.
  
• Vacuum in a slow, deliberate manner. Speeding up the vacuuming process does not allow the vacuum cleaner, whatever the make or model, to work effectively.
  
• Suction is key. Machines with 120 cfm are powerful enough to reach deep into carpet fibers, removing embedded soils and debris.
  
• Change or empty the bag frequently to assure proper suction. Some cleaning consultants recommend that the bag be changed as soon as it is half full.
  
• Move furniture periodically to vacuum under tables, chairs, beds, and other items. Dust builds up under these areas and can mar indoor air quality.Properly maintain the vacuum cleaner. Regularly examine the brushes, check the belt, and look to see if there are any obstructions in the machine.
  
• Problems with any of these can impact the machine’s performance and make the cleaning professional’s job more difficult.Always keep a spare replacement belt handy. Upright vacuum cleaners are designed to work with the rotation of the brushes. If the belt is broken, the machine cannot operate correctly.
  

Remember that vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to keep facilities clean. It captures soils so that they cannot be transferred to other areas, minimizes carpet soiling, helps protect the life of carpets, and helps keep the indoor environment clean and healthy.