What is in this article?:
- Choosing the right vacuum cleaner
- Vacuum recommendations
It pays to consider all the options for ensuring clean floors.
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Vacuum recommendations
In addition to the information above, Daniel Frimml, technical services coordinator for Tornado Industries (a manufacturer of professional-grade vacuum cleaners), offers the following recommendations for determining the type of vacuum that will works best in your setting:
• Single-motor upright models are best for use in medium to light duty situations. They may also be appropriate for use in smaller rooms and on light-to-moderately soiled carpets in offices, patient rooms, and narrower walkways.
• Dual-motor vacuums tend to be more powerful and more durable and require less maintenance than single-motor uprights. This makes them a better option for heavier duty, more frequent, and more demanding vacuuming situations and for cleaning heavily soiled carpets…such as those found in restaurants.
• Because some of the newer canister systems are so quiet, they are becoming increasingly popular in medical facilities. Also, because some come equipped with a variety of tools and attachments for dusting and to vacuum hard and soft floors and upholstery, housekeeping departments in hotels and restaurants often prefer them over other kinds of machines.
• Backpack vacuum cleaner models can also be used for cleaning a variety of surfaces. When worker productivity is the key concern--that is, cleaning as much floor space as possible in the shortest amount of time--backpacks are typically the machine of choice.
In addition to these suggestions, Frimml has one important recommendation that applies to all vacuum cleaners: be sure to select HEPA-filtered machines.
“Especially in restaurants, I would not even consider a vacuum cleaner that is not HEPA-filtered,” says Frimml. “These machines make sure dust and debris is not spread from one surface to another.”
Terms you should know
Here are some terms you may hear when selecting a new vacuum cleaner…and what they are referring to:
Lift
Lift, also known as static lift or water lift, refers to the ability of the vacuum cleaner to lift floor particulates and soil. It is typically measured in "inches of lift" determined by how many inches the vacuum cleaners airflow can pull water up a tube in a lab test.
Airflow (CFM)
Airflow is the amount or volume of air moving through the vacuum, usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The amount of air moving through a vacuum affects the amount of soil that can be carried along by the airflow and contained in the vacuum’s filtration.
Green Label
The Green Label program is operated by the Carpet and Rug Institute. When a vacuum cleaner is awarded a Green Label, it indicates it meets specific criteria as to carpet cleaning performance and indoor air quality standards.
ULPA
ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air)
This is a filtering efficiency specification for filters used in environments like pharmaceutical labs wherein the highest degree of clean air must be maintained. In most cases, this level of filtration is not necessary for a restaurants location.
Suction
In general, this refers to the machines ability to pick up dust and dirt. It is the “pull power” of the machine.
HEPA-Type
Some filters and filter bags will be labeled “HEPA-type.” While these may meet the stringent requirements of a HEPA filter, in most cases it is wise to select a true HEPA filter to ensure proper protection of indoor air quality.
Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor who now writes about the professional cleaning industry. Reach him through his website, www.alturasolutions.com.
