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Equipment maintenance vacuums
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Equipment maintenance vacuums
Helpful tips for getting the most out of your
purchase.
By David Stanislaw
From the February 2006 edition of Cleaning & Maintenance Management
magazine. For a free introductory subscription,
click here
.
Vacuum cleaners account for almost 20 percent of all equipment
purchases made by facility service providers, according to David
Frank, president of KnowledgeWorx, a JanSan consulting and training
firm.
This is because vacuum cleaners are usually the professional
cleaners most important tool.
Due to its importance, it is imperative for vacuums to remain in tip-top
condition for as long as possible.
Not only will this keep the machines operating correctly along with
more productive and efficient cleaning but also because a properly
functioning vacuum cleaner is less likely to mar indoor air quality
(IAQ) or damage floors and carpets.
Although backpack and canister vacuum models are becoming more
common in commercial cleaning, the upright overwhelmingly remains
the most frequently used type of vacuum.
Accordingly, most of the maintenance care tips listed below will apply
to an upright machine, 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, in haste, may unplug 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.
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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, and not by the
cord.
Better roller bars
Agitation is a major component of all cleaning work.
A vacuum cleaners roller bar designed with bristles of the proper
denier and count help agitate and loosen soil from the carpet
fibers.
Throughout time, these bars can become covered with threads and
debris, hampering the effectiveness of the bars brushes.
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 cleaners drive belt may need to be changed every
few months.
Follow the steps above 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 cleaners filters are very important.
Filters protect the machines motor and inner workings, and exhaust
filters prevent impurities from escaping the machine and becoming
airborne.
On newer vacuum cleaner models, the filter can easily be removed.
To do so, remove the holding or access door and simply lift it out and
check for any secondary filters.
The safest way to clean a filter is to vacuum it with another vacuum cleaner.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters may need to be cleaned
frequently because as the filter becomes filled with debris, the suction
ability of the machine will be hindered.
Bag care
Air-filtration bags must frequently be changed because if they become
too full, the machines suction power will decrease.
Some more advanced machines have indicator lights, informing the
user when it is time to change the bag; otherwise, regularly check it.
Once the bag is three-quarters full, it is time for a new bag.
Some newer machines also have lever controls, which makes bag
changing easy, and prevents impurities from being released into the
air during the changing process.
Pulling the lever out releases the bag, so a new bag can be attached.
Just push the lever in to secure it.
David Stanislaw is an engineer with Tornado Industries, Chicago.
From the February 2006 edition of Cleaning & Maintenance Management
magazine. For a free introductory subscription,
click here
.
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National Trade Publications Inc.
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