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Updated November 22, 2022
Thorough cleaning and proper maintenance are essential for keeping industrial vacuum cleaners running properly.
Keeping an industrial vacuum cleaner clean and well-maintained is essential for extended life, optimum performance, and efficiency. Regular maintenance will also help reduce the risk of fires or other emergencies arising from improper use.
You’ll likely find many different types and styles to choose from if you're in the market for a new vacuum cleaner. Each type has pros and cons, but some general best practices apply to most types when cleaning and maintaining your industrial vacuum cleaner.
Read on to discover how to keep your vacuum working at peak performance to get more use out of it over time!
An industrial vacuum cleaner is a machine that uses suction to collect dust and debris from floors, carpets, furniture, or other surfaces. It typically has a larger capacity than residential vacuums and is designed for commercial settings such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, restaurants, and other facilities.
These vacuums are designed to be powerful enough to handle the toughest of jobs, such as removing heavy dust and debris from industrial environments.
Before starting any maintenance or repair work, you should be familiar with the various components of your industrial vacuum cleaner. This way, if you ever need to perform repairs or service your vacuum, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.
While some of these designs may vary from one type of vacuum to another, the primary function and components for each type remain the same, as follows:
Some vacuums, like canisters, rely on powerful airflow to push debris and dust into the dustbin. Other types, like central vacuums, use airflow to draw debris into the bin.
Be aware that most vacuums, like central vacuums, have a larger motor that produces high suction but also generates more airflow, which may lead to more noise.
All types of vacuums use filters to trap small particles and dust. While some vacuums have disposable filters, others may have washable or reusable filters that can be cleaned or replaced.
Commercial vacuums are designed to work with large amounts of dirt and dust, so it’s essential to empty the dust container or bag regularly for maximum efficiency.
Depending on how often you use your industrial vac, how much debris it picks up, etc., this may need to be done daily. Wear gloves when handling dirt and debris in the container or bags; they may contain hazardous particles like asbestos that can be dangerous if inhaled or mishandled.
Vacuum bags need to be replaced when they’re full or damaged. If you’re using a disposable bag, throw the filter bag away and replace it with a new one.
The dust bag should be replaced periodically, as well. For example, if you’re using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter bag, you’ll need to replace it every 3-6 months.
Besides maintaining the motor and cleaning it occasionally, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for clogs and blockages in the hose and the bin.
Generally speaking, central vacuums are easier to check for clogs and blockages since you can remove the bin. On the other hand, canister vacuums are more challenging to check for clogs and blockages since you have to remove the hose to gain access to the bin.
Remove the lid and debris with a long-handled tool if the bin is jammed. If the hose is clogged, you may need to remove the hose from the vacuum, use a long-handled tool and try to dislodge the obstruction. If a clog is causing the vacuum to lose power, you may also notice a rise in temperature as the motor strains to run.
Clogged hoses will reduce suction power and can eventually lead to damage to other components of the machine if left unaddressed.
A vacuum’s filters are often the first components to get clogged, which is essential to maintaining good performance over time. To help guard against filter clogs and blockages, you should regularly check the filters in your vacuum to see if there is any sign of wear or damage.
Some filters may need to be replaced after a certain amount of use, while others can be cleaned and reused. If a filter is torn or broken, it may need to be replaced; otherwise, it may tear off inside the vacuum, causing even more damage.
If a filter clogs due to normal wear and tear, you can try rinsing it out to remove any excess dirt and dust. If a filter becomes heavily clogged, it may need to be replaced.
Vacuum filters can be expensive, so you should check with your vacuum manufacturer to find out which filters are the right fit for your model.
This can be done by removing the filter and using a soft brush or safe detergent to remove dirt and debris buildup. Make sure to replace filters when needed, which varies from model to model.
It would be best if you regularly cleaned the barrel of your vacuum to prevent dirt from getting trapped inside. It’s also a good idea to wash the filter periodically. When the filter begins to collect dust and dirt, it can hinder the vacuum’s performance.
Removing dirt and dust from the filter can extend the life of your vacuum and help reduce maintenance costs. Washing the filter regularly can significantly extend the life of your vacuum and reduce maintenance costs.
You may also want to remove and clean the belt from time to time. Dirt and other debris can accumulate on the belt’s surface, which can eventually cause the belt to become sticky or stiff.
If the belt is sticky or stiff, it can hinder the rotation of the motor and cause the vacuum to lose power. A stiff belt may also cause more noise as the motor struggles to run.
Loose parts can cause damage to other components, reduce suction power, and lead to unnecessary wear on the machine itself. Tighten up any screws or bolts that are loose; if anything is broken, it may need to be replaced for your industrial vac to continue functioning properly.
Commercial vacuum cleaners have a variety of parts and components that need to be maintained for them to run at peak performance.
Like any other machinery, a vacuum’s motor may need to be maintained over time to ensure optimal performance. You can clean the motor periodically to remove dust and debris, or you may also want to oil or grease it every so often to help prevent it from getting clogged.
If the motor starts to make a noise or seems to be working harder than usual, you should investigate the source of the problem. A blocked or dirty motor may cause the vacuum to lose suction, while a build-up of dust and debris may cause the motor to overheat.
If the motor overheats, it may start to short-circuit, posing a fire hazard and potential danger to the operator. A blocked or dirty motor may also cause the vacuum to lose power, which means it will take longer to suck up large debris like gravel or broken concrete.
A quick wipe down and filter check are just two steps you should take to keep your industrial vac in good working order. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your industrial vacuum cleaner's life, so check it regularly and keep up with any necessary repairs or replacements.
Doing so will ensure that your machine is functioning properly and help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Many vacuum cleaners have a built-in oiling system that allows you to periodically oil the motor and gears. If your vacuum has a built-in oiling system, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how often it should be oiled.
If your vacuum doesn’t have a built-in oiling system, you can add an oiling system by installing a lubrication pump and hose. A lubrication pump and hose will allow you to add fresh oil to the motor and gears periodically.
Remember that if the motor is running, you should leave the oil off the system. This could cause the oil to combine with dust, damaging the system. Before adding oil to the system, please turn off the vacuum and cool it down.
Cleaning and maintaining your industrial vacuum cleaner is essential for extending its life and reducing repair costs.
Regularly cleaning the barrel and washing the filter, inspecting the belt, cleaning the wheels, and inspecting and cleaning or replacing the hoses can significantly extend the life of your vacuum and help reduce repair costs.
You can also keep an eye out for clogs and blockages in the hose and the bin and perform regular maintenance to help extend the life of your vacuum.
By following these steps, you can keep your industrial vacuum cleaner running at its best while helping prevent costly repairs down the line. Have any questions about how to clean and maintain your industrial vacuum cleaner? Get in touch with us today! We’re always happy to help.
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