As any janitorial service knows, industrial vacuum cleaners and other commercial floor cleaning equipment is the foundation their business is built upon. In addition to choosing the right machines, it is just as essential to maintain them – inspecting them regularly and checking that they’re operating properly will not only ensure you’re providing your customers with the best cleaning service possible, but will ultimately maintain the life of your company’s equipment, saving you money and guaranteeing the success of your maintenance business. Below, a list of useful tips to keep in mind regarding the maintenance of your industrial vacuum equipment:
Train your staff or crew: One of the most important elements of maintenance is training – since you’ve made the investment and purchased top-quality industrial floor machines, you want to preserve them so that they may serve you for years to come. Educating your custodians and maintenance crew with a comprehensive overview of each floor cleaning machine will ensure the equipment is being utilized safely, functioning at optimum capacity and being used for the appropriate application. Each machine has its limitations – for example, even though they’re powerful, commercial vacuum cleaners should not be used on wet mats or to vacuum objects such as coins or cigarette butts. Educate employees carefully so they know what debris the machine can and cannot handle.
Check all parts of your vacuum regularly: Be sure to check bags daily, as they require frequent maintenance. Regardless of whether or not the bag is full, empty it every day – this will enable the vacuum suction to functioning properly and reduce clogs, in addition to protecting the machine against long-term damage: overstuffed bags can actually adversely affect the motor function. Additionally, keep an eye on filters, which should be washed or changed on a regular basis depending on use.
Know your machine’s components: Being familiar with your vacuum’s parts and knowing how they function is necessary to keep it running smoothly. For example, brushes on any section of the vacuum (including accessories) shouldn’t be worn down to more than ½ their length; once they are, they must be replaced. In the interim, they should be kept free of debris (such as lint, hair or string) and intermittently cleaned with a disinfectant. If your industrial floor vacuum features a recovery tank, it should be emptied as frequently as possible; otherwise, detergent residue may build up & result in allergen-causing mold. The machine’s belts should also be inspected weekly – if you notice a burning smell, it usually indicates a problem (such as the belt slipping); also be conscientious of the vacuum’s beater & be sure to remove build-up often. Finally, cords and plugs should be inspected for wear and tear – frayed or damaged cords can pose a safety hazard and taping damaged cords is not in compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.
When you observe the basic principles of vacuum maintenance, you’ll not only maintain the life of your machine, but you’ll present a cleaner facility to your clients and most importantly, protect the health of your crew and the inhabitants of the buildings you serve.