Vacuum cleaners are often one of the most expensive purchases for any cleaning business. They’re often the one piece of equipment used daily or more frequently than other equipment. Depending on the environment the commercial vacuum is used, the vent can release musty smells because of the dust and debris it picks up over time. To extend the life of your commercial vacuum cleaners and lessen those smells, they should be properly maintained on a routine basis, which only requires a few simple steps.
Have an Extra Vacuum to Assist in the Maintenance
To clean a commercial vacuum cleaner, it’s best to have another vacuum cleaner to clean out the debris in many areas of the commercial vacuum cleaner as possible. This can be a small, handheld vacuum with a hose attachment. The second vacuum cleaner assists in cleaning areas in the commercial vacuum cleaner, such as suction areas and zipper bags without using something that could potentially harm the vacuum.
Clean the Zipper Bag
Open the zipper bag and remove the vacuum bag. Although a vacuum bag is used, sometimes dust and debris can escape and fall into the zipper bag. Use a small, handheld vacuum with a hose to remove any dirt and debris out of the zipper bag. Reattach or replace the vacuum bag with a new vacuum bag. Cleaning the zipper bag helps with dust and other odors that may collect over time. Some zipper bags can be detached, washed lightly in warm water and dried to remove any smells or dust. If you don’t have the time or space to rinse the bag in warm water and allow it to dry, vacuuming out the zipper bag will work. If the vacuum has a dust cup or filter, wash it in warm water and allow it to dry to remove dirt and debris.
Disassemble the Bottom
Check the bottom of the vacuum for dirt, debris, carpet fibers and strings. Disassemble the bottom casing to check for these obstacles. Worldwide Janitor’s line of Koblenz vacuum cleaners require no tools to disassemble the bottom of the vacuum for easy maintenance. Other brands may require a screw driver to remove the screws at the bottom of the vacuum. Check the beater bar and belt to make sure they’re not cluttered with debris. In many cases, carpet string can be stuck and wrap around the beater bar, which can hinder its performance, break the belt or eventually seize the vacuum cleaner’s engine. Use scissors to remove the string or any other obstructions. Use a hand held vacuum to vacuum inside the bottom suction area under the vacuum to remove dust or potential clogs.
You can also remove the beater bar, rinse it in warm water and allow it to dry. Wipe the interior of the beater bar casing and underneath the vacuum with a damp paper towel or cloth. This is another area where smells can accumulate. Allow everything to dry and reassemble the bottom of the vacuum.
Clean the Cord
Most people don’t realize that the vacuum cleaner cord, or any cord on equipment, can get very dirty. Cleaning the cord assists in not dragging additional dirt and dust around while you’re cleaning. Unplug the cord and stretch it out completely. Use a damp cloth with a cleaner, such as Lemon Tree Cleaner to wipe the entire cord down from the beginning to the end. Allow the cord to dry, then straighten the cord if it’s twisted in any area. Re-wrap the cord in the cord handles.
Wipe Exterior Parts of the Vacuum
After cleaning the interior of the vacuum, spray a soft cloth with disinfectant spray. Wipe down the exterior of the vacuum to remove any dirt, dust or debris. This includes the handle, chassis, wheels and bumper.
After maintenance is complete, the vacuum should look and run almost like new. The musty smells aren’t pleasant for your clients. Proper maintenance will not only extend the life of your vacuum, it’ll tackle the musty smells. Many vacuum repair stores often charge hundreds of dollars for simple maintenance like this. It’s important to review the User’s Manual and understand how to maintain vacuums or replace simple parts, such as a belt or beater bar. In many cases, the manufacturers have those parts available for purchase. With proper maintenance, it’s likely you won’t have to replace any of those parts for many years.
The same applicable steps can be used on other equipment used in for your cleaning business. Burnishers, floor machines often get coated with stripper, wax, dirt and other chemicals during the cleaning process. Simply wiping the machines and cord with a damp cloth assist in not transporting those chemicals and debris to other areas, such as carpets or clean floors.
Check out Worldwide Janitor’s line of Koblenz commercial vacuum cleaners and other floor equipment for wholesale prices.
We have had the same vacuum for about 6 years now. I had no idea that you should disassemble the bottom of the vacuum and check for dirt and debris. I always thought that the filter would take care of that stuff before if entered. I will have to go take a look at ours and see if it needs cleaning. Thanks for the information.