Q: I’m in the market for a new upright vacuum – what features should I look for when purchasing?
A: A good upright vacuum should enable operators to quickly, easily and efficiently do their jobs. As part of a complete carpet care program vacuuming will help extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new. However, all upright vacuums are not created equal. Think about your unique needs and environment, and then use recommended guidelines below to help you choose the vacuum that is right for you.
- Lightweight handles place less strain on the operator’s forearm and lower back and thereby reducing operator fatigue
- Fully enclosed, ergonomically designed handles allow for easy push and pull movements
- Base-motor designs should improve mobility and reduce overall weight
- Built-in, easy-to-reach tool bays keep often-used accessories within reach
- Front carrying handles centrally balance vacuum weight
- Front-wrapping cords won’t interfere with bag changes
- Dynamically balanced brushes with rotation speeds in excess of 4000 rpm will ensure quick removal of imbedded dirt
- Side-mounted, wall-hugging edge rollers properly and efficiently clean carpet edging and trim
- Three-ply filter bags and HEPA filters provide premium indoor air quality
Additional ease-of-use and comfort features to look for include easy-access crevice tools, stretch hoses and telescopic wands, an on-board spare bag and very low noise levels (below 70 dBA is ideal). Also consider a vacuum that is part of a family of upright vacuum products with interchangeable parts. Interchangeable parts increase convenience by reducing stocking time, storage costs and inventory space.
Q: I’ve been cleaning a particular carpet for about a year now at an athletic club (I’m a contractor), and there are some areas that it seems whatever I do (bonneting and extractor) it doesn’t seem to come clean. I’m using the right machines and carpet chemical according to the directions, but the brownish-gray areas remain.
A: You’ve been cleaning a facility for a year with, let me guess, alkaline-based chemicals. I’d bet the same goes for the folks who cleaned the carpets before you as well. While alkaline chemicals are certainly appropriate to attack and remove the commonly acidic soils found in carpet, a deep extraction with an acidic-rinse product is recommended…especially when you take over a carpet maintenance program. Once the carpet is “neutralized” and deep cleaned, vacuuming and an “Interim Maintenance Processes,” such as
ReadySpace® is much more effective, and your brownish-gray should go away!
