Real commercial vacuum cleaners have several differences over residential ones. First and foremost, a commercial vacuum cleaner is more durable, since it is expected to see more use and abuse. This may be seen in more rugged materials or simply more rugged design features like wheels that let it pass over power cords and area rugs without any hassle. The generally higher product quality is reflected in their greater cost.
Second, it will have features that allow it to be more easily used in a commercial environment, such as very long power cords that let someone clean a long hallway without having to go back and unplug it and larger than average capacity before the canister or vacuum bag need to be replace. On the flip side, they are less likely to have power controls, tools for above the floor cleaning and top notch HEPA filters unless you pay extra for it. When you are shopping for a commercial vacuum cleaner, consider whether or not you want it to clean the air as it cleans the floor and whether you want utterly clean carpets or just the worst debris out of the carpet.
Another trait of commercial vacuum cleaners, though not all share this, is maintainability. Because commercial vacuums are expected to run far more than their domestic counterparts and the higher price for most models that you pay to get that durability, you typically get a vacuum cleaner that is easier to maintain than the average residential unit. This is seen in commercial vacuums where replacing the belt is simple, replacing vacuum bags is a snap, and replacing brushes and wheels don’t require sending it in to an authorized warranty repair center. These vacuums usually have much better customer service, though this does vary between brands. Yet the much better support for repairs can make owning a commercial vacuum cleaner the better deal over time compared to constantly wearing out and replacing residential vacuum cleaners.
Conversely, some commercial vacuums use a reusable cloth bag instead of a disposable vacuum bag to contain debris since fine allergen dust is less of a concern. Determine whether a dust free environment is worth the extra cost and time of changing out HEPA bags in commercial vacuum cleaners. HEPA grade filters that capture contaminants at 0.3 microns or less should be a high priority if you are dealing with patients, whether in a doctor’s office or nursing home.
Commercial vacuum cleaners are usually more powerful than residential vacuum cleaners, though this isn’t a guarantee. The main reason they are more powerful is so that the cleaning staff only have to make one pass to get floors clean, allowing the business to keep labor costs and cleaning time to a minimum. Compare the price of the vacuum versus its power – and study the reviews for each vacuum, because power doesn’t always equal greater suction. You also need to consider whether or not the vacuum cleaner can handle what it might pick up. If you are cleaning in a warehouse, for example, your vacuum cleaner needs to be able to suck up a screw without ripping up the brush roll or intake hose.
And when looking for a commercial vacuum cleaner, think about the application. You want a model with the widest possible head if it is mostly used to vacuum open rooms and long hallways, while vacuums used to clean furniture filled waiting rooms should have a smaller head and more flexible body. If your staff will be cleaning around furniture as well as stairs, a canister vacuum cleaner with a long hose and metal arm may be the better choice. Stick vacuums are only practical in commercial settings if you’re cleaning spot rugs on otherwise swept and mopped floors.
Think about the kinds of messes you’ll be cleaning up. If the biggest problems are dirt from customers’ shoes or dust, then most upright and canister vacuum cleaners are fine. If you need to worry about someone throwing up on your floors, pet messes from companion animals or other wet messes, you need a commercial wet/dry vacuum. In this case, you can get commercial vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, high capacity canisters and rugged durability, but the ability to clean up the messes you need to deal with becomes the most important factor to investigate.
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