Many cleaning business owners have had an employee at

one time or another call to say their vacuum cleaner doesn't work, or it doesn't

have any suction. And most of those cleaning business owners found that there's

nothing wrong with the vacuum other than the fact that the bag is as hard as a

rock! When the bag is this full, it affects the motor because there isn't enough

room for air to flow, which is what keeps the motor from overheating.

One of the easiest things you can do to keep your

vacuum cleaners running efficiently is to empty or change the bags - even when

they're only half full. It's not a good idea to keep the vacuum running until

the bag is full because it's hard on the vacuum. If it is being used on a daily

basis, then it's a good idea to get in the habit of emptying or changing the bag

at the end of the day.

Be sure to train your employees on the proper use of

the vacuum cleaner. Many people get lazy when vacuuming and try to suck up

things that should be picked up by hand. Things like cigarette butts, straws,

pieces of food or pieces of cardboard are all items that can damage a vacuum

cleaner.

Another easy task that will keep your vacuums running

efficiently is to clean the filters regularly. Most back pack vacuums have one

or two removable filters. Depending on frequency of use, filters should be

cleaned weekly. Clean filters in water and then air dry. Replace the filter in

the vacuum the next day.

If you're using an upright vacuum with a beater bar,

inspect the bar daily. Remove hair and carpet fibers that are wound around the

bar. Also check the brushes. When brushes are at half their normal length it's

time to replace them.

Check the belt for cuts and wear. Keep an extra belt

on the handle of the vacuum and replace as needed. Before replacing the bottom

cover, wipe it down to keep it free from soil and dust.

It's also a good idea to check the cord and plug to

make sure there are no cuts, loose wires, or missing ground prongs. If so,

replace the plug or cord.

And lastly, if you have a magnetic strip on the front

of the vacuum, remove the staples and paper clips throughout the shift, or

they'll start getting sucked up into the motor.

By following these simple tasks, you'll be able to

keep your vacuum cleaners running efficiently for years to come.

Copyright (c) The Janitorial Store (TM)

Thoughts or comments? Please consider posting them to the discussion forum

Would you like to reprint this article in your newsletter, on your web site, or on your blog? You sure can! As long as the article is complete and unaltered (including the author information below). Send a copy of the reprint to us by filling out the contact form, including the URL of the published article. (Make sure all links are live if placed in an e-zine, on a web site or blog.)

You must include the following information at the end of each article you reprint:

Copyright TheJanitorialStore.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com,

and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.