Steve Hanson

With all the talk about back pack vacuums these days, you'd think upright vacuum cleaners would have vanished by now. Not so! Many cleaning companies still use upright vacuums, and now have even better choices for HEPA filtration and ergonomic design.

If you're still in the market for upright vacuums, here are some things you should know:

First, decide whether you need a single motor or dual motor. Single motor vacuums are designed for use in smaller areas that can be vacuumed quickly, like small offices or homes. In this situation you want to get around quickly, so the single motor vacuum's lighter weight is ideal. These vacuums put less stress on the user and are easier to load and unload for transporting to various locations. Dual motor vacuums are heavier and designed for heavy-duty cleaning, high traffic areas and large area vacuuming. If you choose a dual motor vacuum, you may also be interested in the self-propelled models, which make it easier for the user to manage.

One problem owners of cleaning companies face is employees who do not empty the vacuum bags regularly. Vacuum cleaners with bags that are too full put a strain on the motor, and they don't pick up as well either. Some vacuums now come with an automatic shut off if the bag becomes too full. This is a nice feature if you're concerned about overloaded vacuum bags.

If you provide green cleaning services, find out how to empty or dispose of the bag. If it has a container or bag that needs to be emptied, the contents can become airborne when disposing of them. A "greener" solution is to buy a vacuum that has a high-filtration bag that seals the dust inside.

An important consideration is the ergonomic qualities of the upright vacuum. Heavy vacuums can be hard on the user, causing back injuries, arm or wrist injuries, or carpal tunnel syndrome. When you make your decision, be sure to train your employees on the proper use of the vacuum in order to prevent injuries. Users need to stand up straight instead of walking hunched over. They should walk behind the vacuum instead of pushing and pulling it with arm motions, and they should also get used to switching hands.

Some upright vacuums have height adjustment controls, which can help prevent back problems. Easy to reach controls, comfortable hand grips, and easy to reach attachments are also nice features that are ergonomically friendly for the user.

Selecting the right vacuum for your cleaning business can make a big difference in the productivity and safety of each of your employees. Take the time to make the right choice!

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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.