TheJanitorialStore.com

Taking care of your cleaning equipment not only extends the life of your machines, but it adds to the bottom line of your commercial cleaning business too.

Cleaning equipment such as vacuums, buffing machines, and automatic scrubbers can last years longer with the proper care. Caring for your cleaning equipment also shows your clients that you are a professional and you are serious when it comes to making their buildings look good. Proper maintenance of equipment helps to assure that your machine is available when you need it and will help to avoid those unexpected equipment breakdowns.

What can you do to take better care of your cleaning equipment?

Preventative maintenance is the best practice for your cleaning equipment. Your maintenance program should start when you buy a new piece of equipment. Although very few people actually do it, begin by reading the owner's manual. It will give you tips on operating the equipment as well as important advice on how to best maintain the equipment. Most janitorial distributors offer training, especially for floor machines so be sure to take advantage of it and include any employees that will be operating the machine in the training. After you and your team are familiar with the machine, use it together on the first couple jobs to make sure you remember all the procedures for preparing, operating and cleaning the machine.

Vacuum cleaners are the most used of all cleaning equipment and daily maintenance is the key to keeping your vacuums running smoothly. Check the bag, belt, filter and brush roller often. One of the most important steps in maintaining your vacuum is to make sure the bag is emptied daily if necessary and before it is more than half full. Emptying the bag regularly helps to prevent clogs and will keep the vacuum running more efficiently. Before each shift employees should check the vacuum for frayed cords and any loose wires or parts. The problem should be corrected before the vacuum is used.

Employees need to pay attention to the vacuum's beater bar if using an upright vacuum cleaner. The beater bar needs cleaning on a regular basis. It takes just a few minutes to remove any hair, carpet threads, and debris on the bar. Ignoring the beater bar can cause extra pressure on the belt drive and can even damage the belt. Belts on vacuums are easily replaced. However, if you are at all in doubt on how to replace the belt it is best to contact the distributor and get assistance.

Maintenance can be a bit more time consuming on more complex machines such as auto scrubbers and buffers. Wipe down the entire surface after each use. Also wipe the cord and make sure it is not frayed. Check the pads after each use and replace them as needed. Other routine maintenance includes blowing out the motor every 2 weeks and once a month check to make sure that all screws and bolts are tight. Rinse out the tanks after each use. Also inspect equipment for any cracks or damage.

Brushes on auto scrubbers can be magnets for small objects. Check and clean the brushes on a regular basis. Squeegees can also attract debris. Lint and hair can cause rips and tears in squeegees, which hinders the squeegee's effectiveness.

If you have battery-powered equipment, check the owner's manual so that you know what type of battery powers your scrubbers and buffers. If the equipment has an acid-battery, add distilled water as specified in the manual.

Make sure that any necessary parts are lubricated as directed in the manual. If you have any questions on the proper procedures always check with the distributor or manufacturer before doing any maintenance.

Various parts of any machine such as belts, brushes, filters and squeegees will need to be replaced as they become worn. The owner's manual for the equipment will have general guidelines on when to replace worn items. If the equipment is used by inexperienced operators or in extremely dirty conditions parts may need replaced more often than the recommended guidelines. Paying close attention to how the machine runs will help you decide when items should be replaced.

First impressions make a difference. Equipment that has a layer of dust, frayed cords, cracks or stains can give the impression that you do not care enough about your business to properly care for your cleaning machines. Likewise, if your customers see your equipment is clean and well cared for, it shows that you pay attention to detail. A few extra minutes each day in caring for your carpet and floor machines can pay off large dividends in the long term.

Jean Hanson helps owners of commercial cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Jean is also the host of the popular Web TV show CleaningBiz.tv and author of the newsletter Trash Talk - sign up today!

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