What Commercial Cleaning Equipment Does Your Business Need?
Keep Your Business Clean and Presentable
Commercial cleaning equipment is a world apart from domestic equipment. It is generally a lot larger, more expensive and more powerful. Commercial equipment is also more robust and able to withstand the knocks and bumps that will come with transporting and using the equipment.
It is essential that commercial cleaning is done to exacting standards and the equipment plays a large role in this. The most diligent worker with the right training and experience will battle to do an excellent job with poor equipment.
Let’s take a look at some of the more important pieces of commercial cleaning equipment that you will need.
The Commercial Vacuum Cleaner
Effective vacuuming will leave carpets looking and smelling great. This will create a great first impression for people looking at the room and prolong the life of the carpet. It will also remove dirt, dust and allergens. This will improve the indoor air quality for a healthier environment.
Commercial vacuum cleaners are more powerful and durable and can be used for extended periods. There are a number of options to choose from.
- Upright vacuum: These are good all-purpose cleaners that are fast and easy to maneuver.
- Canister vacuum: These are even lighter and easier to move. Another benefit is that they are one of the quieter options so are ideal when noise will be intrusive.
- Backpack vacuum: These are more comfortable and convenient for cleaners that will be cleaning for extended periods. It also frees up their hands to make them more effective.
- Wide area vacuum: This is pretty much a larger, wider version of the upright so it can do more with every motion. Where you have a wide-open space, the wide area vacuum will get the job faster.
- Wet/dry vacuum: These are very handy to have around if there is liquid or wet material that needs to be cleaned up. They make quick work of cleaning wet areas.
- Handheld vacuum: These compact machines are perfect for drapes, upholstery and stairs.
Bag or No Bag
There are pros and cons to both options. Bagged vacuum cleaners contain the dirt better and lower your filter maintenance but then you have the added cost of bags.
HEPA Filter
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air or High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. Machines with HEPA filters are more effective at removing smaller particles of dust and impurities for better air quality.
Hard Floor Option
Not all vacuum cleaners are effective on hard flooring so if this is a requirement, ensure you select one that is designed to work on these surfaces.
Other features to look out for, depending on your requirements, include:
- Height adjustment
- Convenient on/off switch
- Edge cleaning
- Hose diameter
- Roller brush type
- Cord length and type
- Canister or bag capacity
- Noise level
- Attachments and tools
- Weight
You might need more than one type of vacuum cleaner and a range of other features depending on the environment you are working in. Make sure you consider all the options and make your selection wisely.
Carpet Cleaners
As much as regular vacuuming is important, it is not enough on its own. The carpets also need to be correctly cleaned on a regular basis. How often this needs to be done will depend on the traffic.
Not only do carpet cleaners get the carpets super clean but they also get rid of bacteria, fungi, mold, dust mites and allergens that vacuuming alone can not eradicate.
As most people do not own carpet cleaners for their home, there is a bit of an overlap between the home and the commercial units. Look for one that is robust and powerful and has all the features you might require.
Here are a few things to look out for when selecting a commercial carpet cleaner.
Steam vs. Shampoo
This is a regular debate and both options have their merits. Many argue that steam cleaning is chemical-free, but this is not the case. The steam is merely an activator and detergent is still used. The one advantage of steam cleaning is that it dries faster.
Steam cleaning is not as effective as shampoo on heavily stained or soiled carpets but may be a bit more gentle on your carpets and better at removing mold and mildew.
Power
Power is important not only for better and faster cleaning but also for faster drying. A more powerful cleaner will suck up more water than a less powerful option.
Other considerations include:
- Weight
- Ease of use/comfort
- Attachments
- Tank capacity
- Cord length
- Hose length
- Static or moving brush
You might not use the carpet cleaner every day but you want to know that when you do, it is up to the job at hand. Select one with sufficient power and the right features and design for your needs.
Dumpsters
Depending on your circumstances and situation, dumpsters can be hired or purchased. Do not overlook the importance of having the right dumpster for your environment. The wrong size or loading configuration can cause you major headaches.
These are a few things you need to consider when deciding on a dumpster.
Design
There are two main types of dumpster: the roll off dumpster and the front-loading dumpster. Roll off are normally used in construction and large industrial sites. Most commercial applications would call for a front-loading dumpster.
Size
Dumpsters come in a range of sizes. The most common are two, four, six and eight yards.
Lid or No Lid
Depending on what you expect to use the dumpster for, you need to decide if a lid is needed or not. Do not make the mistake of getting the wrong dumpster, particularly if you are purchasing one. Consider all possibilities including peak periods, company growth and transport arrangements.
Final Thoughts
There are many other important commercial cleaning equipment options, but these are three of the more important. Do your research before committing to a product to make sure you are making an informed decision. These products are built to last so you are looking at an important investment.
