You want a vacuum that can take a beating, that can do everything, and doesn’t have “fancy” parts that will break. The problem with most “commercial” vacuums, like many of the Orecks or Tornados (at least the ones I have seen in commercial settings), is that they don’t have attachments. So no good way to clean the edges and the stairs. We see huge dust build-ups on edges in many commercial properties because of this.
So definitely get ones with attachments.
The problem with canister vacs that have a separate brush head is that it is common for the motor in these heads to go bad. So you’re dealing with 2 motors in one machine. And most people find them cumbersome to use in a commercial setting.
Bagged vacuum verses bagless (the ones where it fills a plastic container, you dump and go). Go with bagged. I switched over years ago because in the long run, it makes maintenance easier. The problem with non-bagged is it still has filters (usually 2 foam filters that can be washed out and cleaned). If you don’t wash out these filters every week (and set them out to dry), you lose the cleaning power of the vacuum. Also, no non-bagged vac can ever be considered HEPA compliant. You need the paper filter to stop contaminants from re-entering the environment.
The biggest thing with a vacuum is maintenance. Staff need to check the bag either before or after use (the proper time to change them is usually when they are 3/4 full… not when they are overfilling with dirt.) I buy paper bags in bulk through an online supply place. Worth it. And any additional filter in the machine (there is usually another fiber pad by where the vac-ed air exits) should be replaced when filthy as well. Doing both will keep the vacuum cleaning at it’s best efficiency.
Here’s the vacuum that I use for both professional and personal use (I have 2 of them now.)
I bought mine for about $250 each. They come with a 5 year motor warranty and a 2 year parts warranty. I bought them from Bridges Sweeper Service at 8449 Perry Hwy (15237). The staff there is very helpful and knowledgable.
I use an extension cord on mine for large areas. As my cords tend to get “eaten,” and most extension cords are more durable. But it may be nice to get one with a long thick cord too. If you have large open areas, and electrical outlets aren’t easy to find, it may be nice to have ones with a long cord for convenience.
And when it’s time for carpet cleaning, please contact us.
