At The End of The Day

Vacuum cleaners and other floor machines that are well maintained and kept clean and serviced still need to be properly stored when not in use. Improper or careless storage of the best-kept cleaning tools can impact their effectiveness and useful life, and therefore your bottom line.

Be sure any equipment with a motor is shut down properly, per manufacturer’s specifications. This information is in the owner’s manual… which you should be sure to read and retain. Some machines may need idling time before being shut down completely. Whatever procedures are manufacturer-recommended for shutting down a piece of equipment should be followed.

Properly secure and store any cords, hoses, nozzles or other components for each machine as indicated by the manufacturer. Don’t toss these items on a shelf or in a box where they may be separated from the unit to which they belong. This is especially important if more than one person uses each unit, as the next person to use the unit may not be able to locate the pieces needed to properly operate the equipment.

Don’t shove your vacuums or floor machines into crowded closets or other cramped spaces. This can lead to other items being stacked against or on them, which can lead to damage — including dents and scratches, and worse — to the equipment. Tools that look neglected are more likely to be misused and neglected by the people who use them.

If you have outdoor storage units that are not heated, do not store power-operated machines in these spaces, especially in the winter. Machine components wear down more rapidly when started or operated in extreme cold conditions.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.