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

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • Houston-Area High School Receives Best Project Award from ENR

    Tomball West High School near Houston, Texas, recently received a K–12 Education Best Project Award in Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Texas & Southeast Best Projects Awards, according to a press release. The new facility was completed in May and opened its doors to students for the fall 2026 semester.