Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Selecting the Right Vacuum

  • By Dave Chen
  • 09/01/19

When carpets aren’t properly maintained, the appearance degrades and they wear out quickly. The most common, and likely most important, daily cleaning activity is vacuuming. Effective dirt removal from your carpets requires a commercial grade, high-quality vacuum.

With all of the options on the market, it’s easy to end up with a low-cost but also low-quality vacuum. Follow these simple steps to make sure you don’t get stuck making the wrong choice for long-term carpet care.

1. CRI approval. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) scientifically tests and evaluates vacuum cleaners. A vacuum with CRI approval will deliver excellent cleaning results without damaging your carpets.

2. Powerful dirt removal. It’s amazing how many vacuums fall short of the power and performance you need to effectively remove dirt and debris from your carpets.

3. HEPA filtration. If you’re doing the work, don’t stop at dust and dirt. HEPA filters will help remove the viruses, bacteria, and allergens that are lurking in your carpets. More importantly, after they’re removed, the HEPA filter will prevent them from exiting the vacuum through exhaust air.

4. Edge cleaning. Some vacuums are effective for edge cleaning, but many aren’t. Ineffective vacuums will leave a gray, dusty edge along your walls.

5. The right style for your job. Vacuums come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Do you buy an upright? A backpack? A canister? A wide-area vac? Each is designed for a specific task, and each has its own specific strengths and weaknesses. Consult an expert to help you decide which is best for your job. With the right cleaning equipment, you can create a clean, comfortable learning environment.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management September 2019 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Dave Chen is a field marketing manager for Nilfisk (www.nilfisk.com). He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Missouri Child Development Center Completes $2.3M Expansion

    The Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, Mo., recently announced the completion of a $2.3-million expansion and adaptive reuse project, according to a news release. The new space includes a retail café, outdoor learning space, and a support office building.

  • 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.

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.