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

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.