Attachments allow vacuums to do more than clean carpets. They can tackle many other projects, such as cleaning bookshelves and other items that tend to collect dust. Your particular vacuum may feature some of the following attachments:

• The all-purpose or universal brush works well on books and shelves;

• The crevice tool (long and thin) reaches into narrow slots and corners;

• The dusting brush details items that need a softer touch;

• The radiator brush cleans radiators and narrow spaces; and

• The upholstery nozzle is good for vacuuming chairs, sofas, cushions, drapes, mattresses and fabric furniture covers.

You should vacuum at least once a week with a CRI Seal of Approval/Green Label vacuum cleaner. However, the more foot traffic on your carpet, the more you need to vacuum. The general formula is:

• Vacuum daily in high-traffic or pet areas;

• Vacuum twice weekly in medium-traffic areas; and

• Vacuum weekly in light-traffic areas, using attachments at carpet edges.

For the best cleaning results, periodically inspect your vacuum to keep it in tiptop shape and functioning properly:

• Keep the instructions that came with your vacuum and refer to them periodically;

• Keep hoses and attachments free from obstructions. Most vacuums that are discarded as nonfunctional often are only clogged somewhere in the unit. Learn where these likely places are from the manufacturer’s instructions;

• Grip the handle, not the hose;

• Keep brushes clean (for example, remove tangled hair) and replace them when worn. Typically, worn brushes are stiff, and they cause surface texture change on carpet;

• Empty containers or replace bags when half full. (Just as you would not top off a car’s gas tank until it overflows, you would not want your vacuum bag to spill over.);

• Look for rough edges or bent metal on your machine that can snag carpet. Often times, the biggest problems and opportunities for facility maintenance managers aren’t about equipment. The hot-zone is around workers: worker turnover, worker well-being and worker productivity.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products has said that insight into this has driven the development of its new vacuum line of seven uprights, three backpacks and two wet/dry vacuums.

“Our vacuums are engineered for performance and durability,” said Andre Motta, senior product manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “And, their features include worker-friendly ergonomics, enhanced productivity and quiet operation that are a benefit to both day and night cleaners.”

Typical cleaning worker turnover rates are reported to be about 75 percent. One way managers are addressing employee retention is by giving the workers easy-to-use tools that enable them to clean effectively, efficiently, and comfortably.

Backpack vacuums, with their narrow profile for unrestricted mobility, helps users maneuver around furniture, tricky obstacles and cluttered office environments, while other models offer large outboard wheels making them easier to steer and maneuver.

“Commercial backpack vacuums are designed with comfort in mind,” said Motta. “The backpack design features a padded harness for comfort, range of motion, and support. And the large frame distributes weight evenly to reduce worker fatigue and minimizes heat transfer.”

According to Motta, three major occupational health and safety factors were considered during the development of Rubbermaid’s vacuum line— worker safety, noise reduction and green cleaning.

He said Rubbermaid’s Ultra Light Upright Vacuum Cleaner, which weighs less then ten pounds, features a built-in, center balanced “easy carry” ergonomic handle making it simple to lift and transport up and down stairs. The backpack vacuum offers quiet operation—ideal for day cleaning. And as for green cleaning, all upright and backpack models are designated by the Carpet and Rug Institute as Green Label.

Regarding Commercial Wet & Dry Vacuums, look for versatility and durability. A two-tank system allows for instant wet-to-dry changeover. The Wet & Dry Vacuums also features tools for easier cleaning in tight, hard to reach spaces, on-board tool storage and a cart for easy maneuverability.

“Our vacuums meet stringent environmental and worker safety objectives,” added Motta. “Our vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are 99.97 percent efficient at filtering particles .3 microns or larger.”

The key to increased worker productivity isn’t just providing a vacuum with a powerful motor; it’s the features that enhance the cleaning efficiency of the equipment by reducing the need for additional steps.

High-performance models feature dual motor strength for one pass cleaning, said Mota. They should feature automatic carpet height adjustment which improves worker efficiency by eliminating the need to manually adjust for different carpet heights.

Rubbermaid’s premium upright models are equipped with convenient onboard storage and tools for a wide variety of cleaning applications. And all uprights fold flat to the floor, which allows for easier maneuverability under and around furniture.

Traditional upright vacuums have features that promote a higher level of productivity. The heavy-duty models feature a six-position brush height adjustment and a bag collar seal to prevent dust leakage. And with the easily removable agitator and brush strips, easy to- replace belts and bags, and easy-to-empty paper bag insert—maintenance can be performed quickly and easily.

“In commercial cleaning, anything that can enhance productivity, improve worker turnover and well-being is of higher value,” said Motta. “And with this new line of best-in-class commercial vacuum cleaners, we are providing the solutions to key cleaning challenges— delivering on our promise to provide products that enable facility maintenance professionals to succeed at work and in their careers.” For more, visit www.rcpworksmarter.com.  ❑