Nowadays, there seems to be a vacuum for every need.

For many years, I had four children at home and the thankless job of vacuuming every day. I hated that task. It was the one essential cleaning job that always seemed to go unnoticed. Now I am an empty-nester, I have finally settled on the perfect domestic vacuuming routine.

I sit back and enjoy my robotic vacuum’s daily dance routine as it spins around my apartment. I watch my new crush, the little robot, clean while I work on my deadlines, and let me tell you: it is very satisfying.

However, I have not ditched my old faithful upright vacuum yet, the old guy has been with me for years, and I still take him for a spin once a week. With more choices in the vacuum market today, I have selected the most reliable and effective cleaning weapons for me and my situation. An accommodation manager must do the same for the housekeeping team.

Before making your vacuum selection, I suggest you make an analysis of your property. Take time to assess all the different floor spaces that need to be cleaned, the time limitations you have, obstructions or safety issues you need to consider and the best ergonomic choices for your staff.

Once you decide what you want to achieve, talk to your equipment provider and work on a plan together. The outcome may involve a mix of machines for different areas or jobs.

I am taking robots out of the running for accommodation properties for this article. So for now, here is a quick outline of the more traditional vacuum choices for hospitality environments.

A good upright is known to do a great job on deep carpets, especially in large straightforward areas. However, access within or to confined spaces, staircases, corridors or areas with obstacles may be trickier.

Known as the jack of all trades, a canister vacuum is a popular choice. The best ones can be bulletproof but can also be hard on the user.

Backpacks are fantastic, especially for confined spaces and areas that are awkward to access. They are perfect for spaces filled with obstructions like a bar, a restaurant, or of course a staircase.

On making your vacuum decision: keep it simple, stupid!

I admit that at first, it can be confusing to find the right vacuum because there are so many different types on the market. However, when you work out your cleaning challenges, your choices become straightforward. Your challenges may include the environment, OHS safety concerns, noise-sensitive areas, obstructions and time constraints, but the good news is that the right vacuum can be found for every cleaning job.

In this post pandemic world, an investment in high-quality, high-visibility cleaning processes and equipment is vital for the ongoing success of the sector. Managers need to prioritise and look after their precious cleaning team.

With this in mind, and on behalf of all the hardworking housekeepers, I had some important questions for Daniel Pisaniello, General Manager Wholesale, Godfreys.

What are the benefits of using backpack vacuums?

“Productivity is the main benefit because a backpack vacuum can cover up to five times the square meterage of an upright vacuum in the same period. Backpack vacuum cleaners have no belts or beater bars, and so they also require less maintenance. Many models include additional wand tools and can clean a variety of areas; in addition to floors, they can easily reach overhead vents, alongside upholstery and blinds.”

What are the benefits of using upright vacuums?

“Upright vacuums are a dependable and long-lasting option. Contrary to logic, super strong suction can sometimes be a negative thing as it can harm carpet fibres. Uprights use a beater brush to collect dirt in a bag, cup or tank and some models have two motors. They work most efficiently in open or mildly cluttered areas and can deep clean carpet daily without risking unwanted damage.”

What is the latest in filtration systems for backpack and upright vacuums?

“High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters are now becoming the standard for popular vacuum models. HEPA filtration is not unique to backpacks and uprights, but it is a great added feature that helps keep the environment and air clean. Most HEPA filters remove up to 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger as they pass through the filter. The latest and most common HEPA filter utilised today is the H14 class. HEPA H14 filters only pass up 0.005 percent of 0.1-micron particles per litre of air, HEPA H13 filters pass up 0.05 percent of 0.1-micron particles per litre of air and HEPA H12 filters pass more than 0.5 percent of 0.1-micron particles per litre of air.”

Has your industry been impacted by Covid-19?

“In a very organic way, it has helped with consumer awareness around the need to purchase the right equipment, as well as ensuring all equipment is cleaned and maintained regularly. The importance of using disposable paper bags has also become a point of difference, as people are looking for the most hygienic way to dispose of vacuum particles.”

This article was originally published in our industry magazine check out the winter edition of Accom News

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Absolute cleanliness – never compromise(Opens in a new browser tab)

Mandy Clarke

Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.