Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance Guide (Plus Find the Best Vacuum)

One of the most vital components of an effective cleaning routine is carpet cleaning and maintenance. Vacuuming frequently and consistently will ensure the life of carpet and matting. Maintaining a clean environment and preserving a facility's assets are the main goals when implementing a vacuuming regimen. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), 90% of all dry soil is removed by routine vacuuming, maintaining indoor air quality.

If carpets are not vacuumed and cleaned consistently, they can become worn, tattered, or even damaged, leading to premature and expensive carpet and matting replacement. Carpets and matting play an essential role in your facility, from preventing and cushioning slips and falls to reducing noise in a facility, decreasing distractions, making it easier to concentrate and learn.

Vacuuming: What You Need to Know

“A vacuum is essential for keeping carpet clean and healthy—but it is important to select the right one for your needs," according to Mark Cannon of Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online in his article "5 Things to Know About Carpet Care and the COVID-19 Pandemic”.

When purchasing a vacuum, consider the flooring and carpet types that the vacuum will be used on. Then make sure to learn how the vacuum operates so you can get the most out of all of its features and functions. Include a regular maintenance check of all the vacuums to ensure they are all in proper working order. Daily scheduled vacuuming of high traffic areas should be included in your carpet care routine.

Why Backpack Vacuums Make Cleaning Easy

Backpack vacuums effectively clean while reducing the amount of time it takes to vacuum. Incredibly useful for routine cleaning, the backpack vacuum lowers labor costs, making the higher initial investment worth it in the long run.

Cordless backpack vacuums take it one step further, reducing the time it takes to vacuum even more since the user doesn’t have to struggle with a cord, plugging and unplugging, especially in older facilities and buildings with minimal outlets. Another benefit of a cordless backpack vacuum is that the threat of cord burns is completely eliminated, ensuring spotless cleaning results.

Popular Backpack Vacuums

We’ve made a list of our most popular backpack vacuums, highlighting each's main features to help you make an informed decision when purchasing vacuums for your school or facility or if you are thinking of adding to or upgrading your vacuums.

Clarke® Comfort Pak 6

The Clarke® Comfort Pak 6 backpack vacuum improves productivity while significantly decreasing the effort for the user. Features padded shoulder and waist straps for a comfortable fit. The Pak 6 is 6qt. Capacity with a 4-stage filtration system and 144cfm airflow for adequate suction for even the most difficult cleaning job. Includes a 2pc—aluminum wand, gliding floor tool, upholstery tool, brush, and crevice tool.

ProTeam® Backpack Vacuum

The ProTeam® Backpack Vacuum is lightweight, at 10-1/2lbs. and features ergonomic shoulder and waist straps. The vacuum holds secure and comfortable therefore increasing the productivity of the user.

Easy-to-use and has a 6qt. Capacity with 106cfm airflow as well as a 4-level filtration system with dual HEPA filters. Includes vacuum hose, extension cord, swivel wand, and floor wand accessories—perfect vacuum for large or small cleaning jobs.

 

ProTeam® SuperCoach Vacuum

The ProTeam® SuperCoach Backpack vacuum has a comfortable ergonomic design and makes cleaning efficient, safe, and fast. Features a high powered motor, large 10qt. Capacity, 150cfm airflow, integrated tool belt for easy access, a thermal protector shut-off switch to prevent over-heating, and a 4-level filtration system with HEPA.

Includes 14in. Performance floor tool, 56in. 2pc. 2-bend aluminum wand, 5in. Upholstery tool, 3in. Duster brush and 17in. Crevice tool. The ProTeam SuperCoach is the ideal backpack vacuum and powerful enough for high square-footage areas that require the utmost cleanliness.

ProTeam® Cordless Go-Free FlexPro Vacuum

The ProTeam® Cordless Go-Free FlexPro Backpack Vacuum is powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable battery. This allows the user to work and clean without cords or restrictions, maximizing productivity, and minimizing effort. Features a powerful 70cfm airflow, has a 6qt. Capacity is cordless, will operate for up to 60 minutes, and has a 2.5 hour charging time (from empty to full).

Includes a unique articulating harness that provides maximum comfort for the user. Runs through a 4-level filtration system and consists of the following tools: 14in. Performance floor tool, 56in. 2pc. 2-bend aluminum wand, 5in. Upholstery tool, 3in. Duster brush and 17in. Crevice tool. Perfect for any large or small cleaning job - efficient, effective, and fast!

We hope you found this guide helpful. To learn more about solutions to common school maintenance concerns, please visit the School Fix Blog.

Resources

Cannon, Mark. “5 Things to Know About Carpet Care and the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Cleaning & Maintenance Management, 1 Oct. 2020, www.cmmonline.com/articles/5-things-to-know-about-carpet-care-and-the-covid-19-pandemic

Tucker, Paul. “How to Extend the Life of Carpet in Your Facility.” CRI, 31 Aug. 2018, www.carpet-rug.org/how-to-extend-the-life-of-carpet-in-your-facility/

“Vacuums: ProTeam: ProTeam US.” ProTeam, www.proteam.emerson.com/en-us/vacuums