Janitorial service is part of any operation. Lots of offices outsource cleaning to specific companies, but other businesses do the job themselves. Cleaners use various floor cleaning equipment types for different floors and areas, but in any case, having machines that will fit in your vehicle or closet easily is a plus, and light, portable floor cleaning equipment is very much in demand.

Business operators look for portable floor cleaning machines or other floor care equipment in situations like the following:

1. For limited use in any small or large business involving hospitalities, from public spaces like museums, churches and vacation spots to hotels and motels.

2. Floor cleaning equipment is used in large spaces for any public space, like universities or hospitals.

3. For mobile use by field staff or members of a cleaning company that go from one building to another to take care of cleaning tasks daily.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get portable floor buffers and waxers

You can find online deals on new or used portable floor cleaning equipment for marble or tile that will keep floors looking nice year after year. Lots of models are available by size, brand or style.

I recommend: Take a look at the range of portable floor buffers and floor care equipment available at Parrish-Supply, including the 1.5 HP 17 inch buffers. For more deals on a portable floor buffer or portable floor scrubber, go to BettyMills and browse products online.

Get floor steamers online

Another option for a floor cleaning machine for hard floors is the portable floor steam cleaners or 'steamer mop.' This machine uses hot water and vapor do the tough cleaning. This kind of machine gets high ratings from a lot of cleaners because instead of messy buckets of water, you have a vaporized clean that can be easier on staff. Look for steamer models that will fit your needs from online vendors.

I recommend: Target sells multiple steamer models online: customers report satisfaction with using these portable, low-cost machines on residential floors. View product details and consider what kind of model you'll need. Use Target's online store system to eliminate a trip to the box store and learn about Target's business customer incentives.

Get high-power vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters

If you're looking for a floor cleaning machine for dealing with carpet, you'll want a high-functioning vacuum. Look for new models that have HEPA filters, advanced technology for trapping dust and air pollutants.

I recommend: Totalvac sells many vacuum cleaner models with HEPA technology, as well as a lot of vacuum cleaner parts. The GoHepa site also has some floor care machines that may fit business clients. Visitors can also pick up filters or learn more about HEPA technology and how it gets floors cleaner and reduces dust and allergens in the air.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with staff. When ordering, it's a good idea to talk to co-workers who will be using the floor cleaning equipment to get their input, so the best decision gets made for the future of the business.