Some industries, such as preschools, restaurants and hotels, require more frequent vacuuming than others. Even if your company has a regular cleaning service that comes in, you may need a vacuum on-hand to do occassional cleaning. If you own a cleaning service, you probably have more stringent requirements when looking for a heavy-duty commercial vacuum.

The easiest way to get started is to simply compare vacuum cleaners online, noting details and reading reviews. When deciding which upright vacuum to buy, take the following into consideration:

1. Durability of the vacuum.

2. Ease of use and level of maintenance required.

3. Your ability to lift or move it easily.

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

Check out heavy-duty vacuum cleaners if your business cleans frequently

Whether you own a cleaning service or just vacuum your office regularly, a durable vacuum is best for high-use situations. Purchase a commercial upright vacuum cleaner made of durable materials, such as metal. Extra convenient features, like long, tough power cords or high filtration bags, are a plus when it comes to vacuums you will use often.

I recommend: TotalVac.com carries the Royal Commercial Metal Upright Vacuum, which is made of durable metal and comes with an extra long cord. The Eureka Sanitaire SC684 is known for its long life and 50-foot power cord. Vacorama.com carries this model.

Select a commercial bagless vacuum cleaner for the ultimate low-maintenance cleaning tool

If you seek ease of use, commercial bagless vacuum cleaners may be just the type of product you need. The fact that it is bagless means you do not have to change or clean bags like you do with typical vacuums. Instead, dust collects in a bin that you simply need to empty out occasionally, making them lower maintenance.

I recommend: Vacuum-Depot.com carries a Hoover commercial bagless vacuum, which also comes with a 50-foot cord. Wholesale Industrial Supplies offers the Eureka Sanitaire Model SC887 Commercial Upright with EZ Kleen Dirt Cup for ultimate ease of use.

Make cleaning easier with lightweight vacuum cleaners

If you want to be able to easily move your vacuum, go with a lightweight model. Most vacuum cleaners weigh up to 20 pounds. If that sounds too heavy to comfortably lift, particularly if your office has stairs, go with a model that is 10 pounds or less.

I recommend: OfficeMax offers the Dirt Devil Commercial Pro Vacuum, which weighs just nine pounds. Discount Office Items carries the Oreck XL2000 Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner, which weighs eight pounds. This vacuum includes the Helping Hand Handle, lessening any stress on your wrists as you simply have to push or pull the handle rather than squeeze it.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cordless vacuum cleaners can be used instead of a regular vacuum to clean up small areas around your office. They are often small and handheld, and contain batteries that can simply be recharged after use.