Dr. Dirt’s Janitor & Cleaning Supplies

Step 1: Choose a style to match your needs

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Lightweight Uprights

• Ergonomic
• Most models weigh less than 12 lbs
• Easy to maneuver, store and carry.
• For consistent floor surface tasks where weight is a concern.
• Limited attachments, maintain lower weight levels.

Manual Height Adjustment Uprights

• Ideal for cleaning rooms with different floor surfaces.
• manual carpet height adjustment allows for more productive and effective cleaning.
• For different types of flooring surfaces, select vacuums with floor tools.
• For frequent vacuum cleaner use, look for models that have features that make it easy to replace bags, brush rolls and filters.
• A wide cleaning path is recommended to clean large, minimally-furnished rooms.

Automatic Height Adjustment Uprights

• For increased productivity with many carpet heights.
• Eliminates the guesswork of carpet height by automatically adjusting the power head of the vacuum.
• Indicator lights on the base control panel will show when the power head is moving “UP” and “DOWN”. Feature dual motors for added production over single motors.

HEPA Filtration

• Ideal for environments like hospitals where indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial to staff and patient well being.
• Some vacuums can accommodate high efficiency filters but, if allergies and dust removal is a priority, a true HEPA filtration vacuum is the best choice.

Bagless Uprights

• Does not use disposable bags.
• Dust containers are easy to access and empty.
• No checking or replacing a bag if it is full.

Canister Vacuums

• For environments witha  lot of furniture and obstacles.
• Good for cleaning stairs and hard to reach areas. Its low profile and highly maneuverable flexible hoses allow for precise cleaning under furniture.
• Feature a variety of tools for floors and carpets.

Backpack Vacuums

• For cleaning in congested areas or hard-to-reach areas.
• Ergonomic, quiet, easy to use and mobile.
• The backpack vacuum weight should rest on a user’s hips, avoiding weight on the shoulder or back.
• Units should have On/Off switch mounted on the hip within easy reach of the operator.

Cordless/Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

• Great on stairs and inside vehicles
• Lightweight and portable
• Good for small, hard-to-reach places.
• Rechargeable for quick pick-ups.
• Cordless feature enhances mobility.

Wet/Dry Vacuums

• Perfect for picking up wet spills or large debris.
• Safely vacuums large volumes of water and large volumes of dirt.
• Eliminates the cost of disposable bags.
• Dual tanks allow instant wet to dry changeover.
• Large, robust wheels will prevent tipping over.

Mechanical Sweepers

• Non-electric push sweepers make little noise and are perfect for quick cleaning.
• No power needed and easy to maneuver through tight spaces.
• Easy to carry and store.
• Requires no set up time.
• Best for touch-ups.

Step 2: Consider these tips before you buy

Power Cord

Cordless varieties or an extra long cord will allow you to move from room to room without having to unplug and switch power sources. Quick cord releases make getting started and putting the vacuum away after use easier.

Cleaning Path

Vacuums with wider cleaning paths will save time and increase productivity while cleaning.

Vacuum Performance

Two major ways to measure the performance of a vacuum are airflow (CFM) and lift (in).

Filters

For optimal vacuum performance, check your filters frequently. For allergen sensitive areas, HEPA filtration systems are highly recommended.

Bag Replacement

As the bag fills, less air flows out and the cleaning performance of the vacuum reduces. It is very important to replace or empty bags when they are full.

Attachments

You can find a variety of tools and accessories for vacuum cleaners. Select the tools, filters and accessories that address your needs best.

Easy to Use, Assemble and Maintain

It is important that your vacuum cleaner is easy to use, assemble (no tools required) and maintain (easy to replace bags, belts and filters).