Commercial spaces always endure more wear and tear than the average home. Whether it’s a mechanic workshop or a restaurant floor, commercial vacuum cleaners can make this regular chore quicker, easier, and more convenient.
The best commercial vacuum cleaners are highly durable and can handle more intense cleaning. If you need to reach tight spaces, clean up spills, or want something easy to take up and downstairs – there’s a vacuum model right for you.
Read on to learn what the best commercial vacuum is for you.
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2-Line Summary
The best commercial vacuum for you boils down to the type of space you expect to clean and what debris you expect to encounter. Some vacuums specialize in light commercial use that gets rid of dust, while others can handle higher demands like cleaning metal bolts or spills.
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| Name | Type | Weight | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Oreck Commercial XL (XL2100RHS) Editor’s Choice 2019 | Upright | 8.2 lbs | 10.9 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 2. ProTeam Super CoachVac | Backpack | 11 lbs | 10 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 3. Shark Rotator Upright (NV501) | Upright | 15.5 lbs | 2 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 4. Miele Compact C2 Electro+ | Canister | 15 lbs | 3.5 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 5. Hoover Lightweight Backpack (C2401) | Backpack | 9.2 lbs | 6.4 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 6. Bissell Zing (4122) | Canister | 12.5 lbs | 2 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 7. Eureka PowerSpeed (NEU182A) | Upright | 10 lbs | 4.3 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
| 8. Bissell MultiClean Wet/Dry (2035M) | Canister | 16.1 lbs | 24 Quarts | CHECK PRICE |
Buying Guide Summary for the Best Commercial Vacuum
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Overall, there are a few key things to check to know you’re choosing the best commercial vacuum cleaner for you. First, consider if you want to carry, roll, or push your vacuum cleaner. Respectively, this means choosing between a backpack, canister, or upright commercial vacuum cleaner.
Backpacks are usually pretty light (less than 12 pounds) and can help you navigate tight spaces. Canisters are powerful cleaners and are usually quieter than their counterparts. Upright vacuums are usually the most cost-effective and have the widest cleaning paths.
Once that’s decided, check for design specs that can make your cleaning easier and more effective. Make sure the bag capacity and cord length are sufficient, so you aren’t backtracking to the trash or searching for a new outlet.
If you have hard floors, look for commercial vacuums that can easily switch between hard and soft floors. Finally, look for vacuums with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration so your vacuum can catch tiny pollutants and keep them from recirculating back into your air.
If you have other preferences, look for special labels or certifications for your vacuum. For example, some commercial vacuum cleaners may have been recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, the Carpet and Rug Institute, or others.
- Choose the Type of Vacuum (Backpack, Canister, Upright)
- Check the Bag Capacity
- Choose Appropriate Power Cord Length
- Look for Hard Floor Settings
- Consider HEPA Filtration for Cleaner Air
- Think of Your Other Preferences (Lightweight, Auto-Cord Rewind, Certifications, etc.)
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Best No-Frills Upright Vacuum: Oreck Commercial XL (XL2100RHS)
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This Oreck Commercial XL (XL2100RHS) sets the standard for an upright vacuum cleaner. It has a 12-inch wide cleaning path and is designed to be better suited for cleaning low pile carpets.
The “Helping Hand” handle received an ease-of-use recommendation by the Arthritis Foundation. The on/off switch is located on the handgrip for convenience. This model has automatic floor adjustment, which enables it to move between carpets and hard surfaces without changing the manual settings.
The side edge brushes make picking up dust against walls easy. The bag can be lowered nearly parallel to the floor, so you can easily reach under and around furniture. The vacuum is lined with rubber bumpers to avoid damaging your walls or furniture.
To enhance the abilities of this vacuum, you can purchase an Oreck HEPA filter bag to combat odors and catch airborne pollutants. This bag can catch 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns from that air, which includes pollen, house dust, animal dander, and other pollutants.
Overall, it’s a no-frills workhorse that will get the job done.
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Pros
- Large Bag Capacity means infrequent changing
- Online Reviews say Great for Pet Hair
- Side Edge Brushes & Rubber Bumpers
- Gentle on Wrists and Hands
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Cons
- Has no attachments
- No Height Control
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General Specs
- Size: 6 x 13 x 35 inches
- Type: Upright
- Cord Length: 35 feet
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
- Capacity: 10.9 Quarts (630 cubic inches)
- Warranty: 1 Year
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Best Backpack Vacuum for Improved Air Quality: ProTeam Super CoachVac
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This ProTeam Super CoachVac has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for in commercial vacuums. Its design makes it perfect for anyone looking to deep clean your floors and air.
This model is best for low-pile carpets and hard surfaces. The 10-quart filter means infrequent changes despite cleaning large spaces. The vacuum has a Four Level Advanced Filtration with HEPA media filtration, meaning cleaner floors and fresher air.
This vacuum has been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute. Their performance standards include stringent testing on soil removed, how much dust the vacuum recirculates, and how much the vacuum alters the appearance of a rug or carpet. With this CRI label, the Super CoachVac excels in all three of these areas.
Despite its power, this vacuum is very quiet. Most vacuums clock in at around 70-80 decibels, whereas this vacuum hovers at about 60 dBA (comparable to normal conversation levels). This brand has also referenced mountaineering-backpack styles to help create a more comfortable cleaning experience.
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Pros
- Extra-long power cord
- Comes with HEPA Media Filter
- Very Quiet
- Comes with Several Tools and Wand Attachments
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Cons
- Some reviews complain attachments fall off
- Not recommended for delicate wood floors or high pile carpets
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General Specs
- Size: 8.5 x 8.5 x 25 inches
- Type: Backpack
- Cord Length: 50 feet
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Capacity: 10 quarts
- Warranty: 3-year warranty on motor, labor, and parts. Limited lifetime warranty on molded body parts.
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Best Versatile Upright Commercial Vacuum: Shark Rotator
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This Shark Rotator upright vacuum is a high-performance choice for any space that needs a thorough clean.
It has an extra-large capacity canister that is easily detached at the push of a button. This versatile design allows you detach the lift-away canister for the portability of a hand vac, or use the hose and turn it into a canister vac.
Although the capacity is lower than other commercial vacuums, this vacuum removes the need to replace bags. Once it’s full, simply detach it from your vacuum cleaner and hold the canister over a trashing. Click the release button to open the bottom of the canister and dump the dust into your bin.
The Shark brand uses anti-allergen complete seal technology and a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust in the vacuum. This vacuum also comes with swivel-steering and LED-lights to help see and clean dark and hard to reach corners.
This vacuum does well on both hard surfaces and low-pile carpeting. It also includes several attachments: a pet power brush, wide pet upholstery tool, straight suction nozzle, dusting brush, and a 12″ crevice tool.
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Pros
- Versatile Design
- Great for Pet Hair
- HEPA Filtration Built-in
- Includes Several Attachments
- LED Lights help clean dark spaces
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Cons
- Limited Quart Size
- Shorter Cord
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General Specs
- Size: 45.7 x 12.1 x 12.2 inches
- Type: Upright, Bagless
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Weight: 15.5 pounds
- Capacity: 2 Quarts
- Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty
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Best Canister Vacuum: Miele Compact C2 Electro+
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This Miele Compact C2 Electro+ Vacuum is a high-powered canister vacuum. If you have a lot of hard to reach corners and floor space to cover, the C2 will help get every inch of your space clean.
This model quickly removes dirt, dust, and other particles from both bare floors and carpets. It has a detachable wand that allows for cleaning hard-to-reach places. The included accessories are a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool.
This Miele Compact canister has an adjustable power brushroll that can be used on both low to high pile carpets. It also has a dedicated hard floor tool for hard flooring. It’s cleaning path width stretches as far as 13 inches, which rivals even some upright vacuums. The bags are self-sealing,
Extra features like its retractable power cord, built-in HEPA filter, and six suction-control power settings make it a pleasure to use. This C2 model was also recognized by Good Housekeeping, a well-respected home magazine.
Miele has a great reputation for long-lasting use. Based on average use of 45 min per week at max suction, Miele estimates their models are tested to last for around 20 years. If this longevity is true, the price of this Miele would be worth the investment.
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Pros
- Great Suction Power with Six Modes
- Exhaust smells fresh due to HEPA filtration
- Cord Retract is Easy
- Quiet
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Cons
- Price is relatively High
- Check the Miele Service Map for Warranty
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General Specs
- Size: 16.7 x 9.6 x 9.1 inches
- Type: Canister
- Cord Length: 24 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Capacity: 3.5 Quarts
- Warranty: 1 Year
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Extra Comfortable Backpack Vacuum Option: Hoover Backpack Vacuum
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This Hoover backpack vacuum is another great choice for push, pull, and wheel-free vacuum use. At only 9.2 pounds, this backpack is a breeze to carry from room to room. This Hoover can clean both low-pile carpets and hard surfaces. The clear dome lid makes it easy to see when it’s time to dump the dust.
This Hoover backpack will help you leave no stone unturned. This purchase includes several accessories: a crevice tool, turbo floor tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. The hypercone HEPA filter will keep all the dust and debris in your vacuum. Although this vacuum is powerful, it’s still quiet – clocking in at only 66 dBA.
This harness goes above and beyond the simple two-straps of a backpack. Hoover claims their harness was designed with a chiropractor’s input. The harness wraps around the waist to help evenly distribute the weight from your shoulders into your back and hips as well. This design feature makes it comfortable and safe for long and regular wear.
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Pros
- Lightweight & Great Back Support
- Several add-ons for hard to reach places
- Long Cord
- Easy to tell when to change out canister (clear top)
- Can be used for light-outdoor uses (balcony, porch, patio)
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Cons
- Not designed for home spaces, length of wand cannot be reduced
- Not great for thick carpets
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General Specs
- Size: 13.2 x 13.2 x 30 inches
- Type: Backpack
- Cord Length: 48 feet
- Weight: 9.2 pounds
- Capacity: 6.4 Quarts
- Warranty: 2 Years
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Lightweight Canister Vacuum: Bissell Zing (4122)
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Some vacuums vroom, but this vacuum zings! This 4122 Zing bagged canister is another great option for a commercial vacuum. This model is best for big homes or light commercial use.
This Bissell canister can be carried up the stairs, brought into the bathroom, or used in tight spaces with no hassle. The wand is adjustable so you can comfortably use the short wand in tight spaces and can expand it to reach tall drapes and ceilings.
With a tap of your foot, this vacuum will put away the wires for you with its automatic cord rewind. At the press of a button, the nozzle can handle carpet, rugs, and bare floors.
This model also comes with a full bag indicator, letting you know when it’s time to swap out the bag. Although this Bissell doesn’t use HEPA filters, it does use multi-level filtration.
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Pros
- Small and Lightweight
- Great for hardwood floors
- Telescopic Wand
- Automatic Wire Rewind
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Cons
- No HEPA filter
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General Specs
- Size: 18.6 x 11.1 x 11.5 inches
- Type: Canister
- Cord Length: 17 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Capacity: 2 Quarts
- Warranty: 1 year limited
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Lightweight Upright Vacuum: Eureka PowerSpeed (NEU182A)
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This Eureka NEU182A upright vacuum is an effective and lightweight choice for any commercial space.
The motor and brushroll work together to lift and suck heavy debris. The nozzle is 12.6 inches wide, allowing for quick and efficient cleaning. At only 10 pounds, this vacuum is easy to move from room to room. Unlike other vacuums on our list, this one has high-suction and can effectively clean thick rugs in addition to the basic thinner carpets and hard floors. The smooth rubber wheels ensure you won’t leave any scratches on delicate flooring.
This model allows its add-ons to clip onto the vacuum for built-in storage. The add-ons included with this Eureka are a 7-inch-long crevice tool, dusting brush, and an upholstery tool.
The 4.3-quart dust bin allows for less frequent dust dumping. When it is time to dump, you’ll know – the dust bin is clear for easy monitoring.
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Pros
- Telescoping handle for easy adjustment
- Bagless design
- Five height settings
- Washable filter
- Great for Pet Hair
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Cons
- No HEPA filter
- Some review says the plastic cracks if you’re not careful
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General Specs
- Size: 13.4 x 14 x 44.5 inches
- Type: Upright
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Capacity: 4.3 quarts
- Warranty: 2-Year Limited Warranty
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Best Wet/Dry Bagless Commercial Canister Vacuum: Bissell MultiClean Wet/Dry (2035M)
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This 2035M Bissell multi-clean wet/dry vacuum can handle a range of surfaces and debris types. If you find that your space has a range of debris that goes beyond typical dust and dirt – this is the vacuum for you. This vacuum would do well in a range of workshops, sheds, or other commercial places with a variety of messes to clean.
With its 24-quart capacity, you can go cleaning all day. It’s built with two-stage filtration which is designed to extend the life of the filter and make cleaning easier.
In addition to sucking up dirt, this vacuum can also act as a blower. This is helpful for blowing up toys, mattresses, or even just blowing debris out of your doorways.
This vacuum comes with several add-ons, including a crevice tool, precision blowing or suction tool, precision wet suction tool, upholstery brush and detailing or inflatable nozzle tools. The wand is stainless steel and adjustable, making it a durable and versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor cleaning.
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Pros
- Can Handle Wet and Dry Messes
- Blowing Function allows for additional uses
- Great on Carpet and Hard Floors
- Bagless for Quick Cleanup
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Cons
- No HEPA filter
- Narrow Hose can only handle small debris from outside
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General Specs
- Size: 16 x 16 x 24.5 inches
- Type: Canister
- Cord Length: 19 feet
- Weight: 16.1 pounds
- Capacity: 24 quarts
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Buying Guide
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On first glance, most vacuums seem to be pretty similar in their capability. However, there are a few important things to consider when choosing the best commercial vacuum for your property.
Bag or Bin Capacity
Commercial vacuums are expected to be able to clean up large spaces efficiently. Check that the bag capacity is on the upper end, so you aren’t constantly visiting the bin while cleaning. Some vacuums don’t have bags, but instead, have canisters or containers that hold the dust. The dust can then be dumped out – no replacement bags needed.
Some vacuums seal the bag themselves, meaning you never come into contact with the dust you’ve gathered. However, you’ll need to remember to replace bags. Bagless means never needing to buy replacement bags, but you might breathe or touch some dust as you dump it in your bin. It’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to dust or common allergens.
Power Cord Length
As with bag capacity, if you know your space has limited outlets or many corners – you’ll want to make sure the power cord is long enough to reach far away corners and crevices. The less time you spend searching for a new outlet, the faster your space can be cleaned. Generally, you’ll want to look for a 25 to 40-inch cord.
If you want to avoid getting tangled up – consider a cordless vacuum. The main downside to cordless vacuums is that they need regular charging.
Hard Floor & Wet/Dry Capacity
A good commercial vacuum cleaner should be able to clean a range of floor types – including hard floors. For example, upright vacuums are usually great for hard floors, but canister vacuums may require a special add-on cleaning head.
Wet/Dry vacuums can handle more harsh debris and can suck up spilled liquids. They typically provide powerful suction which can pick up nails, screws and other pieces of debris which would easily damage or destroy other vacuums. It can also vacuum in a wet environment just as well as a dry one.
Hose Diameter & Length
Having a big hose diameter is important if you’re looking to get your work done quicker. Also, if you work in an industrial space with large debris (woodchips, stray bolts, etc.) – you’ll want a vacuum that doesn’t mind sucking in bigger pieces. Hoses range from around 11.5 centimeters to 2 inches.
Hose length can also impact the ease of this chore. If you need to get within 2 feet to clean anything, you’ll be cleaning all day. Look for hoses that range from 3 to 6 feet for easier access to more surfaces.
HEPA Filter
HEPA Filters help your commercial vacuum capture a range of pollutants and allergens. HEPA filters effectively capture dust, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, and more. If your space cares for sensitive populations such as children or the elderly, buying a vacuum with a HEPA filter is an especially worthwhile investment.
Commercial Vacuum Cleaners – Types
Now that you know what specs to look for, let’s talk about the types of commercial vacuums available on the market. Primarily, you have the choice between carrying, rolling, and pushing your vacuum. This will be a particularly important decision if you’re someone with a sensitive back.
Backpack
Backpack vacuums are a great option if you’re looking to have a more portable vacuum that helps you work in tight spaces or high-traffic areas with more ease. They usually weigh around 9 to 12 pounds and are designed to be worn on your back. They come with a range of head add-ons to support a variety of cleaning needs.
Backpack vacuums are especially useful on staircases since you don’t need to carry a conventional vacuum up each step. Although you need to carry these on your back, they minimize the amount of bending over you need to do.
Canister
Canister vacuums are wheeled around, with a long cleaning nozzle at the end of the hose. The canister contains the engine, filter, and dust bags. Canister vacuum cleaners are usually more powerful than upright vacuum cleaners.
They’re also easier to operate than upright vacuum cleaners since you only need to move the wand, and not the entire vacuum – without having to carry it on your back. Therefore, canisters strike a nice balance between backpack vacuums and upright vacuums.
A downside is that you might wheel the canister into delicate walls or furniture. Canister vacuums are also quieter than their upright counterparts, making it perfect for an afternoon clean in a busy office space. Pulling a canister is easy, but you’ll need to bend over to push many of the buttons.
Upright
When you close your eyes and think of a vacuum, upright vacuums probably come to mind. These vacuums are typically used in the home, but more powerful models can be great for commercial purposes as well.
They typically have a specialized setting for both hard floors and soft floors, which can usually be switched with your foot or on the handle. Their motorized brushes allow them to deep clean thick carpets, rugs, and other soft floorings.
Upright vacuums tend to be the most budget-friendly option of the different types of vacuums. However, they aren’t the best at cleaning small spaces and crevices and usually weigh a lot. This can be hard on your back if you need to carry it up stairs or vacuum for long periods.
Cordless upright vacuums are generally more lightweight but usually can only handle around 1-hour of vacuuming before needing another charge.
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Choosing the Best Commercial Vacuum – FAQ
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How long do commercial vacuums last?
The lifespan of a typical commercial vacuum can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the model. The average lifespan across brands is eight years.
There are a few ways you can increase the longevity of your vacuum. First, choose your vacuum carefully by ensuring it’s designed to handle the type of cleaning you expect. Also, as with any machine, regular maintenance improves its lifespan. Be sure to regularly clean out and replace filters, and not to go beyond the dustbin or bag capacity.
How many amps should commercial vacuum cleaners have?
Typically, most commercial vacuums use about 12 amps. For reference, most homes in the U.S. are fitted with a mix of 15-amp and 20-amp circuits.
Generally, you should be wary of vacuums that claim beyond 12 amps. Vacuums that claim that are usually basing their claim on some other manufacturer developed “performance rating” instead of true amperage. This is with the goal of creating the impression of a more powerful vacuum cleaner.
It’s important to note that amps aren’t the best measure of the power of your vacuum. Other specs including airflow, suction power can be better indicators of your vacuum’s performance.
You should also look for relevant labels and certifications. Examples include vacuums with the Carpet and Rug (CRI) Green Label, recommendations by the Arthritis Foundation, and other recognitions.
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Conclusion
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Overall, choosing the best commercial vacuum for your space boils down to what type of vacuum you’d like and what debris you hope to pick up. Some vacuums specialize in light commercial use that gets rid of dust or allergens. Others are more suited to suck up bolts and water without taking any damage.
It’s also important to consider if you’d prefer bagless. Although it’s messier, you’ll never be unable to use your vacuum because you’re out of replacements.
The importance of vacuums goes way beyond picking up dirt. Did you know that indoor air quality can have as much as an impact on your health as outdoor air quality? Poor indoor air quality can impact your respiratory system, flare up allergies, and have other negative health effects.
The right commercial vacuum can make your floors cleaner, your air fresher, and your chores easier. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you now have all the information you need to choose the best commercial vacuum for your space.
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