Ten Tips for Maintaining a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Facility service providers (FSPs) are finding more and more uses for wet/dry vacuum cleaners. These machines are typically used for heavy-duty vacuuming, cleaning up after water damage, and when refinishing floors.



"And, once FSPs start using a wet/dry vac they often find more and more cleaning challenges that can be solved using the machine," says Daniel Frimml, customer service tech with Tornado Industries, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment.



Although typically very durable machines, wet/dry vacs require proper care to provide years of dependable service. The following is Frimml's Ten Tips for Maintaining a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner that should help keep your machine up and running for years to come

Thoroughly clean the solution tank after each use
The float and float cage used to stop vacuum action when maximum recovery is reached should be cleaned after each use.
Ensure that the float moves freely before operating.
If the float must be removed, it must be re-installed correctly. On most machines this means that the open end faces down.
Use the appropriate filter per cleaning task. Usually this means a paper filter for dry vacuuming and a cloth filter for wet vacuuming.
Clean the paper filter bag after each use by shaking the filter to remove loose particles; with a cloth filter, rinse clean but never wash the filter, this can cause shrinkage.
If foam develops in the machine, it must be reduced using a chemical de-foamer.
Never store the machine with liquid inside the tank. Run the machine empty for about five minutes to remove all moisture from the tank, hoses, and attachments.
If removing the motor head, be careful and place it down gently on a clean, dry surface.
Keep all operating instructions on hand for future reference.

"A common problem we see is FSPs not paying enough attention to the float," adds Frimml. "The float is very important. Without it working properly, the vacuum motor can be destroyed."