3 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Backpack Vacuum

Vacuuming is a necessary task, but can often be tedious and time-consuming. There are a large variety of vacuum cleaners to choose from, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you and your business. If you’re looking to improve vacuuming efficiency, you may want to consider adding a backpack vacuum to your cleaning tools.

Upright vs Backpack Vacuums

The upright vacuum has been around for almost 100 years. These traditional-style vacuums have become more powerful and efficient over time due to manufacturers' innovations, yet the overall design has not changed much. They do provide a deep clean on a budget, but they don't offer the same flexibility as a backpack vacuum. Backpack vacuums allow for increased productivity and easier cleaning in tight spaces. The best option for you ultimately depends on your cleaning plans and facility layout, but in this article, we are going to focus on the key benefits of adding a backpack vac to your cleaning program.

1. Boost in Productivity

A backpack vacuum provides more freedom of motion and eliminates the issue of the power cord getting in the way of the vacuum or your feet. Being more mobile makes dusting, cleaning vents and blinds, and vacuuming stairs a breeze. This improvement in mobility makes cleaning more efficient and allows the user to clean up to four times faster than an upright vacuum.

Watch the CleanFreak.com team test the performance of a backpack vacuum vs a standard upright vacuum.

2. Reduced Costs

The long-term costs of maintenance are less than an upright vacuum. Backpack vacuums are simply constructed, containing only two moving parts, the switch, and the motor. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, unlike an upright vacuum that has around 50 moving parts that can wear out or break down.

A reduction in labor costs can also be found with backpack vacuum usage. If you’re able to clean an area up to four times faster, this will turn into money savings in the long run. With an average wage of $13/hr, you save $85,800/yr for every 100,000 sq ft you clean with a backpack vacuum instead of an upright!

Use our Vacuum Efficiency Calculator to get an estimate of how much time and money you can save by switching from a corded upright vacuum to a corded or battery backpack vacuum.

3. Increased Ergonomics

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Labor classifies cleaning and custodial work as a high-risk job? It’s also one of the top five occupations for missed workdays due to job-related injury.

Backpack vacuums are designed for cleaning efficiency with an emphasis on ergonomics. The lightweight frame and harness can be adjusted to rest comfortably on the cleaner’s back to maintain a more neutral posture. This eliminates the stress and fatigue that comes from pushing an upright with the arm and shoulder. Before using, It’s important to always make sure the vac is properly fitted and positioned for maximum comfort and mobility.

A backpack vacuum may not be the right fit for everyone, but it’s worth considering for the above benefits. CleanFreak.com carries a variety of backpack vacuums from Hoover, ProTeam, and other top brands. See our complete line of backpack vacuums here.