Commercial cleaning is increasingly experiencing a trend— janitorial companies are embracing cordless backpack vacuums. They’re great for cleaning universities, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, to name a few. Let's examine the benefits to determine if cordless is perfect for your cleaning challenges.

One of the most common questions is, “Do they actually work?” There’s no denying going cordless is convenient — being untethered provides flexibility while cleaning. What people really want to know relates to power and runtime.

The basic mechanics of cordless uprights and cordless backpack vacuums are the same as their corded counterparts. That is, except for their power source. Plug-in models have a constant draw of power and plenty of it. Fortunately, there are options for cordless vacuums featuring ample power and long run times.

When considering cordless vacuums, there are several things to keep in mind, including power, runtime, minimum charge cycles, filtration, maneuverability, and available tools.

The most significant element of an excellent vacuum is power. Some vacuums may be lightweight and easy to use but leave dirt and debris behind. Since most professional cleaners are seeking vacuums that provide as much lift as possible, the vacuum design must ensure cubic feet per minute (CFM) and static lift perform together. That means true cleaning effectiveness is measured when the intersection of lift and flow is as high as possible throughout typical cleaning conditions.

Cubic feet per minute, or CFM, is a measurement of airflow. It refers to the cubic feet of air traveling through a vacuum in 60 seconds.

Static lift refers to a vacuum's ability to pick up dirt or liquid using suction. This is determined by how high a vacuum can suck a column of water through a 1.5-inch tube. A static lift of 60 means a vacuum can raise water in a column 60 inches off the ground.

Power only matters if you can finish the job you start. This means battery life is critical in a cordless vacuum. On the low end, cordless vacuums run 15 to 40 minutes. However, for commercial use, you should look for a unit that can run for at least 60 minutes on a charge.

New lithium-ion (Li) battery technology allows cordless vacuums to last around 100 minutes. And these batteries can be fully charged in just a few hours.

Cordless vacuums run off battery power and rechargeable batteries can only be charged so many times before performance diminishes. The number of times a battery can be drained to zero and recharged is known as Minimum Charge Cycles.

Most cordless vacuums use Lithium Ion (Li) batteries. It is common for these types of batteries to have around 1000 minimum charge cycles. If you are looking at a vacuum that has less, you may want to avoid that model.

In commercial cleaning, filtration makes all the difference in the world. When you have a cordless vacuum with power and an excellent filtration system, pay attention. The best vacuums can contribute to improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). And cleaner air means healthier and happier building occupants.

Any cordless vacuum worth buying should be easy to maneuver around furniture and corners. Look for user-friendly wands and vacuum heads that require minimal effort. Cordless backpack vacuums, in particular, maximize a user's mobility.

Commercial cleaning requires a vacuum with versatility. This means you should have access to a comprehensive collection of attachments and tools for hard surfaces, carpeted floors, rugs, crevices, maneuvering around obstacles, high dusting and accessories needed for detailed cleaning.

Cordless vacuuming is ideal in many scenarios. Freedom from a cord decreases cleaning times and removes a tripping hazard for building occupants. Not being tied to sockets can also improve the flow of cleaning. You can start anywhere that best suits you. Here are a few advantages of going cordless.

-  No need for a socket nearby or even electricity in the area like stairwells, elevators

- Less bending over to plug/unplug cords

- No need to stop cleaning to move to a new outlet (great for large spaces, hallways or stairs)

- No cord management around furniture or other obstacles