BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In the October feature, “Interior cleaning: It all starts with a good vacuum,” David H. VanGorder, contributing writer, discusses why it is important to have a high-quality vacuum.
“No matter what the nature of your business — full-service, express, self-service, detailing, etc. — the process of cleaning the interior of a car starts with a good vacuum job,” writes VanGorder in the article. “And, to do a good job, you need a good vacuum.”
He continues that a basic interior cleaning may only include a vacuum service and a quick wipe down of the interior surfaces; however, it could also be more involved, including a carpet and upholstery shampoo or steam cleaning. In any case, notes VanGorder in the article, the carpet/upholstery must be thoroughly vacuumed before proceeding to any subsequent process.
“Do not just vacuum up the dirt and debris sitting on the surface; make sure to get all the sand, dust and debris buried in the roots of the carpet and upholstery fibers,” says VanGorder in the article. “Unless you remove all the dirt, any further cleaning will be compromised and the overall result will be inferior. As industry professionals, your customers expect a level of service they cannot do on their own.”
In the article, VanGorder offers the following best practices to ensure the best vacuuming results:
- Buy a vacuum that generates at least 100 CFM air flow.
- Buy a vacuum that produces at least 100 inches of water suction power.
- Have a dedicated vacuum for each hose.
- Keep your filters clean.
- Make sure all seals are in good condition.
- Validate that your hose and tools are in good condition.
- Empty your vacuum regularly.
Owners, operators and workers should not:
- Buy a consumer grade “shop vac” (these have good air flow but lousy sealed suction).
- Try to run multiple hose drops from one central vacuum generator (you will suffer from reduced sealed suction power).
- Locate your vacuum so that a long pipe or hose run is required to get to the work area.
- Neglect your vacuum.
Stay tuned for the October issue to read this entire article on the importance of a good vacuum. And, while you wait, peruse through the pages of the September issue here.
