The industrial vacuum cleaner has evolved far beyond a simple, heavy piece of equipment that simply sucks up dust. Thanks to technological advancements in the cleaning industry over the past few decades, industrial vacuums have become complex machines designed for a variety of applications.
While the basic principle of vacuuming remains the same across different models, each type of industrial vacuum cleaner is uniquely suited to specific tasks depending on factors like floor type, noise level, and accessibility.
We’ve gone through the trouble of detailing each different type of industrial vacuum cleaner and the applications they are best suited for.
Upright Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Upright vacuums are known for their larger container or bag capacity, which means less frequent emptying compared to other models. They are particularly effective on large, carpeted areas, as their design allows for easy manoeuvrability without dragging a canister behind you. However, their weight can be a downside, making it tiring to push and pull the entire device during operation. This shape and size can also cause difficulties when vacuuming stairs or underneath furniture.
Key components of an upright vacuum cleaner include:
- Intake and exhaust ports
- A motor that drives the fan
- A vacuum bag or container to collect dust
- Rotating bristles for effective carpet cleaning
Many upright vacuums also come with flexible hoses and attachments, increasing their versatility for different cleaning tasks.
Canister Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Canister vacuums excel on hard floor surfaces but are generally less effective on carpets. They are quieter than upright models and have a low profile, making them ideal for cleaning stairs and reaching under furniture. A canister vacuum typically features a long wand attached to the main unit via a flexible hose.
Key components of a canister vacuum cleaner include:
- A motor that drives the fan
- A dust and debris receptacle
- A variety of attachments and nozzles for different surfaces
The canister itself is mounted on wheels, making it easier to move around. The flexible hose allows for easier manoeuvring during cleaning, but transporting the entire device can be more cumbersome than with an upright model. The variety of attachments makes canister vacuums versatile, capable of cleaning wood floors, tiles, and even carpets.
Wet and Dry Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Industrial vacuum cleaners aren’t just for dry debris; they can handle liquid spills and wet cleaning tasks as well. Wet and dry vacuums are versatile machines that can transition from one type of cleaning to another by changing filters or containers. This capability allows for easy maintenance and keeps different types of debris and residue separate.
These vacuums are particularly useful in environments where spills are common, such as construction sites, workshops, and manufacturing facilities.
Stick/Broom Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Stick or broom vacuums are lightweight, slim, and versatile. They typically do not feature rollers or beater bars, making them suitable for quick, small-scale cleaning tasks rather than extensive jobs. Most stick vacuums are cordless and bagless, providing convenience for on-the-go cleaning.
These vacuums are easy to use, requiring minimal bending, which makes them comfortable to operate. However, they are not as powerful as upright or canister vacuums and may struggle on carpeted surfaces. The motor is usually housed in the handle or along the wand, contributing to their lightweight design.
Robotic or Automatic Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Robotic vacuum cleaners are lightweight and require minimal supervision. These devices, like our Robot Floor Scrubber Dryer KIRA B 50, can autonomously clean an area based on pre-set instructions and will automatically switch off once the task is complete. Equipped with electronic sensors, robotic vacuums can avoid obstacles like walls and stairs, ensuring efficient cleaning without constant oversight.
These vacuums do not require bags and are battery-powered, making them quieter than traditional models. While they are a quirky and convenient option, robotic vacuums are less common in industrial settings, where more robust equipment is often necessary.
Still need help deciding on your next industrial vacuum? Read our hire guide for tips on dust class, ATEX and more.
Your Industrial Cleaning Partner
At Kärcher Hire UK, we provide a comprehensive selection of industrial vacuum cleaners tailored to your specific cleaning needs. Whether you’re looking for a robust upright vacuum for large, carpeted areas or hard floors, or a heavy-duty wet and dry vacuum for larger spaces, we have the right equipment for you.
Our industrial vacuums and other cleaning machines are available for both short-term hire and long-term contracts, ensuring flexibility to suit your requirements. Plus, with next-day UK delivery starting from just £40, you can get the cleaning power you need without delay.
Browse our full range of industrial vacuums and commercial cleaning machines online, or call us at 0345 222 8000 for expert advice and a free quote.
