There are five main types of commercial vacuums, each with its uses and features. Although they all perform the same general function of cleaning dirt and debris from floors, they differ in how they pick up the debris, collect it, how often they need to be emptied, and other factors that can make one vacuum more ideal than another in different scenarios. Read on to learn about the main types of commercial vacuums and their pros and cons.
- Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
If you need to clean up messes that aren’t too big, a handheld vacuum cleaner is good. They are too cumbersome to use in larger spaces, but one can easily take care of more minor cleaning needs. Plus, many handhelds are cordless, so you don’t have to worry about cords getting in your way.
Keep in mind a handheld vacuum cleaner. Small motor capacities often lead to less suction power; therefore, you may need to clean up messes more than once with some devices. For example, the average cordless handheld has a battery life of around 15-20 minutes before it needs recharging.
- Canister Vacuum Cleaner
If you have hardwood floors in your business, you may want to invest in a canister vacuum. Canister vacuums have extended cleaning hoses to reach deep into corners and under desks. This is good news for businesses with hardwood or laminate floors. You can also adjust these tools to clean both hard flooring and carpets.
Some models even come with a brush to help remove ground-in dirt from your carpet. Remember that not all business owners will need one, so don’t feel like you have to buy it if you don’t think it will be helpful!

- Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Upright vacuums use a bag to hold dirt and other fine particles, which must be replaced. A high-end upright vacuum will cost upwards of $500. Still, they typically come with extra features like sealed HEPA filters, high-powered suction, automatic height adjustment for different surfaces, and a telescoping wand for reaching those hard-to-reach spots.
If you have mostly flooring (wood or tile) in your home or business and need to maintain a tidy look all year round without going over budget, an upright vacuum is likely your best bet. It’s important to note that while most can tackle carpet, it’s not ideal to use them on the wall-to-wall carpet more than once per week.
- Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
Backpack vacuums are the perfect tools for janitorial work as they can get into places one would otherwise have to access by hand. Additionally, backpack models are relatively light, so it’s easier to clean stairs or other hard-to-reach spots in a high-rise office.
According to the experts at EBP Supply Solutions, backpack vacuums are 230% more productive than their upright counterparts. These vacuums might be slightly more expensive than regular upright models, but they help clean many different spaces throughout an office complex.
- Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Commercial wet dry vacuums are another must for any commercial space. This type of vacuum is ideal for cleaning clean wet messes or dry ones. Wet dry vacs typically have powerful suction, so they’re great for heavy-duty jobs like cleaning up after a flood or clearing out a basement.
With the massive number of commercial vacuums on the market, it can be challenging to understand what each one offers. Use this guide to research the most common types of commercial vacuums and their uses to choose what best suits your business needs. You can also speak to the experts at Jon-Don for in-depth advice.