When Filtration Matters – A Guide to Specialist Cleanroom and Hazardous Dust Vacuum Cleaners

For those in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or life science sectors, or in critical process manufacturing such as optics, aerospace or military, cleanrooms are all part and parcel of the manufacturing process.

Cleanrooms operate a controlled level of contamination, with a key component being the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter used to trap particles upwards of 0.3 micron.

Cleanrooms are classified according to the number and size of particles allowed per volume of air, with Class Ratings extending in multiples of 10 from 1 through to 100,000. The lower the rating, the less the tolerance of contaminant particles.

You may wonder how cleanrooms are kept clean: it is a good question. There are in fact vacuum cleaners specifically designed for this purpose.

The Numatic CRQ370 for example is designed for use in environments with Class 100 ratings. The compact nature of this cleanroom vacuum cleaner makes it perfect for routine cleaning. Features include a long power cable that is easy to replace; a metal head for boosted durability; a bumper ring to protect the front wheels from causing damage and a five-stage filtration system guaranteed to remove 100 per cent of particles right down to a size of 0.1um without any loss of performance or suction power. This performance is 100 per cent certified.

This model is supplied complete with a full professional accessory kit in stainless steel, allowing the user to access and thoroughly clean the typical objects and surfaces found in a cleanroom environment. There are two options available: 110 Volt and 240 Volt. Both have a powerful 1200 Watt twinflo motor.

The Numatic CRQ370

It is not only cleanrooms that call for exceptional filtration and efficiency. Computer rooms, operating theatres and clinics for example all require maximum, guaranteed levels of filtration. The Numatic MFQ370-22 is a machine that fits the bill when it comes to cleaning such environments.

This model again offers a 1200 Watt twinflo motor and comes in both 110 Volt and 240 Volt options. There is a choice between high and low operation and, crucially, the HEPA micro filter offers an outstanding 99.997 per cent certified efficiency, tested to EN1822 standard. Compact in size and featuring a professional specification and steel motor head construction, the machine comes complete with an accessory kit allowing the user to access and thoroughly clean a range of spaces.

The Numatic MFQ370-22

High Filtration Vacuum Cleaners – Specialist, Tailored Advice

At Anderson Trade, we offer a comprehensive range of specialist commercial and industrial vacuum cleaners, including machines purpose designed for cleanroom use.

All our machines are supplied with a complimentary onsite demonstration. This means you can have complete peace of mind that the model you choose will match your individual needs. We also stock an extensive range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial and industrial vacuum cleaners. To learn more, or to arrange your free demonstration, please get in touch.

The Carpet Cleaner Buyer’s Guide

Vacuuming carpets is a good way to remove loose surface dirt, but what about all that ground-in grime that gets pushed deeper and deeper into the pile every time it’s walked on? Plus there are all the airborne pollutants such as dust and chemicals.

Carpet cleaners are designed to remove dirt, stains and allergens and are renowned for their deep cleaning properties with a focus on health as well as cleaning. But what are the most important considerations to make when buying a carpet cleaning machine for commercial use? Let’s take a look.

Steam Power

Steam is well known for killing off the bacteria that lurks deep in carpet pile. Dust mites and other allergy inducing bugs can be wiped out with steam. What’s more, the use of steam rather than water will reduce the drying time needed, which helps prevent mould and mildew from becoming a problem.

The Coccinella steam cleaner is a popular model. It offers professional performance thanks to its continuous dry steam for deep cleaning. There is no pressure cap with this model, which means no waiting for the pressure to drop before you can refill it, unlike with other models.

Rinsing Ability

Most carpet cleaners need the help of chemicals to properly attack grime and bacteria. The key thing is to make sure these chemicals are thoroughly removed from the carpet once the cleaning is done, otherwise they could be responsible for inducing allergy symptoms. For this reason, it is vital to choose a carpet cleaner that thoroughly rinses the fibres once they have been washed.

Simplicity of Use

This is one of the most important considerations. You’ll need to think about various factors. Firstly, the weight of the carpet cleaner. If you have large areas to cover, is it easily manoeuvrable? Can you lift it up and down stairs? Transport it easily from one contract location to the next?

Think also about the length of the power cord and the available attachments. Does the machine offer sufficient flexibility for your specific needs?

Water Reservoir

Is the water reservoir of an adequate size so that it will deal with the area you need to cover? Larger areas need bigger tanks, otherwise you will be travelling backwards and forwards to a water supply over and over again.

Specific Requirements

Think about how you will be using the carpet cleaner. Will you need it for the odd spill as well as larger jobs? If so, something that is easy to deploy quickly and offers flexibility could be a good choice. If you need to deal with regular ground-in, stubborn stains, then you will need to choose a model that can cope with such a requirement. Also think about drying time: some machines will clean carpets using lower quantities of water, allowing the carpets to dry faster.

Product Suggestions

The HOS Orbot SprayBorg Orbital Cleaning System is a multifunction machine suitable for hard floors and carpets. It uses an encapsulation water based solution, providing deep carpet cleaning using Zorb cotton pads. It uses very little water, leaving the floor virtually dry. It’s also easy to transport from floor to floor and up and down stairs.

The Numatic George is the classic all-in-one cleaning machine offering deep cleaning properties for carpets. The powerful motor and pump system make this machine the ideal choice for even the toughest cleaning needs.

The Vax Commercial VCW-06 offers excellent cleaning power to remove most stains and also lift the pile, leaving the carpet clean and dry. The tool kit allows for easy cleaning of stairs and upholstery.

Carpet Cleaners - Tailored Advice

At Anderson Trade, we offer a comprehensive range of carpet cleaning machines. You can browse all our carpet cleaners here.

All our machines come with a complimentary onsite demonstration, so you can rest assured the model you choose will match your individual needs. We also stock an extensive range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners. For more information or to arrange a free demo, please get in touch

A Guide to Buying an Aircraft Vac

What’s important when buying a vacuum cleaner specifically for aircraft use? It’s a good question, especially in situations where turnaround and reliability mean everything. So let’s take a look at the key things to consider when making such a purchase.

Run time

It’s important that your aircraft vac keeps on going to get the job done in your short timeframe. If you’re going for a battery operated model, always check the runtime of the battery. You should be looking for something in the vicinity of 40 minutes.

Some models will store two batteries so you have a back-up, crucial if you are hopping from one aircraft to another in a short time span. Also check out the charge time. Too long and it could cost you in turnaround when it matters most.

Some models, such as the I-Vac Battery Operated Vacuum Cleaner, have a smart charger that shows the voltage and a time clock, making it easier for you to see how long you’ve got till full charge.

If you don’t want to rely on battery charge, go for a model that runs on the aircraft’s power supply instead, but make sure the machine is designed specifically for the aircraft current: a regular vacuum won’t do.

Mobility

The weight and size of your aircraft vacuum cleaner are key considerations. Can you easily lift the machine up the stairs and onto the aircraft? Does it manoeuvre well through the aisles, under seats and into small spaces?

Consider this when you are making your choice. If you hone your search specifically to aircraft spec machines, you should tick all these boxes.

Toolkit

What does the aircraft vacuum cleaner come with? The toolkit supplied could make all the difference. 

For example, the Numatic ANV180s Aircraft Vacuum Cleaner comes with an orange, hi-vis anti-kink cable; a full aluminium kit; a large Tritex filter and five HepaFlo bags. Always check precisely what you are getting when you buy your aircraft vacuum cleaner.

Health and safety

Think about your operatives and how handling a vacuum cleaner within limited spaces and up and down staircases could affect them. You may wish to consider a backpack style cleaner.

The Pacvac Superpro 700 is a battery operated, backpack style vacuum cleaner that is ergonomically designed for the ultimate in comfort and safety in use. There’s no lifting of heavy or cumbersome machines and a smooth and effortless clean is guaranteed every time. It’s lighter than any other backpack cleaner on the market and has a patented Hypercone Hepa filter system for maximum efficiency. Two batteries, each with a 30-minute run time, deliver excellent reliability.

The Numatic Rsav200 Aircraft Spec is another ergonomically designed backpack style machine featuring a comfortable harness that provides the operator with good mobility into awkward to reach locations.

Wet or dry?

If you want complete flexibility, consider a wet and dry model. The Numatic Awv380 Aircraft Spec Wet Vac uses the aircraft’s power supply. It acts as both a regular dry aircraft vac, and doubles as a wet vac for dealing with spillages and stains.

Aircraft Vacuum Cleaners - Tailored Advice

At Anderson Trade, we offer a comprehensive range of aircraft specification vacuum cleaners. You can browse all our aircraft vacuum cleaners here.

All our machines are provided with a free onsite demonstration, so you can rest assured the model you choose will match your specific needs. We also stock a vast range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial vacuum cleaners. For more information or to arrange a free demo, please get in touch.

3 Reasons Why Professional Cleaners Love Cylinder Vacuums

For the professional cleaner, there is always the dilemma of whether to opt for an upright vacuum cleaner, or a cylinder model. Last month we looked at the benefits of the upright, so now, in the name of helping you make an informed and balanced decision, it is time to turn our attention to the benefits of the cylinder vacuum cleaner.

Flexibility

If you have awkward locations to cover like stairs and under desks, or unusual shaped spaces, the cylinder vacuum will usually be the favourite option of the professional cleaner.

With the dust collector separated from the head of the vacuum via a hose, you instantly get lots more flexibility when working with areas that are a challenge to access, basically because all you need to move is the hose, rather than the entire machine. There’s also the advantage of a larger cleaning radius compared to that of the upright.

Mobility

If you need to move across large areas then the lighter weight and compact design of the cylinder vacuum will usually suit you best. Accessories are often stored onboard, making the machine a nicely portable, all-in-one solution. The compact size also makes the machines a lot easier to store and transport from one contract to another.

Versatility

Cylinder cleaners offer all-round cleaning features. Relying on powerful suction rather than motorised brushes, these machines have highly efficient motors. By adding simple accessories, they suddenly offer a whole new realm of versatility, making them suitable for a vast range of applications including flood management and industrial cleaning.

For this reason, cylinders are also a good choice when you have a range of flooring types to tackle such as carpets, rugs and hard floors.

So there we have the key advantages of investing in a cylinder vacuum cleaner. But which model to go for?

Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner Buyer’s Guide

Numatic and Truvox are two of the most renowned brands of cylinder vacuum cleaner widely used in the commercial cleaning sector.

In the Truvox cylinder range, the VTVe Tub Vac offers exceptional performance and an A energy rating. It’s a dry vac only and perfect for educational establishments, offices and care homes. The machine is light and easy to transport from one contract to the next. For detail cleaning and hard to reach areas there are optional accessories. Another plus point is that the VTVe is compatible with all Numatic Henry tools and bags.

The Numatic family is possibly one of the most well-known and widely recognised cylinder vacuum cleaner ranges in professional circles. We introduced you to Henry, Hetty, James, Charles and George in a previous post. These low-noise, high-power machines offer a range of benefits such as energy saving features; enhanced filtration; a wide range of accessories; ECO-technology and, courtesy of Charles and George, a selection of options including wet, dry, scrubbing and hard floor drying capabilities. Henry comes in both mains and battery models.

Numatic also produces a range of slightly less endearingly-named but just as powerful and advantageous cylinder cleaners, including the ProSave Vacuum Cleaner which is fitted with a professional TwinFlo motor and NST sound reduction. There are three models available ranging in size and power.

The Nuvac is another model in the Numatic range. It comes with a range of floor vacuuming tools, wands and hoses for the ultimate clean. This lightweight model is particularly good where there are allergy sufferers thanks to its high quality filtration system.

You can browse all our cylinder vacuum cleaners here.

At Anderson trade we offer a free onsite demonstration on all our professional vacuum cleaners so you can be certain the model you choose suits your particular needs. We also stock a vast range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial vacuum cleaners. For more information or to arrange a free demo, please get in touch.

4 Reasons Why Upright Vacuum Cleaners Remain a Popular Choice for Professional Cleaners

Despite so many other options available for commercial cleaning purposes, upright vacuum cleaners remain a popular choice for professional cleaners.

When it comes to upright vacuum cleaners for use in a commercial setting, there is a good choice of excellent, leading brands. Let’s take a look at why so many professionals continue to choose upright models, and discover some of the most popular brands.

High Dust Capacity

Upright vacuum cleaners offer a good volume of dust capacity, which reduces the frequency required for emptying, making them more efficient in everyday use.

Excellent Performance on Large Carpeted Areas

Where there are large areas of carpeted flooring to tackle, an upright vacuum cleaner is by far the preferable choice. In addition, most models will transition between carpeted and hard flooring either with a simple control or automatically.

Reduced Vacuuming Time

The larger head of the upright models covers a greater surface area, which in turn reduces vacuuming time and boosts efficiency.

Powerful Brushes

Upright vacuum cleaners are usually fitted with powerful brushes which get deep into the pile to remove even the most stubborn dirt.

So there we have the main benefits of investing in an upright vacuum cleaner. But which model to choose?

Upright Vacuum Cleaner Buyer’s Guide

Bissell, Lindhaus, Sebo and Truvox are some of the most popular brands of upright vacuum cleaner for commercial use.

The Bissell BGU800 is a lightweight commercial vacuum cleaner offering exceptional high speed power and a large 13 inch wide cleaning head. Brushes are self-adjusting and this combined with the soft wheels of this machine make it ideal for workspaces with varying floor layouts. Deep cleaning is guaranteed whether working on carpet or laminate.

Lindhaus manufactures a range of upright commercial vacuum cleaners including the LS38 battery model which is ideal for flexibility where power outlets are in short supply or there are large areas to cover including lifts and stairs. With its long running time of up to 50 minutes on hard floors and 40 minutes on carpets, this machine charges to full in just 90 minutes. Again this is a model that is perfect for transitioning from one type of flooring to another.

Lindhaus also produces a range of twin motor upright vacuum cleaners in a range

of power levels. All models are powered by Rotafil motors and as a result enjoy very low noise levels. The head is detachable making it easy to deal with blockages and the brush roll barrel is simple to replace. With the first motor driving the brush roller at more than 5,000 rpm, and the second dedicated solely to sucking up debris, this really is a super-performance machine.

Sebo produces two models in the upright vacuum cleaner range. One is the BS360 Upright which features the comfort power head and a hose with a telescopic tube which make all-round professional carpet cleaning a breeze. With its flat to the floor design and auto brush roller shut-off, this is a machine that offers convenient handling and service.

The other model in the Sebo upright range is the Comfort Twin Motor Upright. The twin motor model with its wide head makes it easy to clean wide areas quickly and delivers excellent performance and outstanding reliability.

Truvox produces a battery powered upright machine too. This is a high-performance model, perfect for cleaning awkward spaces such as under desks. Lightweight and able to float evenly over all flooring types, this machine also features a convenient carry handle for ease of transportation. 

The Truvox Valet Single Motor Upright is another high performance commercial cleaner. This one features a self-adjusting brush head which automatically adjusts to the carpet pile height. There’s also a removable extending wand for vacuuming upholstery, stairs and awkward to access areas.

Here at Anderson trade we stock all of these upright vacuum cleaner models AND we offer a free onsite demonstration so you can be sure the model you select is right for your individual needs. In addition, we stock an extensive range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial vacuum cleaners. For more information or to arrange a free demo, please get in touch.

The WEEE Regulations: How we Deal with Electrical Recycling

More than two million tonnes of electronic and electrical waste is discarded every year. With so much new technology being churned out year after year, and a general attitude to throw out the old whenever something new supersedes it, this probably comes as no surprise.

The problem is – and it is a major problem –more than 75 per cent of waste electrical goods end up in landfill. Here, lead and other toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury and certain flame retardants cause soil and water contamination.

The potential harm to wildlife, nature and human health is significant. Toxins emanating from the breakdown of electrical components can cause major problems for the communities that surround the landfill sites as soil and water suffer pollution.

Our Policy on Re-use and Recycling of Electrical Appliances

The fact is that a great deal of the electrical items that are discarded could actually be recycled or repaired. So, instead of discarding such items and raising the potential for health and environmental risks, and putting pressure on natural resources, wouldn’t it be better to salvage and recondition rather than throw away and forget?

At Anderson Trade we believe it is vitally important for people to be aware of the consequences of a throw-away attitude when it comes to electrical items, and also to know the alternatives so that change can start to take place. This goes for businesses as much as consumers. In fact, businesses that decide to take a stand and introduce an electrical recycling and repair policy could really help to make a difference.

Government Intervention

In response to the growing issue of electrical waste and the resulting contamination risk, the government introduced the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations in 2006. These were updated in 2013.

If you have ever seen a symbol on an electrical or battery operated item that shows a wheelie bin with a cross through it, this denotes that the product should not be discarded in the regular refuse system. Instead, it should sent for repair and then re-used, or recycled at the nearest recycling facility. This is all part of the WEEE Regulations.

The Anderson Trade Policy on Electrical Recycling

Here at Anderson Trade, we take electrical recycling very seriously. To help with the efforts to reduce the volume of electrical appliances going to landfill, we have devised a system whereby anyone purchasing a new appliance from us can deposit their like-for-like used WEEE item with us. We will then deal with it either by repairing and reconditioning, or recycling using appropriate means. This take-back scheme does not affect any statutory rights.

In addition, anyone with a domestic product from the Numatic range has the opportunity to take the item to their local recycling facility. Numatic has put funds in place to recycle end of life products, which means your local authority’s resources are being spared every time one of their machines is deposited for recycling.

For commercial and industrial Numatic machines, there is an agreement in place with Valpak Recycling Limited. Customers simply contact Valpak to organise the necessary recycling (info@valpack.co.uk) quoting Numatic’s registration number WEE/AA0045SY/PRO.

If you’d like to learn more about Anderson Trade’s policy on electrical appliance recycling, or would like information on your specific brand and any arrangements in place to deal with them under the WEEE Regulations, please do not hesitate to get in touch

iMop: One of the Most Flexible Scrubber Dryers on the Market

Scrubber dryers are perfect for getting to the bottom of grime fast. They are designed to boost hygiene and productivity and offer genuine one-pass cleaning.

Retail, leisure and medical sectors benefit from the scrubber dryer as do various industrial and commercial environments. It’s a worthwhile investment in many situations.

One scrubber dryer that is particularly popular is the iMop. The iMop is a full size model that delivers the same flexibility as a flat mop. Effortless to use, iMop gets the user into tight and hard to access locations such as washrooms and under desks, shelving and other furniture.

iMop is cordless for the ultimate in disruption free operation and weighs only 18 kilograms, further boosting its flexibility and making it the lightest in its category and ideal for transporting up and down stairs and across expansive areas. Labour savings on average return the initial investment within the first 150 hours of operation according to the manufacturer.

iMop

Intelligent technologies, unique design

Ergonomic and lightweight in use, iMop is a reliable machine that makes the whole cleaning process so much easier. Thanks to its intelligent technologies and unique design, this machine is fitted with high performance scrubbing brushes and built around a high powered vacuum drying system.

The iMop also offers the benefit of easy storage, being conveniently compact. There’s little training involved which makes the investment even more worthwhile.

Its patented 360-degree hinge technology makes it a breeze to turn the machine on a small radius. This means it’s fast, sharp and totally in control when changing direction. 

iMop scrubs, rinses and dries with complete effortlessness leaving areas clean and dry and ready to use in minimal time. Self-propelling, it’s designed to deliver the best possible levels of cleaning, convenience and efficiency. What’s more, it’s easy to fill, empty and clean and there are different on-board tanks to keep clean and recovered water separate.

The iMop comes with scrubbing brushes as standard but there’s the option to use it with twister floor pads too for polishing.

Personalised Advice from Anderson Trade

At Anderson Trade we are dedicated to ensuring your total satisfaction with your choice of commercial cleaning machine. It’s precisely why we offer free onsite demonstrations.

If you’d like to learn more about the iMop, or want to arrange a free demo, please get in touch.