Backpack vacuums have become part and parcel of our lives. We do not use brooms to clean our floors anymore. Vacuums have made our lives so much easier. This is why we all need to know how to use a backpack vacuum cleaner.
Vacuums, especially backpack vacuums are very beneficial and useful to all. The mentionable main features of this include increased range of motion, improved safety, reduced fatigue, and the highest level of user comfort. Besides, when you use a commercial backpack vacuum with a 14-inch orifice carpet tool, you must have a great experience of up to a 230% increase in productivity over a 12-inch upright vacuum. But the benefits we are talking about won’t be achieved unless the backpack vacuum cleaner is worn in a proper way.
So, we cannot overlook the importance of using a backpack vacuum cleaner properly.
‘Backpack’ and ‘Vacuum’- the combination of these two words is backpack vacuum. A backpack vacuum is worn on the back and that’s why it becomes so easy to clean a large area without bending and exhausting. In addition, a quality backpack is designed in such a way that due to its back pad, straps, waist belt, and other components, it can evenly distribute the weight and the user doesn’t get bothered even if he carries the backpack for a long time.
Moreover, a good backpack can be discomfort if it is not worn properly. This is why, without the proper fit, backpack vacuums can actually be fatiguing, awfully uncomfortable, and, above all, a safety hazard to users.
Sometimes backpack vacuums are not adjusted to the vacuum users. Why wouldn’t? Because a user needs to maintain some guidelines. Each user must adjust the backpack vacuum manually to his or her height and body size in order to get the best experience so that the weight of the backpack vacuum is evenly distributed. Besides, a good backpack matters too. For a fruitful result and better experience, you should study and consider the main factors before buying the best backpack.
A backpack user can carry a heavy load for a long duration because the rucksack or backpack stays on the waist and that’s how the whole weight or support of the backpack falls on his/her leg muscles instead of his shoulder and back muscles.
The ability to walk in the natural motion of a backpack user can be a hindrance to frequent hunchs over. This continuous bending to do work may easily cause back pain, fatigue, as well as other diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to walk or move in a neutral way. In addition, the natural posture while carrying a backpack vacuum certainly reduces the risk of having such common problems. Furthermore, fitting a backpack and using a backpack vacuum cleaner properly can increase energy and productivity while on the job.
Apart from this, wearing a backpack vacuum improperly can also be a safety risk to the user. If the adjustable points are not locked and tightened enough, it is very possible to shift the backpack, and the operator can become off-balance and lose their footing which can cause a fatal accident. However, this can be extremely dangerous on stairs or when the user is on elevated surfaces.
However, in this article, we will try to show you how to use a backpack cleaner and its step-by-step guide. Then why wait? Let’s move.
Well, before we go to the steps to properly fit a backpack vacuum, we must prepare and place the vacuum on the back.
Contents
Prepare the Vacuum
Just loosen all the harness straps before wearing the backpack on your back. It is very important. There are some backpacks like ProTeam that have backplates that must be adjusted for proper fitting in accordance with the need of the user’s torso length. Without a perfect fitting of the rucksack, you may not get the expected result. At this stage just follow some guides –
- Unwind and check the cord
- Check test and tag
- Be careful around water
- Check for damage
- Check for obstructions
- Consider ergonomics
- Clear and make the area safe
- Adjust the machine for comfort
Place Vacuum on Your Back
Well, if you really do not know how to place the vacuum on your back, here it is. First, use your dominant hand (right or left doesn’t matter) to pick up the first vacuum strap and slide it over your arm. And then go for the second strap to bring it around your back and over the other shoulder so that the vacuum is resting on your back properly.
Now, the harnesses that you loosened at the beginning need to be fastened. Make sure the backpack sets on you perfectly and the weight is evenly distributed.
An expert backpack wearer knows that there are 4 key contact points of a backpack to be positioned on. What are they? Oh yes, they are –
- Waist
- Hips
- Shoulders, and
- Chest
So, you must make sure the commercial backpack vacuum is good at wearing and balancing the weight on those four key contact points so that you are not being tired or exhausted after a few moments. Remember, all this happens due to improper setting of the backpack and vacuum on your back. So, be careful when you are setting yourself up.
Note that Contact Points are the areas where the vacuum will rest on the operator’s body.
Want to know some best backpack vacuum cleaners?
- Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum
- ProVac FS 6 Commercial Backpack Vacuum
- Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum Commercial
- Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum
How to start and use a backpack vacuum cleaner
Instructions on how to start and use a backpack vacuum cleaner may differ from different machines. That’s why one should always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
But here there are some general rules to operate or use on how most backpack vacuum cleaners should be used. Let’s see those steps.
- Ensure the machine is checked for safety and adjusted to suit your body shape
- Stand upright
- Turn the switch on
- Maneuver floor tool across the surface
- Turn the switch off
- Filter and dust bag maintenance
- Remove and clean all filters regularly
Guide on How to Use a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
We will complete this guide in 3 steps. These are very important to carry on caring. And please don’t forget the earlier processes too. Now is the time to dig deeper.
1. Adjust Shoulder Straps
First of all, after wearing the backpack vacuum on your back, perfect the shoulder straps by pulling down until snug and making sure the vacuum rests at your hip. You know there will be minimal room for movement.
In addition, if the shoulder straps are too loose, the vacuum may slide around and the user won’t be able to operate the backpack vacuum comfortably. So one must be careful about tightening the straps properly.
Moreover, if the shoulder straps are tightened too much, know that the operator will suffer much as well. The weight proportion won’t be even and it would be tough to move around. So make sure the straps are not either so loosened or so tightened. Comfort and easiness are what you want. So, suit yourself according to your needs.
2. Fasten Waist Belt
The waist belt is one of the most important factors for a backpack user. To be honest, fastening the waist belt properly distributes the weight evenly and you will have no chance of having back pain or detest wearing a backpack vacuum. Additionally, you can carry the load for a long time.
However, keep your eye on the tightness of the waist straps and feel the weight of the vacuum so that it doesn’t shift from shoulders to waist. If it happens, your journey as well as your interest in cleaning your huge floor by backpack vacuum will be over soon. Remember, it is really critical that the majority of the weight should rest on the user’s hips rather than their shoulders.
Furthermore, statistics show backpack vacuums with backplates distribute 90% of the vacuum’s weight to the user’s hips.
One more thing, if the weight rests on the shoulder instead of the hips, the operator may fall into poor posture and increase fatigue. It sometimes can also lead to operator injury and increased insurance costs.
3. Connect Chest/Sternum Strap
After fastening the shoulder strap, then the waist belt, and now the chest strap helps an operator to do the backpack vacuum. All these important 3 steps are good enough to use a backpack vacuum. Connecting the chest strap properly will be wearing a backpack for a user.
These stages are also guides on how to use a backpack vacuum cleaner safely and effectively. It will be great to know how to use a backpack vacuum cleaner through these stages.
If you follow the steps, you will be able to use a backpack vacuum cleaner.
Five important things to do when you are done vacuuming:
There are some works after finishing your vacuuming. These are very important for the vacuum’s well-being. By doing these things, you can have a better service and your machine can last longer than you think. Those are –
- The vacuum cleaner must be turned off and should be unplugged before cleaning it
- Must have to disconnect the lead from the power and roll the cord from the machine end to avoid entanglement. Check if the cord has been damaged or have any issues
- Store the vacuum cleaner in a secure location
- All attachments e.g. hose, electrical leads, crevice tool, duster, filter, etc. should be removed and stored suitably on a shelf or in a box
- In terms of a bagless backpack vacuum cleaner, change the bag or empty it, and for a bagged backpack vacuum, empty the canister and clean it to reuse it
These things after being done vacuuming are really important to follow. Proper working would help you keep organized and you will find your equipment like new after every use.
Troubleshooting backpack vacuum cleaners
Any equipment or machine can go wrong during or before operation. Those who are inexperienced in this sector may have a panic. Well, don’t panic. There may be a minor problem that can be solved in a second if you know the solution. In terms of vacuum cleaners, there are two problems that users face most of the time. Let’s see what might cause those problems and how to solve them.
If the vacuum doesn’t work –
Cause 1: The machine doesn’t start. What to do then?
Solution: you should check all plugs and sockets that are firmly plugged in or not.
Cause 2: Power cord damaged or not working.
Solution: Need to replace the power cord the one is damaged.
Cause 3: Shuts off the motor due to high motor temperature.
Solution: just turn the machine off for half an hour and then try to restart. If it works fine, it doesn’t, you need to find a repair agent immediately.
Cause 4: RCD has tripped.
Solution: Reset RCD or circuit breaker.
In case of Poor or No Suction –
Cause 1: Dust bag full.
Solution: Remove, empty, and clean the dust bag and/or replace the disposable dust bag if full.
Cause 2: Dust bag not installed correctly.
Solution: Remove and empty the dust bag, and then fit it correctly.
Cause 3: Hose not installed correctly.
Solution: Reconnect the hose and ensure it is correctly sealed.
Cause 4: Blockage.
Solution: Remove the hose, wand, and floor tools. Remove any blockages.
Cause 5: Filters blocked.
Solution: Clean or replace filters.
Final Thoughts
Using a backpack vacuum cleaner properly can enhance productivity and at the same time reduce fatigue. Following the guides on how to use a backpack vacuum cleaner can have an effective cleaning without any fatal accidents on the stairs or floors.
Hope this article will be useful to you.