Vacuum Cleaners Going Green

In order to move towards a more sustainable future, Green Seal and other related companies are working in an eco-friendly manner to expedite the process.  The floor cleaning industry is working together to provide green cleaning alternatives to abide by standards set by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  Vacuum cleaners are no exception.  In fact, vacuum cleaners are one of the major frontiers being explored regarding the expansion of environmentally friendly products.

The CRI categorizes vacuum cleaners into three levels based on certain factors that pertain to reducing emissions while cleaning with high efficiency.  These three levels of classifications are gold, silver and bronze, each of which has their own requirements that a vacuum cleaner must meet to be considered.  A bronze level vacuum must clean up 40 to 49 percent of soil and its emissions must hold particles less than or equal to 100 micrograms.  A silver level vacuum must meet the same emission requirements but must also remove 50-54% of soil.  For a vacuum cleaner to be classified in the gold level it must get rid of greater than 54 percent of soil and contain particles less than or equal to 35 micrograms within its emissions.  All of these statistics are calculated in a testing environment sanctioned by the CRI.  Among these tests, vacuums must also not alter the texture of a carpet or rug based on a simulation of a single year of cleaning.

There are obvious benefits found from using a CRI approved vacuum cleaner, validating why Green Seal recommends them so highly.  They encourage individuals to clean with machines containing only high-efficiency filters which have a vacuum bag, in order to help guarantee the best possible air quality for the home or business in question.  Green Seal advises that vacuum cleaner bags should be emptied when they are half full, as this helps to further prevent the escaping of harmful particles into the air.  Filtration is one of the primary factors to concern oneself with when in the market for a new sweeper, especially if allergies and asthma are an issue.  However, as outlined by LEED requirements, a green vacuum cleaner must operate at less the 70 decibels in order to keep noise pollution to a minimum.  Green Seal urges consumers to stray from cleaning products like dusters and move more towards self-contained vacuums in order to trap particles as opposed to circulating them.

Green vacuums are some of the best options to consider regarding floor care products of any kind.  They guarantee increased suction power with lowered emissions which means cleaner floors and better air quality.  Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner this style of vacuum cleaner is sure to meet your specific needs and then some.  College students are also encouraged to make use of these eco-friendly machines as most colleges attempt to go green.  The low sound output from these sweepers make them the ideal sweepers for college dorm rooms and apartments, as they are less likely to disturb others.  The advancement in filtration and technology in general has been a beneficial process for the vacuum cleaner and there are certainly more improvements to come in the near future.