Cleaning managers have a lot to choose from when it comes to their vacuum purchases and choosing the right machine can be a daunting task. Prior to a purchase, cleaners should consider the size and type of facility, as well as the type of surface and hours of use. This information will help cleaners narrow down the vacuum that would best serve their needs. The upright vacuum is probably the most popular and comes available with various motor options and types of bags or even bagless varieties. These machines are best suited for tight areas and/or smaller rooms. Becoming more popular are backpack vacuums, which feature a small design that is great for cleaning blinds, bookcases, cubical walls and around obstacles. These machines allow users to move quickly and more freely throughout the facility. Canister vacuums have similar capabilities to the backpack, but roll on the floor. The canister works well on both wet and dry floors and can transfer with ease from carpet to hard surfaces. For large areas, the use of a small machine takes too much time. Wide-area vacuums can handle these large rooms in a fraction of the time, freeing up cleaners for other tasks. These are just a few of the many vacuum options available for cleaning crews. Properly identifying the needs of the facility will help narrow down which machine would best fit your custodial needs.