The main reason why sharing a vacuum isn’t a good idea is because of germ cross-contamination. Now, in the covid era, we have learned more than ever how germs can be widespread in unpredictable ways! Sharing vacuum cleaners between homes is definitely one of these ways.
Our new concern is:
How do we offer our clients and teach people about non-cross-contamination cleaning?
Our cleaners and researchers have enough information to 100% guarantee free contamination from personal clothing, cleaning products, tools, and linen. We have implemented a system in between cleaning that includes:
– storage of freshly washed clothing and linen.
– in-depth sterilization of cleaning products and tools.
The only tool we cannot 100% guarantee sterilization from, is vacuum cleaners.
HOW COME?
We utilize vacuums with HEPA filters and concealed bags. We are firm believers these two requirements are the most efficient formula to prevent cross-contamination and efficiently clean all microbes from your home.
However, even with such precautions, the problem lies with the vacuum pipe, hose, and floor brush.
To efficiently avoid cross-contamination amongst shared vacuum we would need to guarantee an effective sterilization of these parts of the vacuum system. In order to do this, it would be necessary to use technologies, such as a tea tree oil high-temperature steamer, or rubbing alcohol bath, followed by a high-temperature blow dryer. A process that requires machinery and time. Although it is possible, it is by no means practical or cheap.
For Sparkling Clean Pro‘s clients, we can guarantee properly sterilizing floor brushes with rubbing alcohol, however, we cannot guarantee that vacuum hoses or pipes won’t carry contaminated particles.
Our conclusion is: It is not advisable to share vacuums. Especially at homes where members have severe allergy concerns and fragile immune systems.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND
- For our clients we recommend that our cleaning technicians may utilize your private vacuum, in order to avoid cross-contamination from other houses, they have previously cleaned. With a guarantee of vacuum care and cleaning at the end of service.
- For the general public, we recommend buying your own vacuum for your private home and car, and respectfully denying a friend or neighbor’s request for vacuum sharing.
We recommend the brand MIELE, with concealed 100% biodegradable dust bags and HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of 0.3 microns
ABOUT MICROBES AND VACUUMS
Microbes accumulate in our homes, in the form of food particles, dead skin cells, hair, particles from linen, and external pollution. External pollution only enters our homes, because of contaminated material that someone or something brought in (eg: grocery bags, air, shoes, purses, clothing, outdoor pets, etc…). These microbes might contain viruses, bacteria, and fungi, that if not properly cleaned can build up and infect residents with a cold, the flu, allergy attacks, asthma, covid-19 and the list goes on…
Using a vacuum is absolutely essential to get those microscopic particles out of your home. We recommend HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of 0.3 microns (please be sure that this specification is written, avoid purchasing filters that say ‘HEPA type’ or ‘HEPA like’), and concealed vacuum bags. Vacuums with dust compartments may seem more ecological, however, we estimate that for each concealed bag, you pour out the vacuum’s dust compartment 8 x. Meaning each time you breathe in those fumes. Concealed bags are guaranteed to be more sanitizing and many brands produce them with 100% biodegradable and recyclable technology.
We are living in times where pollution, chemical contaminations, and illnesses are higher than ever, making our green educational mission a life philosophy and political. We understand that it is up to people and business owners to properly research and implement the changes they would like to see spread. For us at Sparkling Clean Pro. we realize that sharing ‘how to properly clean’ is a significant part of educating new generations of ecological thinkers and building communities that care about the well-being and health of neighbors, friends, clients, and skin.
Brazilian mother of two and CEO of Sparkling Clean Pro & Green Living Supplies since 2005. Working as an ecological advocate within the cleaning industry & aiding immigrant families and women at risk.