How to wear a backpack vacuum

Wear a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner for Greater Efficiency and Lower Body Stress

When speaking of vacuum cleaners, the typical assumption is that you have a choice between an upright and a canister. These days, perhaps that has expanded to include the newest little robotic vacuums, as well. But people rarely consider the backpack vacuum cleaner despite that it provides a vacuum alternative both more efficient and less harmful to your back.

What is a Backpack Vacuum?

As the name implies, a backpack vacuum is one that you wear on your back, as opposed to one you push along the floor. The backpack vacuum is comprised of a canister that you wear like a backpack. The dust chamber and motor are housed inside the canister. Connected hoses allow you to clean, usually with quite a generous reach. Most vacuums also include a long power cord to give the widest freedom of movement. The unit is totally portable – rather than propelling it forward, it moves with you as you walk.

Backpack vacuums are quite light and easy to put on and take off, though it can be tricky to learn the first few times. Most come with an array of tools to attach to the hose, options ranging from corner cleaning tools to wide tools used for large surface areas. Backpack vacuums have mostly been used in commercial cleaning; units meant for individuals have only recently been made available, though they are gaining in popularity.

How to Wear a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

The weight of a backpack vacuum rests on your hips and shoulders. Most have an ergonomic back harness so as not to cause injury and to cut down on back strain as you clean. Given that it will be resting on your back, it’s essential to find one that’s not too unwieldy for your frame. Many weigh less than ten pounds, but may still be difficult to handle if you’re petite. You should try on a backpack vacuum before you buy it.

Once you have a backpack vacuum that’s not too big for you, adjust the straps so they fit your frame. Slide your arms into the correct straps and tighten or loosen as needed. The unit should press against your back – there shouldn’t be a gap between your body and the unit – and it should sit at your mid-back. If your backpack vacuum has a waist strap, fasten it so that it’s firm, but not constricting.

Before you begin using the vacuum, test your range of motion, but make sure not to bend over. Backpack vacuums are designed so that you needn’t bend over to access hard-to-reach places. The hoses and attachments should give you enough range to reach where you need to clean. As you move, the backpack shouldn’t shift excessively and the straps should feel firm, but not tight or uncomfortable. Make sure the weight feels balanced. Be sure not to wear a backpack vacuum on just one shoulder. This causes undue strain on your body and negates all the positive health benefits of buying a backpack unit.

Once you’ve gotten used to properly wearing a backpack vacuum, connect the requisite attachments and start cleaning more easily and quickly than ever before.

Benefits of a Backpack Vacuum

A backpack vacuum increases your dexterity and mobility, so you can more easily maneuver around delicate end tables and lamps without a bulky upright vacuum bumping into them. Backpack vacuums are perfect for cleaning hard floors, chairs, sofas, blinds, stairs, behind furniture, and hard-to-reach places overhead, like vents, ceiling fans, and trim found over doors and windows. Even clean under furniture. Many models include technology to muffle sound so they can be operated quietly.

Several independent studies have compared upright and backpack vacuums. The findings are stark: those who use backpack vacuums expend half the physical energy and perceived effort of those who use upright vacuums. They are also able to vacuum in half the time. Further, they reduce the body stress associated with vacuuming because they minimize hunching over due to pushing and pulling upright vacuums. Since they allow for a natural range of motion, backpack users don’t engage in the repetitive motions that can cause a repetitive stress injury.

Drawbacks to a Backpack Vacuum

Backpack Vacuums are hardly perfect, of course. Wearing one will increase your total size, so take care when walking through doorways and making turns – your dimensions will be different, so you may be prone to running into things you normally wouldn’t. They’re also more difficult to find than uprights as well as more expensive.

Worn properly, backpack vacuums allow for quicker, more efficient cleaning that’s easier on your body. Though they cost more, if you vacuum often or have many inaccessible places to clean, they could be well worth it.