Vacuums are essential household cleaning tools used to suck up dust and dirt from carpets, floors, and other surfaces. While Americans commonly refer to these handy devices as “vacuums” or “vacuum cleaners”, there are several different terms that people in the UK use to refer to them.
Hoover
One of the most common British terms for a vacuum cleaner is “hoover”. This is due to the popularity and market domination of the Hoover brand in the UK from the early 20th century up until the 1980s. The Hoover Company was founded in Ohio, USA in 1908 and opened its first UK operation in 1919. Through clever marketing, quality products and innovative features like the beater bar, Hoover came to dominate the British vacuum market in the postwar period. The brand became a household name, synonymous with vacuuming.
Although Hoover no longer holds a monopoly on the UK market, the term has endured and “hoover” is still widely used by Brits as a genericized trademark to refer to any vacuum cleaner, regardless of brand. Saying you’re going to “hoover the carpet” or asking someone to “give the living room a quick hoove”r is common parlance. Rival manufacturers often have to emphasize that their products “outperform an ordinary hoover”.
Vacuum Cleaner
While hoover may be ubiquitous, “vacuum cleaner” is still widely used as the formal generic term for these appliances in British English. It’s often seen in shop listings, instructions, and technical specifications. People may refer to their machine as “a Bosch vacuum cleaner”, even if they’d informally ask their kids to “hoover their rooms”.
When vacuum cleaners first emerged in the early 20th century, they were commonly known as “electric suction sweepers”. But by the 1930s, “vacuum cleaner” had become the standard neutral term used in brand catalogs and advertising.
Other Slang Terms
In addition to hoover and vacuum cleaner, British English contains a diverse array of regional and informal slang terms for these cleaning appliances, including:
- Dyson – Named after the pioneering UK brand founded in the 1990s.
- Vac – shorthand for vacuum cleaner.
- Henry – After the iconic smiling vacuum face of Numatic International’s market-leading Henry range.
- Mr Suck – A humorous personification of a vacuum.
- Sucka – Rhyming slang, often used jokingly.
- Billy – Believed to come from the William (Bill -> Billy) brand of early portable vacuums.
There are also regional variations. “Sucker” or “sucker truck” is commonly heard in Scotland, while parts of northern England favor “popty ping” – derived from the Welsh for microwave but used for vacuums too.
History of Vacuum Cleaners in the UK
Vacuum cleaners first arrived in the UK in the early 1900s, though uptake was slow due to their bulky size and high cost. It wasn’t until the 1930s that they started to become commonplace in middle class homes.
Here are some key events in the history of vacuums in Britain:
- 1901 – The first portable electric vacuum is demonstrated in London, imported from America.
- 1919 – Hoover Company opens its first UK factory in Perivale, West London.
- 1937 – Sponge cakes given as free gifts help drive Hoover sales to 1 million units.
- 1950s – Lightweight cleaner design and hire purchase schemes make vacuums affordable for working class households.
- 1978 – James Dyson introduces his revolutionary cyclone bagless vacuum.
- 1980s – Increased competition ends Hoover’s market dominance.
- 1993 – Dyson’s bagless vacuums take off and become top sellers.
Vacuum technology and design have evolved enormously – from bulky motorized units to lightweight cordless stick models. But UK homes have relied on “hoovers” for household cleaning for over a century.
Popular Vacuum Brands in the UK
The UK vacuum cleaner market is dominated by a mix of major international brands and successful domestic companies. Here are some of the top selling vacuum brands in Britain currently:
| Brand | Country of Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson | UK | Pioneered bagless vacuums. Top seller. |
| Shark | US | Powerful upright and cordless models. |
| Miele | Germany | Premium quality canister vacuums. |
| Vax | UK | Affordable upright and multifunction cleaners. |
| Hoover | US | The original market leader, now Mid-range. |
| Numatic | UK | Henry range of distinctive cylinder vacuums. |
| Bosch | Germany | Innovative bagless and cordless vacuums. |
| Gtech | UK | Cordless stick vacuums with small footprint. |
Dyson leads the pack with around 30% market share. It continues to invest heavily in new technology and products. Other major players include leading international appliance brands plus innovative UK companies like Vax, Numatic and Gtech. There is fierce competition for sales in this multi-billion pound market segment.
Vacuum Usage in British Homes Today
Modern vacuum cleaners have never been more versatile, powerful and easy to use. Here are some ways vacuums are used in British households today:
- Quick clean ups – Cordless stick vacuums for fast pick ups.
- Deep carpet cleaning – Uprights and cylinders for thorough floor care.
- Pet hair removal – Specialized tools to tackle pet dander on upholstery.
- Allergen control – HEPA filtration systems for clean air.
- Smart storage – Wall mounted chargers and garages for cordless convenience.
- Whole home cleaning – Centralized units connecting to vents around the home.
Vacuuming remains one of the most common household chores. The average British family hovers for around 52 minutes per week according to studies. Some key stats on UK vacuum usage include:
- 67% of households vacuum 1-2 times per week.
- Carpets and rugs are vacuumed most frequently.
- 45% feel emptying the vacuum is the worst part of vacuuming.
- Cordless stick vacuums are the most popular style.
- Households own an average of 1.6 vacuums.
Types of Vacuum Cleaners in British Homes
There are several common types of vacuum cleaners found in homes across Britain. These include:
Upright Vacuums
Uprights are a popular choice for carpet cleaning in houses. They have powerful suction and rotating brushes that deep clean carpeting. Leading upright brands include Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Vax and Miele.
Cylinder or Canister Vacuums
Cylinder vacuums have the motor and bag in a unit that is pulled on wheels behind the cleaning head. This style is excellent for hard floors and maneuverability around furniture. Top brands are Miele, Hoover and Numatic Henry.
Cordless Stick Vacuums
Compact and convenient cordless vacuums are ideal for quick clean ups. They can convert to a handheld. Dyson, Shark, Hoover, Bosch and Gtech make top rated cordless models.
Handheld Vacuums
Lightweight hand vacs are great for cleaning cars, upholstery and hard to reach areas. They have become more powerful over recent years. Leading brands include Dyson, Shark, Black+Decker and Vax.
Robot Vacuums
Automated robot vacuums have also grown in popularity in Britain. These little units can independently clean floors while homeowners are out. Top brands include iRobot Roomba, Eufy/Anker and Shark.
Vacuum Cleaner Features and Technology
Today’s vacuums represent major advances in design and engineering compared to early models. Here are some key features and technologies:
- Cordless – Rechargeable batteries allow convenient cordless cleaning for up to 60 minutes run time.
- Bagless – Dirt collected in easy to empty containers rather than bags.
- Lightweight – Flexible wand designs and materials allow easier maneuvering.
- Powerful suction – Motors generate huge air watts of suction power for deeper cleaning.
- Filtration – HEPA and multi-stage filters trap dust and allergens.
- Brushes – Motorized brushes and beaters help loosen and remove dirt.
- Tools & attachments – Specialized pet, crevice, upholstery and hard floor tools.
- Cyclonic technology – Creates centrifugal forces to separate dirt without loss of suction.
- Automation features – Self propelling motors, LED headlights and sensor navigation on robot vacuums.
Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner in the UK
With so many models on the market, choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your home can be challenging. Here are some tips for buyers in the UK:
Consider your cleaning needs
Think about your floor types, home layout and what you need to clean. Hard floors, carpets, stairs, upholstery and cars all have different needs.
Read reviews and rankings
Consult independent vacuum testing by organizations like Which? Magazine to see performance ratings for suction, dust pick up and more.
Compare features
Look for appropriate features like powered stairs tools for multi-level homes, extended runtime batteries for large houses, and HEPA filtration for allergies.
Check warranties and support
Leading brands offer 5-10 year coverage of defects. See what in-home service options are available if issues arise.
Consider a flexible model
Many vacuums convert between handheld and upright configurations. This provides versatile cleaning from floors to ceilings.
Try in-store demonstrations
Testing vacuum maneuverability, weight and cleaning performance first-hand can help finalize your purchasing decision.
Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner
To keep your vacuum working optimally for years, be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance. Here are some top tips:
- Empty dust containers frequently so they don’t overfill.
- Clean or replace filters regularly.
- Use specialized cleaning tools to remove hair and debris from brushes.
- Check for blockages and clear as needed.
- Replace batteries in cordless vacuums approximately every 1-4 years depending on usage.
- Keep hoses and attachments clear of obstructions.
- Clean the exterior regularly.
- Replace worn components like belts and brush bars when required.
Periodically having your vacuum serviced by an authorized repair center can also help keep it in peak operating condition.
The Future of Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum technology continues to advance rapidly. Here are some innovations we might see in the future:
- Improved robot vacuums with smarter mapping and navigation.
- Launch of compact portable cordless cleaners than can be carried like briefcases.
- Expanded voice control and app connectivity.
- Self-emptying dustbins that automatically dispose of dirt.
- Integration with home IoT ecosystems and virtual assistants.
- Use of sanitizing UV lights to kill germs and bacteria.
- Continued gains in battery power for longer run times.
- Super lightweight and flexible materials for easier usage.
- Expanded use of HEPA filters for cleaner exhaust air.
While hoover may remain the British default, vacuum cleaner capabilities are sure to continue improving in the years ahead!
Conclusion
From Hoover to Dyson, Britain has a long, pioneering history with vacuum cleaners. While “hoover” remains common slang, technical terms like “vacuum cleaner” are also frequently used. Leading global brands compete with innovative local companies to deliver ever more powerful and convenient models. Cordless stick vacs may be trendy, but traditional uprights and cylinders still clean millions of British homes. Ongoing advances will ensure vacuums continue improving our indoor lives for generations to come.