Modern vacuum cleaners are powerful and lightweight machines complete with motorised brushes, HEPA filters, and even self emptying stations. But it wasn’t always this way. The first vacuums were manual devices that used bellows to create suction. (Can you imagine trying to vacuum your carpet manually?) In the 1900s, the first electric vacuum was invented, and the Hoover company was born. From bulky machines to AI-driven robots, vacuum cleaners have come a long way, making cleaning more efficient and effortless. Read on for how vacuum cleaners work and the key features that make them a staple for a spotless home.
How does a vacuum cleaner work?
Although vacuum cleaners seem like highly complex machines, they work using a few basic principles. It’s all about air pressure and a powerful fan working together to create suction! Inside your vacuum, an electric motor spins a fan at high speed, lowering the air pressure inside the machine. Outside air rushes in, eager to fill the low-pressure zone. And guess what? It brings along dirt, crumbs, and pet hair for the ride!
The stronger the motor and fan, the more powerful the suction—meaning fewer passes over the floor to get things spick and span. But, too much suction, and your vacuum might feel like it’s glued to the floor. Too little, and, well, it’s just an expensive, noisy decoration. The trick is finding that perfect balance for smooth, efficient cleaning.
What are the main parts of a vacuum cleaner?
There are a few main components to modern vacuum cleaners that create the right amount of suction that makes them work.
Motor
The powerhouse of the vacuum, the motor is what spins the fan and is ultimately responsible for the suction of the vacuum cleaner. The motor is one of the most important parts of the machine.
Brush bar
The brush bar consists of a belt, roller and sometimes a small vacuum head motor. When the roller spins, its stiff bristles agitate and loosen dirt and debris that are trapped in your carpet fibres. It vigorously brushes away crumbs, pet hair and dust that is embedded deep down.
Filters
Filters are positioned between the motor and the dust bag or container, as well as near the air vents. As the vacuum sucks in air and debris, these filters capture tiny particles like dust, dirt, and allergens before the air is released back into the room. This helps ensure that the expelled air is fresh, clean, and free from any irritants or pollutants.
Dust bag or bin
The dust bin or bag stores all the dirt, dust, and debris the vacuum collects until it’s time to empty it. While the suction draws in air and particles, the filters catch the finer dust, while the larger bits get directed into this holding compartment.
How do different types of vacuum cleaner work?
Over the past few decades, vacuums have become compact, technologically advanced devices that come in many shapes and sizes. Although the main principles of how these vacuums work is the same, they each provide unique benefits.
Corded Upright Vacuums
Corded upright vacuums are ideal for cleaning carpets and large open areas because they have powerful suction that can effectively remove dirt, debris and pet hair from carpeted floors. They are known for their manoeuvrability and ease of use and come with a variety of attachments like crevice tools and dusting brushes.
Hoover corded upright vacuums are your go to if you need high performance cleaning with no loss of suction as they run on a continuous power supply. Hoover corded upright vacuums boast innovative features like the Anti-Hair Wrap brush bar which prevents hair from becoming tangled in the roller. State-of-the-art washable HEPA filters trap dust and allergens and keep the air in your home fresh and allergy-free. The large 2L dust bin is easy to empty and allows you to clean large areas without constantly emptying.
Cordless sticks
Cordless upright vacuums AKA cordless sticks are super lightweight and easy to transport. As they are cordless they use a rechargeable battery and have shorter run times than corded vacuums. Their compact size and versatility make them a great choice for quick cleaning. Hoover cordless sticks,like the HF1 plus, feature a 45 minute run time, allowing you to clean your whole home without stopping to recharge. They also instantly convert into a handheld model for smaller messes and hard to reach areas. The one-touch system allows easy, quick and hygienic emptying of your HF1 Plus without having to come into contact with dust and debris.
Robots
In addition to corded and cordless vacuums, robot vacuums are becoming increasingly popular. I mean, who doesn’t want a robot that vacuums for you?
Robot vacuums use a combination of motors, AI sensors and smart technology to create a map of your home, dock themselves and sometimes, even empty themselves. Robot vacuums use the same suction method as traditional vacuums and combine it with smart technology in order to clean on its own, without someone guiding it across the floor.
Some robot vacuums can also mop like the Hoover 2-in-1 HG4 Hydro Pro. The Hoover HG4 Hydro Pro uses the latest technology to avoid obstacles, self dock when the battery is low and empty itself when the 3 litre bag is full. It also has 150 times more suction power than comparable models, so you can rest easy knowing that your Hoover robot vacuum is getting the job done.
Robot vacuums save time, clean on their own, and adapt to your home, making them a great hands-free cleaning solution. Just press start (or set a schedule), and let the little guy do the work!
Conclusion
The vacuum cleaner has evolved significantly over the last 100 years, transforming from simple manual devices to high-tech, automated machines. All vacuums generally use the same suction principles, but the different models and features make a big difference when choosing a vacuum. Whether you're looking for a powerful corded model, a lightweight cordless stick or an automated robot vacuum, Hoover offers the latest technology and over 100 years of experience designing the best and most convenient vacuum cleaners to keep your home spotless.
