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Aerus LLC, formerly Electrolux Corp. USA, manufactures air and surface purifiers, water filtration and treatment systems, and vacuum cleaners. It is headquartered in Bristol, Virginia, and has over 500 independently owned franchises in the U.S. and Canada. Aerus is the successor to Electrolux USA, the iconic manufacturer of vacuum cleaners. However, the Electrolux name is now used in the U.S. by the Electrolux Group of Sweden, which until 2016 also manufactured Eureka vacuum cleaners.[1]

Key Information

Electrolux Corporation USA was founded in 1924 by Gustaf Sahlin, a Swedish businessman who emigrated to the United States. Its tank vacuum quickly became an industry standard, and was very popular for many decades.

In 1968, Consolidated Foods Corporation (now known as Sara Lee Corporation) acquired Electrolux.[2]

In 1989, Electrolux Corp. USA created Purelux, the first residential under-the-sink water purification system combining ultraviolet (UV) light and activated carbon filtration. Actor Lloyd Bridges was the company's spokesperson.

In 2000, the North American rights to the Electrolux brand name were sold to Electrolux Group of Sweden, which since 1968 had been unaffiliated. The corporation that originally manufactured Electrolux vacuums has been known as Aerus since 2001.

Company history

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Aerus LLC was formed in 1924 as Electrolux Corporation USA.

Electrolux Model V, first vacuum sold by Electrolux Corp USA 1924-1928

In 1924, Gustaf Sahlin came to America to set up Electrolux Corp USA to import and sell the new tank type vacuum cleaner in America. The machine was the revolutionary Lux Model V made by AB Electro-Lux of Sweden and invented by Axel Wenner-Gren.[3] People did not know what the new contraption was at first, but when showed how well it cleaned in their home, they were sold. In 1929, a shipment of Model XI cleaners sank, forcing Electrolux Corp. to build machines in the US. In 1931, the White Sewing Machine Company in Cleveland, OH was contracted to build the Model XII,[4] however this was not a permanent move as Electrolux Corp. wanted its own factory. In 1933, Electrolux Corp. set up a new factory in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. With Electrolux Corp. in good shape and making its own products, AB Electrolux divested its stock to focus on refrigerator production and made itself a minority shareholder. From then on the two companies sold different products. The American products were never sold in Europe and the European products were never sold in America.[5]

The immensely popular Electrolux Model XXX. There were several variations of the Model XXX in its 17-year run, this machine is a 1937.

In 1937, the now American-owned Electrolux Corp. debuted the Electrolux Model XXX (Model 30). It was the first American-only Electrolux. The Model XXX was sold from 1937 to 1954, making it the longest-made vacuum and in that time span over 14 million were sold. A Model XXX is currently on display at the Smithsonian and it is considered one of the top hundred U.S. inventions of all time.[6] During World War II, Electrolux Corp halted vacuum production to focus on the war effort. The company made electric motors and control systems for the Army and Navy.[3]

Electrolux Model LX - First vacuum to use a sealed disposable bag

In 1952, the company debuted the Electrolux Model LX, the first vacuum that would know when it is full and also the first vacuum to use a self-sealing bag.[5] That same style bag is still in use on some of the new Aerus-Lux model canister vacuums today. This machine would lay the foundation for every other North American Electrolux vacuum produced.

Electrolux Model 1205 1968–1974, First vacuum to use an electric hose. The design of this machine still influences modern Lux vacuums

In 1968, AB Electrolux sold its minority shares to Consolidated Foods, which then bought enough stock to make it the majority shareholder. That same time, Consolidated Foods also acquired Electrolux Canada Ltd. from AB Electrolux. Electrolux Corp USA and Electrolux Canada Ltd were independent companies and stayed that way until the mid-1980s. From the late 1960s to the late 1990s Electrolux Corp. was a subsidiary of Consolidated Foods. In 1970, Electrolux Corp. opened up its Bristol, VA manufacturing center[6] which eventually replaced the much older Old Greenwich factory. As of 2024 it is still the main factory.

In 1998, Consolidated Foods (now Sara Lee) sold Electrolux Corp. to a firm owned by Joe Urso (who still owns the company). The company was then renamed Electrolux LLC. In 2000, the company sold certain name rights back to AB Electrolux which would go into effect in 2004. In 2001, the company began to transition into the new name: Aerus. In early 2004, the rights to the name "Electrolux" on products in North America ended. 2003 was the last year the company sold products that had the word "Electrolux" on them; however, Aerus LLC still holds certain rights to the Electrolux name and to the word "Lux." Electrolux LLC was formally renamed Aerus LLC.[7]

Aerus Lux canister vacuums in 2018. (From left to right) Lux Classic, Lux Platinum, Lux Legacy

Aerus currently makes and sells air purification systems and laundry care systems.[6]

References

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from Grokipedia
Aerus LLC is an American company headquartered in , founded in 1924 as Corporation USA, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of healthy home products, including air and surface purifiers, filtration and conditioning systems, cleaners, and solutions. Rebranded as Aerus in 2000, it operates approximately 166 locations across as of 2025 and has served more than 50 million homes and businesses with a focus on creating clean, healthy environments through innovative technologies. The company's flagship innovation, ActivePure Technology, is a patented air and surface purification system developed in collaboration with and certified by the Space Foundation as the only for continuous 24/7 cleaning. This technology works by passing microscopic oxygen and water molecules through a honeycomb matrix in Aerus units, transforming them into active oxidizers that seek out and reduce airborne and surface contaminants such as pathogens, allergens, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors. Integrated into products like the Air Scrubber by Aerus and Beyond by Aerus purifiers, it has been recognized for its efficacy in residential, commercial, and even space applications, with the company's historical vacuum models—such as the Model XXX (1937–1954), which sold nearly 14 million units—displayed in the . In addition to air purification, Aerus offers comprehensive water solutions under the Aerus Water brand, including systems for , conditioners to address issues, and specialized laundry systems that enhance cleaning efficiency while reducing waste. These products emphasize superior for residential use, complementing Aerus's broader commitment to floor care systems like vacuums, which originated with the company's first model in 1924 and continue to evolve for modern healthy home needs. With a legacy spanning over a century, Aerus prioritizes , product demonstrations, and maintenance to ensure long-term performance in fostering healthier living spaces.

History

Founding and early development

Electrolux Corp. USA was founded in by Swedish immigrant Gustaf Sahlin in the United States to market innovative vacuum cleaners from the brand, establishing it as a dedicated North American operation distinct in its sales and distribution from the Swedish parent company. Sahlin, tasked with expanding the brand across the Atlantic, set up the company to leverage direct sales demonstrations, which became a hallmark of its early marketing strategy. This founding marked the entry of canister-style vacuums into the U.S. market, emphasizing durable appliances designed for household use amid growing demand for labor-saving devices in the post-World War I era. The company's first major product was the Lux Model V, introduced in 1924 as a pioneering canister that revolutionized by allowing users to maneuver it easily across floors without the bulk of upright models. Featuring a tank-like with a flexible and attachments, the Model V quickly gained traction through in-home demonstrations, helping Corp. USA build a network of independent sales representatives across during the 1920s. By focusing on high-performance floor care appliances built to last, the company expanded its market presence, targeting middle-class households and establishing a reputation for reliability in an industry dominated by less efficient competitors. In 1937, Corp. USA launched the Model XXX, a refined canister vacuum that solidified its leadership in the sector and became one of the best-selling models in history, with nearly 14 million units sold by its retirement in 1954. Designed with streamlined aesthetics and enhanced suction power, the Model XXX catered to the era's emphasis on modern home efficiency, contributing to the company's growth through widespread adoption in American and Canadian homes during the 1940s and 1950s. A key innovation came in 1952 with the development of the Model LX, which introduced the first self-sealing vacuum bag made entirely of paper, preventing dust from escaping during bag changes and improving user hygiene. This feature addressed common complaints about traditional cloth bags, enhancing the appliance's appeal and underscoring Corp. USA's commitment to practical advancements in vacuum technology. Throughout the to , the company prioritized robust, high-suction floor care products, driving steady market expansion in while fostering a culture of centered on everyday cleaning needs.

Acquisitions and rebranding

In 1968, Consolidated Foods Corporation acquired the rights to , including operations in the and , transitioning the company from independent status to ownership under a major conglomerate. Consolidated Foods later rebranded as in 1985, retaining oversight of the Electrolux division amid broader diversification efforts. In 1998, Sara Lee sold Electrolux Corp. USA to investor Joe Urso, returning the company to independent ownership and renaming it LLC. The company expanded beyond vacuum cleaners in 1989 with the introduction of the Purelux water purification system, marking its initial foray into non-vacuum home appliances focused on and wellness. In May 2000, Electrolux LLC sold the and company name rights for "Electrolux" in to AB Electrolux, the Swedish parent group, with the transfer taking effect in 2004 and concluding U.S. usage of the Electrolux . This agreement allowed the American entity to pivot toward a wider array of air and health-oriented products. On September 27, 2001, the company officially renamed itself Aerus LLC to align with this evolving focus on purification and environmental solutions. During this transitional period of corporate restructuring and rebranding, the headquarters was relocated and established in , where manufacturing operations had already been active since 1970, consolidating key functions in the region.

Modern era and expansions

Following the 2001 rebranding from , Aerus expanded its portfolio beyond vacuum cleaners into air purification and health-focused products, emphasizing indoor environmental quality through innovations like the ActivePure Technology platform. This diversification positioned the company as a leader in proactive air and surface purification systems, targeting residential, commercial, and healthcare markets to address contaminants such as allergens, viruses, and pollutants. By integrating advanced with processes, Aerus launched products under the Beyond by Aerus line, which extended its reach into wellness-oriented solutions for cleaner living spaces. In the , Aerus advanced its purification technologies by adapting NASA-derived photocatalytic oxidation principles, originally developed in the mid-1990s through a NASA-funded program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Space Automation and Robotics, under NASA's , to address ethylene buildup in space environments. This collaboration with technology led to the 2004 release of Aerus's first photocatalytic oxidation-based , enhanced by radiant catalytic acquired from EcoQuest, culminating in the evolution of ActivePure Technology and the introduction of the Beyond by Aerus product line in subsequent years. The technology's space heritage was recognized in 2017 with induction into the Space Foundation's Space Technology Hall of Fame. A significant milestone came in 2020 when the U.S. granted Class II clearance to the Aerus Medical Guardian incorporating ActivePure Technology on June 17, enabling its use in clinical settings for real-time air purification and reduction. This clearance validated the device's safety and efficacy for healthcare applications, facilitating broader adoption in hospitals and medical facilities to mitigate airborne contaminants and support infection control protocols. By 2025, Aerus had grown its franchise network to over 500 locations across the and , enhancing distribution and service capabilities for its expanded product offerings. In 2024 and , Aerus emphasized initiatives addressing seasonal air quality challenges, including updates to its purification systems for managing allergens, , mold, and smoke impacts amid rising environmental concerns. Independent laboratory testing by Aerosol Research and Engineering Laboratories demonstrated ActivePure Technology's efficacy, achieving 99.9999% inactivation of viruses (using MS2 as a surrogate) within in controlled settings. Additionally, a peer-reviewed study confirmed rapid inactivation rates exceeding 99.83% for , RSV, and monkeypox viruses in aerosolized form, underscoring the technology's role in enhancing indoor air safety during heightened events.

Products

Vacuum cleaners

Aerus has produced as its foundational product line since its establishment in 1924 as Corporation , when it introduced the innovative Model V tank-style canister that revolutionized by enabling easy maneuverability and powerful in a compact design. Over the decades, the company's vacuums evolved from basic mechanical cleaners to advanced models incorporating allergy-reducing filtration systems, such as filters, to capture fine particles and improve during use. This progression reflects Aerus's focus on durable, high-performance appliances tailored for health-conscious consumers. The current lineup emphasizes canister-style renowned for their reliability and efficiency, with key models including the Lux Classic, Lux Guardian Platinum, and Lux Legacy series. The Lux Classic is a canister featuring a self-sealing filter bag that prevents dust escape during disposal, a 439 air watts motor for strong cyclonic , and a high-efficiency electrostatic after-filter that captures 94% of particles at 0.3 microns to reduce allergens. It includes an L-shaped power nozzle with self-adjusting height for seamless transitions between carpets and hard floors, along with automatic cord rewind and on-board accessory storage for tools like a crevice tool and floor brush. Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, the Lux Classic weighs 11 pounds and operates at 11.5 amps for consistent performance across surfaces. The Lux Guardian Platinum stands out as a premium canister model with advanced capabilities, delivering 505 air watts and 116 inches of water lift through a high-powered 9-amp motor, enabling it to handle embedded dirt and pet effectively. It employs a totally sealed double filtration system—99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns—combined with activated carbon to trap contaminants and odors, ensuring cleaner exhaust air. Notable features include eight adjustable levels, a smart LED system indicator for bag status and motor health, a quiet operation via sound insulation, and a 15-year limited warranty on its construction for long-term durability. Some hybrid variants briefly integrate basic air purification elements alongside floor care functions. The Lux Legacy series represents high-end canister builds designed for enduring use, with a 439 air watts motor, self-sealing bags, and an electrostatic after-filter for control, similar to the but enhanced with an electronic display for full-bag alerts and a 10-year limited warranty. These models feature a low-profile power with headlight and roll shut-off for hard floors, emphasizing robust and ease of . Aerus vacuum cleaners are sold exclusively through authorized franchises and independent consultants, ensuring personalized demonstrations and service without availability in retail stores.

Air and surface purifiers

Aerus offers a range of air and surface purification products under the Beyond by Aerus brand, designed for portable use in small spaces. The Aerus Mobile unit, for instance, provides coverage for areas up to 50 square feet and incorporates ActivePure Technology combined with to actively disinfect air and surfaces while reducing odors from sources like smoke and VOCs. It features touch-sensitive controls for easy operation, plugs directly into a standard 120-volt outlet, and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for personal or travel applications. The Air Scrubber by ActivePure lineup includes models tailored for both residential and commercial environments, operating continuously 24/7 to maintain without producing . These systems utilize ActivePure Technology, which leverages photohydrolysis and processes to neutralize airborne and surface contaminants, including , viruses, and particulate matter. Installation options range from portable units to in-duct HVAC integrations, supporting customizable coverage for homes, offices, and larger facilities. A notable product in this category is the Medical Guardian device, an FDA-cleared Class II medical device. It achieves a >99.9999% reduction against airborne viruses, such as MS2 tested in laboratory settings, within 60 minutes of operation. It employs ActivePure Technology to provide real-time purification in occupied spaces, including healthcare settings, and has been verified to reduce over 99.99% of bacteria like , mold spores such as , and viruses including MS2 in air within one hour. Aerus's purification products also demonstrate surface disinfection efficacy, with independent testing showing >99.9% reduction for in peer-reviewed studies and over 99.99% for mold, , and allergens in controlled indoor environments. These capabilities extend to mitigating common indoor allergens and pathogens, enhancing overall environmental hygiene without reliance on chemical additives.

Water filtration systems

Aerus entered the water purification market in 1989 with the launch of the Purelux system, the first residential under-the-sink unit that integrated light disinfection with filtration to produce cleaner . This innovation marked an early focus on point-of-use solutions for households seeking to address common issues like taste and odors. Over time, the Purelux platform evolved into advanced (RO) systems and water conditioning units tailored for both and laundry applications, expanding Aerus's portfolio to include whole-home treatments. Central to Aerus's modern water solutions are the Aerus Water product line, designed specifically for residential use in regions. These include water softeners, such as the Origins WC series (e.g., WC400 and WC100 models), which employ to remove minerals and prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances by exchanging them for sodium ions. Complementing these are RO-based systems like the Elevate pH 600+, which filter out up to 99% of contaminants including , pesticides, and microorganisms, while also enhancing levels for better hydration and benefits. Whole-home filtration options, such as the F150V model, target broader issues like removal and odor neutralization at the point of entry, ensuring consistent water quality throughout the household. These systems prioritize effective approaches to make them suitable for areas with poor , reducing reliance on harsh additives and extending the lifespan of home appliances through minimized deposits. Installations and are facilitated through Aerus's network of local franchises, which conduct and customize solutions based on regional needs to promote healthier living environments.

Technology

ActivePure Technology

ActivePure Technology originated from research by scientists at the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics in collaboration with the during the 1990s, aimed at developing an using photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in space environments, with initial deployment on the in 1995. Aerus, then operating as Electrolux North America, advanced this foundational technology in the early 2000s by acquiring related patents and releasing its first PCO-based in 2004, which combined UV light and a catalyst to generate reactive species for disinfection. In 2008, Aerus acquired EcoQuest International, integrating their eight years of development on Radiant Catalytic (RCI) to enhance the system's in producing continuous purification effects. By 2011, Aerus introduced an improved ActivePure cell design, building on the NASA-derived PCO to create a more robust ionization process for broader contaminant neutralization, earning induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2017 as one of only 75 technologies recognized over three decades. At its core, ActivePure Technology operates through a photochemical process involving low-intensity UV light directed at a proprietary honeycomb matrix coated with specialized catalysts, such as and other reactive metals. This interaction ionizes molecules and oxygen in the surrounding air, producing a controlled stream of low-level (ROS), including hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and ions (O₂⁻), which mimic natural atmospheric cleansing without generating harmful byproducts like or concentrated oxidants. These ROS actively diffuse into occupied spaces, oxidizing and neutralizing pathogens—such as viruses, , fungi, and VOCs—on both airborne particles and environmental surfaces by disrupting their molecular structures, achieving continuous disinfection that extends beyond the device's immediate vicinity. The process, an evolution of PCO enhanced by RCI, ensures safety for humans and pets, as the ROS levels remain below occupational exposure limits while effectively targeting contaminants at a molecular level. Independent laboratory testing has validated the technology's , particularly in rapid pathogen inactivation. A 2025 peer-reviewed study in the American Journal of Infection Control, conducted by researchers at the , demonstrated that ActivePure achieved >99.98% inactivation of aerosolized (RSV, an ) within 1 minute, >99.83% for in 1 minute, and >99.63% for in 5 minutes, highlighting its potential to mitigate of respiratory pathogens in real-time. Additional tests supporting FDA clearance, performed at Aerosol Research and Engineering Laboratories, showed 99.9999% reduction (6-log) of airborne viruses like MS2 and 99.999% for bacteria such as within 60 minutes, underscoring the technology's scalability for high-contaminant environments without relying on high airflow rates. These results establish ActivePure's role in reducing microbial loads, though can vary with factors like room size, , and ventilation. In medical settings, ActivePure powers devices like the Aerus Medical Guardian, which received U.S. FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance in June 2020 (K201220) for reducing airborne and surface microbial contaminants in healthcare facilities, enabling its use in hospitals, clinics, and operating rooms to support infection control protocols. Commercially, it is deployed in office buildings, schools, and hospitality venues to maintain safer indoor environments, with installations demonstrating measurable decreases in VOCs and particulate matter. This technology is briefly integrated into Aerus's air and surface purifiers for residential and professional use.

Other innovations in floor care and purification

Aerus incorporates advanced filtration systems across its vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, designed to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, thereby enhancing by trapping allergens, dust, and fine contaminants. This filtration meets or exceeds HEPA standards, with models like the CentraLux central vacuum featuring a washable filter that maintains performance without frequent replacements. In canister vacuums such as the Lux Guardian Platinum, double HEPA filtration provides a sealed, multi-stage process that prevents particle recirculation during cleaning. A key advancement in allergen containment is the self-sealing bag technology, originally introduced with the 1952 Model LX and evolved into modern ultra-filtration designs. These bags, compatible with Style C canisters produced since , automatically seal upon removal to trap dirt, dust, and , preventing their release back into the environment. In the Lux Legacy series, this feature is enhanced with bags offering 94% efficiency at 0.3 microns—four times better than earlier 4-ply versions—ensuring comprehensive containment during floor care tasks. For odor neutralization in select purification units, Aerus employs ionization enhancements that complement filtration without relying on ozone production. These systems, integrated into devices like the Beyond Guardian Air, generate ions to bind with airborne odor molecules, effectively freshening air and reducing smells from pets, , or cooking. This technology supports proactive odor control in non-core purification models, maintaining clean environments alongside mechanical . The modern Legacy series vacuums emphasize through eco-friendly design elements and -efficient components. Constructed with durable, recyclable materials and produced in the to minimize shipping impacts, these models feature high-powered yet optimized 11.5-amp motors delivering 439 air watts of while incorporating cyclonic to sustain without excessive energy draw. Automatic protections, such as overheating shutoffs and self-adjusting nozzles, further promote longevity and reduced resource use in floor care applications.

Operations

Business model and distribution

Aerus operates primarily through a direct sales model, leveraging a network of approximately 170 locations, including independently owned franchises and independent consultants across the and , to distribute its healthy home products, such as cleaners, air purifiers, and systems. This approach excludes sales in big-box retail outlets, emphasizing exclusive access to products via authorized channels to maintain and personalized . As a longtime member of the , Aerus aligns with industry standards for ethical practices, focusing on consumer education and relationship-building rather than mass-market retail. The franchise model was formalized in 2001 following the company's to Aerus in 2000, when it also restructured as an independent . This enabled independent operators to access proprietary products, comprehensive programs, and support. Franchisees receive ongoing on product demonstrations and techniques, ensuring consistent representation of Aerus's focus on home health solutions. Sales occur through in-home or on-site consultations, where representatives conduct personalized assessments of a customer's living environment to recommend tailored purification and cleaning systems. Revenue generation centers on , extended warranties, and service contracts, with a particular emphasis on recurring maintenance to support long-term product performance and . Warranties typically cover defects in and materials, often requiring periodic servicing by authorized technicians, which fosters ongoing revenue through replacement parts and annual check-ups. This model not only drives initial purchases but also builds loyalty via dependable after-sales support, aligning with Aerus's commitment to creating healthier home environments over time.

Leadership and ownership

Aerus LLC is led by Chairman and Joseph P. Urso, who has overseen operations since acquiring the company in 1998. Under Urso's leadership, the company has shifted focus toward health and wellness products, including air and surface purification technologies. The company's ownership traces back to its independence following the 1998 acquisition from and associated banks by a Dallas-based investment group headed by Urso. Originally operating as Corporation USA, it restructured as Aerus LLC in 2001 to emphasize its evolving product lines. Today, Aerus operates as a under the parent company AP Sciences Group, LLC, which supports its distribution of health-focused innovations. The , chaired by Urso, prioritizes strategic oversight on in health products, guiding the company's transition from traditional floor care to advanced purification solutions. This governance structure fosters innovation, aligning with Aerus's commitment to evidence-based technologies for indoor .

References

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