Vacuum firm rapped over advert

Electrolux have said they will fight the decision

Vacuum cleaner manufacturer Electrolux has been criticised for claiming one of its products makes the home healthier and helps reduce household allergies.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) told Electrolux to withdraw the claims in a trade brochure that using its produce would "make cleaning more hygienic and the home healthier."

Electrolux has said it will appeal against the decision.

We have carried out clinical trials that have proved the claims

Richard John, managing director of Floorcare, Electrolux

Electrolux said the excellent dust pick-up and retention of their machines improved air quality in homes and that this could ease the symptoms for pet-sensitive asthma sufferers.

The ASA told Electrolux it must alter the wording of its brochure because it could not substantiate its claims that it made homes healthier.

And the watchdog noted that the study was specific to the assessment of the effects on pet-sensitive asthmatics.

Electrolux was also criticised for saying that its Cyclone Powers products had the largest ever waste bins and innovative sealed lids.

The Dyson company made complaints over the Electrolux claims

Rival vacuum makers Dyson complained to the ASA that the Electrolux products were not innovative.

Dyson claimed their vacuum cleaners had bigger bins than those used by Electrolux and that they had used a similar sealed lid on two products in their range since 1995.

Claims challenged

Dyson also challenged the claim that the Electrolux products "Make cleaning more hygienic and the home healthier".

The ASA ruled that the claims by Electrolux could not be justified.

They said Electrolux had failed to demonstrate that their vacuums were superior to other cleaners and that they made homes healthier.

The ASA then called for the claims to be removed and told the company it would need to produce documentary evidence to back up any such claims.

The ASA also asked Electrolux to remove any reference to its lid and bin size - saying this could not be justified.

Richard John, managing director of Floorcare Electrolux, told BBC News Online that the brochure had been for trade use only and had only been in circulation for one month, in November.

He said Electrolux could back its claims and they would be detailing this to the ASA.

He said: "We have informed the ASA that we are appealing against the decision.

"We have carried out clinical trials that have proved the claims."