Vacuum cleaners have become must-have tools in our households today. These technological devices have revolutionized how we clean our homes by vacuuming the floor, carpets, furniture, and other places. Some more advanced options, like robovacs and wet/dry vacuums, can also vacuum and mop the floor. However, have you ever wondered who invented the vacuum cleaner? That's what we'll seek to answer in this article by walking you through the complete history of these handy cleaning tools. Continue reading!
Who Really Invented the Vacuum Cleaner?
Vacuum cleaners have undergone many transformations over the last century to become what they are today. That said, the quest to explore the history of vacuum cleaner takes us back to the 1860s when Daniel Hess invented a "carpet sweeper." This first manual carpet sweeper used a rotating brush and bellows to gather dust and generate suction. This invention laid the ground for the development of more advanced vacuums, while it did not create true suction.
In 1901, the first true suction-powered vacuum was invented by Hubert Cecil Booth. Booth's design was revolutionary, employing a motor to create suction through a large machine that was often horse-drawn and parked outside buildings. His device, nicknamed the "Puffing Billy," was cumbersome but effective, and it required lengthy hoses to be run through windows to clean the interiors of buildings.
Since then, vacuums have changed by adding new technologies and becoming more common in most households.
Early Attempts at Mechanical Cleaning Devices (Pre-1900s)
History shows that electricity was not yet widespread in the 19th century, limiting the development of powered vacuums. Despite this scarcity, there were still efforts to create mechanical cleaning solutions in the earlier centuries. Let's explain the history of manual vacuums in detail below:
Daniel Hess (1860)
Daniel Hess from West Union, Iowa, United States, was the first to invent a manual vacuum cleaner. In 1860, Hess announced his invention – a carpet sweeper, which used rotating brushes and a bellows system like sweepers. Despite it was a step toward modern vacuums, this wasn't a vacuum cleaner per se. Instead, it could only clean carpets and had two "water chambers" to capture fine dust and dirt.
Ives W. McGaffey (1868)
In 1868, Ives W. McGaffey developed a manually operated vacuum called the "Whirlwind," which used a manual belt-driven fan to create suction. McGaffey patented the device on June 5, 1869, in Chicago. You literally had to turn a crank while simultaneously pushing the device. You can imagine how cumbersome that was to operate. It was not widely successful due to its complexity.
John S. Thurman (1898)
Modernization of vacuum cleaners took a significant turn in the late 1890s when John S. Thurman invented a gasoline-powered machine. His invention didn't vacuum dirt into a container; instead, it blew air to dislodge dust, which was then collected by a filter. This blower was bulky and horse-drawn, designed primarily for industrial cleaning rather than household use. Thurman patented this machine in November 1899.
The First True Vacuum Cleaners (1900s-1920s)
The early 1900s was an exciting period in the history of vacuum cleaners. This period saw the invention of the first "true vacuum cleaners," with Hubert Cecil Booth patenting the first motorized vacuum cleaner in 1901, followed by James Murray Spangler’s invention of first portable upright vacuum cleaner in 1907. This technology gradually become more accessible to more households. It's said that some well-off families even organized "cleaning parties."
Hubert Cecil Booth (1901)
Hubert Cecil Booth invented and patented the first motorized vacuum cleaner in 1901. Booth's design used a powerful piston pump to create suction and draw dirt into a filter through long hoses. His inspiration came after witnessing a railway cleaning device that blew dust off railway seats, prompting him to envision a machine that could instead "suck up" the dust. However, the large, horse-drawn machine was powered by either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. It had to be parked outside the building with long hoses fed inside for cleaning.
James Murray Spangler (1907)
James Murray Spangler was a janitor from Canton, Ohio, when he invented the first upright vacuum cleaner in 1907. Interestingly, James was looking for a solution to his asthma and to reduce dust exposure during work. His invention was the first truly portable electric vacuum, housing a fan, a rotating brush, and a cloth dust bag.
William Henry Hoover (1926)
William Henry Hoover’s company introduced the first commercial vacuum in 1926 - the Hoover Model 700. It presented an improvement over previous designs because it featured a motorized fan to created suction and an agitator brush bar. Impressively, the brush bar could help loosen dirt before sucking it away, making the cleaning process easier. It was also the first vacuum to have a disposable dust bag.
The Rise of Modern Vacuum Cleaners (1920s-Present)
1920s–1950s: The Hoover Company
The Hoover Company dominated the vacuum cleaner market between the 1920s and 1950s. Their innovations had more advanced features like disposable dust bags and beater bars, making cleaning more efficient. Despite disruptions caused by the World Wars, Hoover continued refining vacuum designs, improving motor performance, and enhancing filtration systems.
1980s–1990s: Introduction of Bagless Vacuums
Fast forward to the 1980s/90s, the vacuum industry embraced the introduction of bagless vacuums. James Dyson was instrumental in this change, inventing the first bagless, dual-cyclone vacuum cleaner after years of experimentation in the early 1980s. After years of experimentation with thousands of prototypes, Dyson launched the Dyson DC01 in 1993. This vacuum provided powerful, consistent suction, effectively preventing clogging.
2000s to Present – Rise of Robot Vacuums
The early 21st century saw a technological wave that swept across most industries, and the vacuum sector wasn't spared. This era saw the rise of robot vacuums, which use smart technologies to make cleaning more efficient and hands-free.
The First Commercial Robot Vacuum (2002)
Having said that, iRobot introduced the Roomba in 2002, the first commercial robot vacuum cleaner. This device could clean floors automatically using sensors to detect obstacles and dirt. These devices made cleaning, especially in small spaces, more fun and efficient.
However, early models of the Roomba had limited abilities and required more frequent intervention. This saw the rise of more powerful models as the vacuum industry pushed its limits. eufy, a popular home solutions brand, has since taken the vacuum sector to the next level with its powerful robovacs.
eufy: A New Era of Powerful Robot Vacuum (Present)
1. eufy S1 Pro Omni -- Intelligent Cleaning with Advanced Technology
For example, the eufy S1 Pro Omni is a powerful robot vacuum that spots a compact, sporty design with multiple advanced features. This premium-grade vacuum has 8,000pa of suction power, enough to dislodge and suck stubborn dirt and debris.
It also uses 3D MatrixEye™ Obstacle Avoidance to map your home in real-time, avoiding obstacles and adjusting its path with high precision. With a strong 10-in-1 Station, it automatizes everything from dustbin emptying to mop washing and dry, enabling you ultimate convenience. Moreover, its tangle-free brush rolls can handle long hair and fine debris without getting jammed.
2. eufy X10 Pro Omni -- Deep Cleaning with Hands-Free Maintenance
Another impressive eufy innovation is the X10 Pro Omni. This is the older sibling of the S1 Pro Omni, so you can expect to find it at an affordable price without sacrificing cleaning efficiency. This robot vacuum packs an impressive 8,000pa of suction power and 1 kg of downward pressure, it can vigorously scrubs away even the most stubborn stains.
Moreover, with the cutting-edge AI technology, X10 Pro Omni can recognizes over 100+ obstacles and effortlessly avoids them. You can relax and enjoy the truly hands-free cleaning experience.
What Are the Impacts of Vacuum Cleaners on Household Cleaning
So, how did vacuum cleaner impact society and home cleaning in general? The benefits of this technology are too many to ignore.
First, vacuum cleaners provide fantastic convenience and efficiency. Before this invention, cleaning carpets, hard floors, and even furniture was a time-consuming and energy-supping experience. Vacuums can quickly suck dirt and dust from surfaces.
In addition, you no longer have to bend down to sweep or clean, thanks to innovations like stick and robot vacuums.
Most vacuums also have air filtering technology to protect you from hidden allergens and pollutants. The HEPA filters, for example, can trap 99.97% of tiny allergens, reducing any health risk complications.
Overall, vacuums are handy tools to have.
Conclusion
You now have answers to the questions of who is the inventor of vacuums and why was the vacuum cleaner invented. By understanding the transformational journey of these devices, you can know how vacuums work and appreciate this technology more. Vacuums have made cleaning more efficient, ensuring maximum health protection and using minimal energy and resources. What are you waiting for? Compare the reliable eufy robot vacuums and find one that meets your cleaning needs.
FAQs
Why do Brits say Hoover?
UK residents say hoover instead of vacuum due to the widespread popularity of The Hoover Company in the country. This company has generated user-friendly and efficient vacuums in the UK since the 20th century. So, don't be surprised if you hear a Brit call any vacuum cleaner a "hoover," even if it’s not the Hoover brand.
Who is the father of vacuum cleaners?
While many people contributed to this invention, Hubert Cecil Booth is widely considered "the father of vacuum cleaners." He invented the first commercially viable powered vacuum in 1901.
What are the different types of vacuums?
Vacuum cleaners can come in many variations, depending on your needs and wants. Generally, there are 7 different types of vacuums. Besides a robot vacuum, you can get a canister vacuum, stick vacuum, upright vacuum, handheld vacuum, or wet/dry vacuum. You can also find a central vacuum with much more powerful capabilities.