The vacuum cleaner is another invention that most of us take for granted these days…(except on the days that you’re having company or expecting a visit from CPS, perhaps)…
A tool that thankfully transformed domestic work forever.
And a tool that illustrates the Industrial Revolution – its new manufacturing processes, the desires for a more convenient life and the overall change from a primarily rural to an urban society.
An Industrial Revolution reflected in the vacuum cleaner itself – from the most basic of brooms and brushes, to innovative robotic machines that now do the vacuuming for you…
So exactly who can we thank for this powerful household tool?
A cat curiously interacts with a vintage Bissell floor sweeper on a patterned rug
*****Daniel Hess’s Carpet Sweeper*****
Daniel Hess received the first patent for an official vacuum cleaner in 1860.
His simple “carpet sweeper” design consisted of two basic parts – a rotating brush and an elaborate bellows mechanism.
Even though this new invention was quite an innovation for its time, the person holding the device still had to do all the work…
Although this “carpet sweeper” was honestly not that much better than the brushes and brooms that already existed, his simple carpet sweeper inspired others to think about how “new” and developing technology could be used to clean homes.
A surprised orange and white cat interacts with a vacuum cleaner in a messy room
*****June 8, 1869: The “Whirlwind”*****
Nine years later, Chicago inventor Ives McGaffey received a patent for his “Whirlwind” rug cleaner.
This vacuum cleaner looked similar to modern upright vacuum cleaners, but the device required the use of a hand crank.
Its release brought mixed success.
Even though consumers recognized the value that an actual working vacuum cleaner could offer, this was a disappointment.
The device was bulky and hard to maneuver. Those who were able to operate it claimed that it was not effective.
But the very best way to get rid of house flies is to keep them out of your house in the first place.
Keeping flies out of your house requires a proactive approach centered on the three things that flies love most – rotting food scraps, fermenting spills and readily available trash.
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Food Scraps:
Store food properly so that you don’t end up throwing it out…not to mention, attracting even more flies.
Store ripe fruits in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. Keeping ripe fruits cold slows down the fermentation process that attracts flies.
Consider freezing overripe fruits for later use in smoothies or baking.
Dispose of overly ripe produce promptly. Wrap spoiled produce in a sealed bag before placing it in the trash and take it outside right away to avoid attracting even more flies.
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Spills:
You want your house to be as uninviting to pests as possible, including human pests perhaps. The main way to do this is to create an environment that isn’t very inviting.
As far as flies, this means keeping your house clean, especially your kitchen.
As far as people, keeping a clean house will at least keep people from going around town gossiping about what a messy house you keep…or calling your Mama to see if you’re okay…right(?!)…
Be sure to wipe up any spilled liquids, juice or crumbsimmediately. Food crumbs, spilled drinks and sugar all begin to ferment over time.
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Create a regular cleaning schedule that targets fly-prone areas. This routine should include cleaning specific surfaces – around sinks and faucets, backsplashes, countertops, dish rack, faucets, stove tops and underneath small appliances like coffee makers and toasters
Be sure to dry these areas after you clean them. Moisture creates ideal conditions for flies to feed and lay eggs, especially during the summer.
Also pay special attention to the garbage disposal and the area under the sink.
The food particles, grease, and moisture that build up inside neglected drains, garbage disposals and kitchen pipes creates the perfectly moist environment that flies need to lay their eggs.
Regularly cleaning these areas helps remove any trapped food scraps and residue. It also kills eggs before they hatch…(Bravo, job well done)…
To clean your drains, first pour boiling water down your drain to loosen buildup. Follow this with ½C salt and then ½C baking soda and finally 1C white vinegar. Let it sit for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Flush with more boiling water
This process will kill existing flies, but does not remove eggs or organic slime.
So you should follow this by pouring a bacterial drain cleaner gel into the drain to remove any organic slime or existing flies.
Do this about once a week.
A few more words to the wise:
Avoid putting starchy or sticky scraps down the disposal.
Grind ice cubes with salt to help dislodge residue… lemon or lime peels to reduce lingering odors.
Run cold water, not warm or hot water, while grinding food.
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Avoid leaving wet dish cloths, gloves or sponges out overnight…(still looking for the best place to keep rubber gloves, any suggestions(?!)),,,
Replace old dishrags, sponges and mops regularly.
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Rinse dirty dishes immediately instead of simply allowing them to sit in the sink overnight.
Washing dishes as soon as you finish eating dinner, instead of waiting an hour or even until the next morning, actually creates more work later. The longer you wait, the more time that leftover food on that plate has to get stuck on the plate, bowl or whatever.
Also, having a sink full of dishes and water gives the flies the perfect swimming pool for this dreadful summer heat…and who wants that…
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Trash:
Clean the sides and bottom of garbage cans and bins regularly so that their surfaces are free of food and juices.
Empty recycling bins and trash cans regularly, especially in warm weather.
Make sure that your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids. Line them with durable trash bags
Rinse food containers before throwing them away.
Wash garbage containers frequently to eliminate odors.
Finally, if you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to have a cat, you should be cleaning that litter box daily.
