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?

*****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.

*****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 it was another step in the right direction.