Get the Dirt on the History of the Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is a ubiquitous tool in the cleaning industry evolving from a simple pump action tool to a fully electronic and often robotic device. It has cleaned its way through households and serviced those in commercial settings. For its 157th birthday, let’s have a look back at the invention and history of the vacuum.

The Earliest Rendition

In 1860 an early form of what we know as the vacuum was invented. This carpet sweeper, created by Daniel Hess of West Union, Iowa, generated suction by using a manually pumped bellow combined with a rolling sweeper to lift and pull up dirt.

1901 was the year of the new coined term “Vacuum Cleaner.” Hubert Cecil Booth, British, and David T. Kenney, American, arrived at the idea independently to use the sweepers with suction and a cloth filter to clean up dirt. As the effectiveness of the early vacuums became known, their demand grew. The vacuums became smaller, electric motors replaced steam powered engines, and domestic models began appearing in every household.

The Modern Vacuum

Now vacuums are more specific with different designs developed for different functions. Canister, upright, drum, wet, and central-duct all serve a different purpose in the cleaning industry. CleanFreak.com is proud to provide the best vacuum cleaners to the professionals around the globe that keep our world clean.