The first vacuum cleaner on record was invented in 1860 in the USA. This was actually more like a sweeping machine but had suctioning facilities to suck in dirt. Actually it was called a carpet sweeper. In the same decade, a manually powered vacuum cleaner was also invented in Chicago. This was small and portable but since one had to work a hand crank as they maneuvered it around the floor while cleaning, it was a clumsy machine to operate. Those two cleaners were the only ones available and for four decades.
In 1901, however, the first motorized vacuum cleaner was invented. It was first run by engine oil, and later by electricity. This was a great improvement from the carpet sweeter and the mechanical cleaner. However, it was so huge, it had to be horse drawn and placed outside the building that was getting cleaned.
The first century of vacuum cleaners saw many models invented but while each was a slight improvement of its predecessor, all had one common weakness; they were bulky, hard to maneuver and could not be easily operated by a single person. During that period, vacuum cleaners were luxury items so they were not selling as much as they are today. When in the mid 20th century this trend started to change, the industry blossomed, with many companies coming up with great ideas on how to make a model that would offer a more competitive advantage.
As the vacuum cleaner was getting adopted more and more as a domestic appliance, it became necessary to shift from big units to small maneuverable units. Each company tried to outdo the other in inventions - up came sleek models, cordless, bag-less, upright, canister, inbuilt, pneumatic, hand-held, steam, the list is endless. But vacuum cleaners needs to be maintained in a way to prevent them from getting damaged due to high voltage electric current. You can do so by using a good surge protector.
In a few short years, one could find a vacuum cleaner to suit all his particular needs. Upright sticks for those with back issues, wet/dry for those keeping pets, or with young children, HEPA for the dust averse person, then finally, the millennium baby – the floor robot!
It is sad to note that even as someone in one society sits back to wait for a robotic vacuum to do all the cleaning without any intervention, there is still another person in the same universe, that has never even heard of them! so, in which century are they?
