Have you ever come across an old photo of an object and wondered, « What the hell was that for? » That’s exactly what happened when an image of a large metal object circulated online. Some thought it was a machine part, others thought it was a decorative object from another era. But… it turned out to be one of the very first vacuum cleaners!
Yes, this faithful companion of our cleaning sessions has a little-known history that is much more surprising than it seems . And you will see: the beginnings of this essential device were far from simple…
Before the “on” button, elbow grease!
In the 19th century, hygiene gradually became a priority in homes. It was realized that living in a clean environment was good for one’s health… but also for one’s social image. It was therefore only natural that the need arose for more effective tools than the simple broom.
And that’s where our famous mysterious object comes in: a vacuum cleaner… without electricity . Imagine a large metal box, equipped with a handle that had to be operated constantly to create mechanical suction. Yes, back then, cleaning required a good dose of energy!
Among the iconic models is the Whirlwind , patented in 1869 by a certain Ives W. McGaffey. This strange contraption operated using a hand-activated bellows. Needless to say, it took some stamina to hope to clean a carpet…
The spirit of innovation above all
As bulky and tiring as they were, these first vacuum cleaners marked the beginning of a true revolution. They reflected an era of technological effervescence: the Industrial Revolution. Metal became a staple in homes, and everyday objects began to transform under the impetus of human ingenuity.
Certainly, these rudimentary machines have nothing to do with our modern, silent, connected, and sometimes even autonomous vacuum cleaners. But without them, there would be no Dyson, no robot cleaners, and above all, no idea of « simplified cleaning. »
