May 21, 2024

Great moments in cleaning history (part deux)

Awhile back – May, 2023 to be exact – we dove into a handful of amazing cleaning moments that people like us find incredibly fascinating.

We know you’re not like us when it comes to your interest in this stuff. But doggone it, it’s high time someone paid homage to the inventive minds that sought solutions to the age-old task of cleaning. Since we’re geeks about the topic, we decided to take on the task of bringing you even more of these enlightening tidbits.

Broom & Dustpan

These puppies date back to ancient times and they’re still relevant today. Originally made from natural stuff like twigs and straw, these early versions paved the way for more sophisticated cleaning tools.

Vacuum Cleaner

The invention of this bad boy in the late 19th century revolutionized cleaning. Patented by Hubert Cecil Booth in 1901, the first motorized vacuum used suction to remove dust and dirt from carpet and floors. Brilliant!

Soap

Although the exact origins of soap aren’t clear, it has been used for cleaning purposes for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Romans made soap from a mixture of animal fats and ashes. Soap is still a thing, but we tend to use stuff way stronger (yet very safe) to make sure your workplace doesn’t become a Petri dish.

Disinfectants & Antiseptics

As we were saying, we need more than soap for a job well done. The discovery of germ theory in the 19th century revolutionized our understanding of disease transmission and the importance of cleanliness in preventing illness. Look closer at a Kleenrite cart and you’ll get a quick overview of the good stuff.

Microfiber Cleaning Technology

In the late 20th century, microfiber cleaning technology became all the rage. Microfiber cloths and mops are made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers that trap dirt, dust, and bacteria. Compared to regular old rags, microfiber brings a superior cleaning performance and can reduce the need for chemical cleaners. Kind of a win-win.

There you have it, people. A few more examples of the many inventions that our crew worships every single day. Thanks for reading. And if you happen to win a cash prize at your next trivia night when “Cleaning Inventions” is one of the categories, we expect you to buy us a beer for all the help.