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The History of the Vacuum Cleaner

In America in the year 1907, the first electric vacuum cleaner was invented by James Spangler who was working in a department store at the time.

James Spangler was an asthmatic and found his problem greatly agitated when he used the carpet sweeper, with which he had been supplied to carry out his janitorial duties.

With the use of a soap box, an old motor from a fan and the utilisation of a pillow case as a dust bag, he managed to put together and produce a portable electric vacuum. This very basic model was improved & patented in 1908.

A company called Electric Suction Sweeper Company was formed. One of his own cousins became an early customer. The lady happened to be married to William Hoover who had been looking for a new business venture. Mr Hoover bought into the company after becoming greatly impressed with the machine his wife had purchased.

He soon became president of the Electric Suction Sweeper Company, which in 1922 was renamed the Hoover Company. Mr Spangler remained at the company as a supervisor.

These days Vacuum cleaners come in all shapes and sizes. With washable filters and HEPA filtration, on board storage of tools and a variety of finishes, the vacuum cleaner has come along way in the last 100 years.

Dyson have produced the cyclone bagless cylinder, which is now manufactured by Panasonic, Morphy Richards, Electrolux and many other manufacturers.

Article by Simon Hiscox