Cleaning tools are essential when it comes to housekeeping. However, they weren’t always as advanced as they are today. The history of cleaning tools teaches us that cleaning agents and equipment have come a long way since their outset.
Although investing in a large stock of supplies is something that is always recommended, a lot of people prefer to rely on well-equipped cleaning companies in Simpsonville to assist them. This article outlines the interesting history of cleaning tools. Let’s take a trip down memory lane!
What is the history of cleaning tools and supplies?
Cleaning tools and supplies have been evolving since the dawn of time. Here is a brief overview of how cleaning agents for household have developed:
Glass cleaners
The history of window cleaning begins with the invention of glass around 2000 B.C. Naturally, the tools and solutions used for glass cleaning back then were primitive compared to what people use nowadays. Therefore people had to resort to using any homemade supplies they had available.
And then the squeegee was born in the 1900s. The first squeegee was designed to scrape the fish guts from the deck. It continued to evolve until 1936 when Ettore Steccone developed the squeegee as we know it today. He used lightweight brass and a very flexible sharp rubber blade.
Floor sweeping machines
Just like vacuum cleaners, floor sweeping machines were first used at the beginning of the 20th century. The early models had brushes made from vegetable fiber. People used Carnauba wax extensively as chemical cleaning solutions weren’t prevalent at that time.
Variable-speed scrubbers and sweepers evolved during the 1950s and they were easier to operate because of their wider base. Alternatives to Carnauba wax were found during the 1970s and 1980s.
Carpet cleaner
The first evidence of carpet cleaning procedures dates back to the 19th century. Until the Industrial Revolution it was fashionable to use the protective cover for carpets. The most common technique for carpet cleaning was to beat the carpet with corn brooms to remove the dirt, sand and soot.
The turning point in carpet cleaning was the invention of the first manual vacuum cleaner in the 1870s. Hubert Cecil Booth invented a vacuum cleaner that sucked up the dust, unlike the earlier models, and consequently didn’t spread the dirt around. One of the ways to prepare for a comprehensive home cleaning is to check the condition of your cleaning tools and make sure that the dust canister is empty.
Laundry detergent
The first milestone when it comes to doing laundry was the invention of a washing machine in the mid 1940s. During the 1950s laundry detergents became popular along with bleach. Stain removers and enzymatic laundry detergents were introduced in the 1960s. Fabric conditioners were included in the detergents in the 1970s, whereas varying temperature and concentrated detergents grew in popularity in the 1980s. Biodegradable detergent was invented in the 1990s.
Regardless of the era, using too much detergent has always been a cleaning mistake to avoid. Although most detergents nowadays are eco-friendly, that doesn’t mean that they’ll get thoroughly rinsed out if you overuse them.
Which cleaning companies in Simpsonville are dependable?
If you want to your home to be spick-and-span, you should partner with Castle Keepers Greenville. Our seasoned professionals provide comprehensive cleaning services and use the latest green technology.
Go for a walk and enjoy a pleasant afternoon at Cedar Falls Park near Simpsonville while we make your home sparkling. Call us today and make an appointment!
