Who invented a lightweight vacuum cleaner in 1908?
The lightweight vacuum cleaner was invented in 1908 by James Murray Spangler, a department store janitor in Ohio.
Who Invented the Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner in 1908?
The way we clean our homes was transformed by the invention of the vacuum cleaner. Prior to its existence, cleaning floors required laborious and time-consuming broom and dustpan usage. Although the first vacuum cleaner was created in the late 1800s, it was heavy and cumbersome, which made it challenging to operate. Not until 1908 did a lightweight vacuum cleaner come about, resulting in more efficient and effortless cleaning.
James Murray Spangler, a janitor from Ohio, who struggled with asthma, invented the lightweight vacuum cleaner. He discovered that sweeping caused his condition to worsen due to the dust and dirt it stirred up into the air. To tackle this issue, he conducted several experiments to create a device that would collect the debris from the floor without causing any disturbance. Using a fan, a soapbox, and a pillowcase, he built a prototype of the vacuum cleaner.
A motor-driven fan in a soapbox, coupled with a pillowcase for collecting dirt and dust, constituted Spangler’s handheld prototype. It was a major advancement from the bulky and weighty vacuum cleaners that were prevalent in that era.
Susan Hoover, cousin of Spangler, was intrigued by his invention. Her husband, William Hoover, founder of the Hoover Company, was also impressed and purchased the patent in 1908. The Hoover Company then manufactured the “Model O,” a compact vacuum cleaner.
With the success of the Model O, the Hoover Company emerged as a top-tier producer of vacuum cleaners worldwide. Lightweight and user-friendly, the Model O appealed to homemakers seeking a simpler cleaning solution. Additionally, its affordability expanded its reach to a broader consumer base.
The lightweight vacuum cleaner’s popularity and widespread use can be traced back to the success of the Model O, which paved the way for the development of other similar devices. As a result, the vacuum cleaner industry experienced continued growth, and today, there is a wide range of vacuum cleaners available, from handheld to robotic models. Despite this diverse selection, the lightweight vacuum cleaner remains a beloved and highly favored type of cleaning tool.
