We are aware that cleaning can be a time-consuming task at times; however, have you ever stopped to think about how fortunate we are to have access to things like vacuum cleaners, detergents, and stain removers? to remove the dust and soot.

After the war and the industrial revolution, we now have everything we need to make cleaning a breeze. Our forebears in the 19th century did not have it as easy as we do now. Examine the history of carpet and rug cleaning techniques to learn how this aspect of cleaning has evolved over time with motorised vacuum cleaners and hot water extraction steam cleaning.

The first evidence of carpet cleaning procedures dates back to the 19th century, a time when the Industrial Revolution was reshaping daily life. This era brought new ideas that significantly impacted the cleanliness of homes, particularly in major European and North American cities. Before these advancements, it was common to protect carpets by covering their ‘problematic’ areas with druggets—heavy woolen goods placed under tables and in areas of heavy wear. This method provided basic protection against spills and damage.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, these rudimentary practices began to evolve. The introduction of mechanized tools and techniques, like motorized vacuum cleaners, revolutionized the way people approached carpet cleaning. Later developments, such as hot water extraction steam cleaning, further transformed this essential household task into a more efficient and effective process.
Today, we benefit from these historical innovations that have made maintaining clean and beautiful carpets much simpler than in the past.

How the Carpet Industry Got Its Start

At the beginning of the 1800s, wool was used to make carpet, which was then manufactured. This type of carpet was popular in the northern states because it allowed people to keep their floors warmer. In those days, carpeting was woven on looms, and its production was so labour-intensive and expensive that only the very wealthy could afford to have it in their homes.

Finally, companies that deal in textiles started manufacturing carpets made of synthetic fibers composed of nylon. They finally succeeded, after many years of experimentation and failure, in developing a method to make nylon carpets more long-lasting and less expensive. The entire carpet industry was about to go through a period of profound change.

Nineteenth Century

At the time, beating rugs and carpets with a broom was one of the most common ways to clean them and get rid of dirt and soot. It’s possible that this will get rid of some of the dust particles, but it won’t get rid of the stains.

In the past, homeowners would protect their carpet from stains by covering it with draggets, which were thick fabrics that acted as a barrier between liquids and the carpet. Canvas cloth was often used by more affluent families to cover their carpets and shield them from stains and dust.

The historical significance of carpet cleaning in the 19th century is rooted in the transformative period of the Industrial Revolution. This era introduced new ideas that reshaped the cleanliness of homes, particularly in major European and North American cities. As carpets became symbols of affluence, maintaining their condition was paramount.

Innovative Cleaning Techniques

During this time, inventive methods emerged, such as scrubbing carpets with lemon juice and a hot loaf of crusty white bread to tackle ink, oil, and grease stains. Afterward, the carpets were rinsed thoroughly with fresh water and left to dry, weather permitting. This ingenuity reflected the growing desire to preserve and enhance the home environment.

Evolution of Carpet Care

As the century progressed, cleaning techniques evolved. Straw brooms and tea leaves were used to maintain the original colors of the carpets, although tea leaves often stained them. By the 1880s, more advanced advice was shared, including a mixture of water and bull’s gall, applied with a flannel cloth, to ensure thorough cleaning.

These developments highlight the importance and cultural significance of carpet cleaning during a time when homes were becoming more embellished and the desire for cleanliness and sophistication was on the rise.

How were carpets protected and maintained in European and North American homes during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, homeowners took significant steps to protect and preserve their valuable carpets—especially since carpeting was both a status symbol and a major investment. It was common practice to shield high-traffic or vulnerable areas with druggets, which were heavy woolen coverings strategically placed under tables and other frequently used spots to absorb spills and general wear.

For especially important occasions, the wealthiest families in Europe would go a step further and cover their entire carpeted floors with sturdy canvas cloths, particularly during social gatherings or when leaving the house for an extended period. This provided an effective barrier against stains, dust, and accidental damage.

The challenge didn’t end there—homes of the era lacked proper ventilation and were often filled with dust and soot, making regular carpet maintenance a necessity. When it came to cleaning, residents would routinely take their carpets outdoors and beat them with strong brooms, such as corn or straw brooms, in an attempt to shake loose embedded dirt and soot. While this method worked for removing surface dust, it fell short when it came to tackling stains.

Resourceful housewives and diligent household managers developed clever solutions for stubborn spots like ink, oil, and grease. According to housekeeping guides of the time, popular stain removal involved scouring soiled areas with lemon juice and a hot loaf of bread, rinsing with clean water, and then letting the carpet air dry outside—weather permitting. Sweeping with straw brooms was also encouraged as it helped preserve carpet colours and minimize damage. Even the frequency of cleaning was a topic of debate, with experts advising regular “brooming” to prevent excessive wear and premature fraying.

Cleaning methods would gradually advance, but for much of the 19th century, these practical, hands-on approaches defined how households across Europe and North America cared for their prized carpets.

Bull’s Gall and Oxalic Acid: Unusual Early Cleaning Solutions

By the late 1800s, homeowners began turning to more adventurous cleaning methods in their attempt to tackle stubborn carpet stains. One peculiar, yet oddly effective, solution was the use of bull’s gall—a rather vivid ingredient, but one that found its place in many Victorian cleaning manuals. The process typically involved mixing water with bull’s gall (three parts water, one part gall), scrubbing the affected area with a cloth, and then rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

The secret behind this quirky remedy lies in the chemical oxalic acid, which is naturally present in bull’s gall. Oxalic acid is a potent organic compound, far stronger than the acetic acid found in household vinegar.

When applied to stained carpets, it helped break down tough spots that ordinary soap and elbow grease simply couldn’t handle. Even today, oxalic acid, now more commonly derived from plants or produced synthetically, is prized for its cleaning power—showing up in products for removing rust or restoring furniture finishes.

1830s

In the 1830s, thanks to the ingenuity of housewives living during this time period, an efficient method for removing stains was developed. They scrubbed the carpet with lemon juice and a hot loaf of bread in order to remove stains from the carpet.

After that, they gave the carpet a final cleaning with clean water before hanging it up outside to air dry. In addition, carpets were swept with straw brooms in order to maintain their colour and avoid any damage. Better carpet cleaning methods using electrically powered machines are introduced over time.

Tea Leaves and Straw Brooms in Carpet Cleaning: Methods and Effects

In the past, unconventional materials played a significant role in carpet cleaning. One such method involved using tea leaves. Housekeepers would sprinkle slightly damp tea leaves onto the carpet’s surface. This technique aimed to attract and collect dust, making it easier to sweep up. However, over time, the use of tea leaves left behind a downside; they could often result in unsightly stains, altering the carpet’s original appearance.

The Role of Straw Brooms

Straw brooms, on the other hand, were a popular tool for maintaining carpets. They effectively removed surface debris without causing damage to the delicate fibers. Unlike their tea leaf counterpart, straw brooms had the advantage of preserving the carpet’s vibrant colors. By gently sweeping, these brooms maintained the fabric’s integrity, allowing for a longer-lasting aesthetic appeal.

While both methods were used for cleaning, they varied significantly in their impact on the carpets. Tea leaves could risk discoloration, whereas straw brooms were gentle and helped maintain the original hues of the fabric.

Other Cleaning Agents Used in Carpet Maintenance

As the search for better carpet cleaning methods continued throughout the 19th century, various agents and household chemicals found their way into cleaning routines—some of them rather bold by today’s standards. Refined oil products, naphtha in particular, became a popular choice for tackling stubborn carpet stains. Not only did naphtha help dissolve grease and grime, but it also doubled as a pest repellent. Still, the traditional method of beating carpets to shake out dirt remained a staple in most households.

People seeking more effective results also experimented with homemade solutions. A favorite among these was a paste of clay and water, which they would spread over the carpet and let dry for several hours or even overnight. Once swept away, this clay mixture lifted out stains and soil, although it occasionally caused some fading of the carpet’s original colors.

For those who preferred to push the limits (and, perhaps, safety), chloroform—a strong organic solvent—was sometimes used to spot-clean carpets and extract tough stains. While it could be effective, chloroform was far from ideal: its fumes posed serious health risks, so its use never fully took off in the average home.

Even more inventive, and sometimes risky, solutions emerged during this period, but none could truly match the impact that mechanical innovation would soon bring to the world of carpet cleaning.

1870s

In the year 1868, Ives W. McGaffey came up with the idea for the first manually operated vacuum, which he called the “Whirlwind.” This was the start of more modern ways to clean carpets. Around the same time, other inventors in the United States and Europe made their own manual vacuum cleaners.

1880s

During this time, many different publications printed a wide range of tips on how to clean carpets. Some of these tips are listed below. A special focus was placed on finding cleaning methods that would not only remove stains from the carpet but also restore its original colour.

One way to clean the carpet was to mix clay paste with water and let the mixture dry on the carpet for a whole night. The paste was removed from the carpet in the morning, along with any spots or dirt that it may have brought with it. In addition, machines were used in the process of beating carpets in order to remove dirt.

The Role of Bull’s Gall in 1880s Carpet Cleaning

In the 1880s, carpet cleaning methods were evolving, and one notable technique involved using bull’s gall. But what exactly did this unusual ingredient do?

Bull’s Gall: A Key Ingredient

The primary function of bull’s gall in this cleaning process was to harness its chemical properties. When combined with water, bull’s gall—rich in oxalic salts—created oxalic acid. This acid was surprisingly effective in breaking down dirt and grime due to its potent nature.

The Cleaning Process

Here’s a simplified version of how carpets were cleaned using bull’s gall:

Preparation: A mixture was made using three parts water to one part bull’s gall.
Application: This solution was applied to the carpet with a flannel cloth.
Scrubbing: The acid’s strength helped dissolve stubborn stains and dirt embedded in the fibers.
Rinsing: Fresh water was used to remove any residual acid and soap, ensuring the carpet was clean and safe for use.

Why It Worked

Oxalic acid is much stronger than household acetic acid, making it highly effective for thorough cleaning tasks. This strength allowed homeowners in the 1880s to maintain the cleanliness of their carpets more rigorously than with milder solutions.

In summary, bull’s gall played a central role in the carpet cleaning rituals of the time due to its ability to form a strong cleaning agent that effectively tackled dirt and stains.

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1900s

The turn of the century saw the introduction of cleaners powered by electric motors. The first carpet sweeper to be powered by electricity was created by Corrine Dufour.