What is the history of carpet cleaning?


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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hubert Cecil Booth made a device called the “Puffing Billy” like the one his predecessor had made. Even though it was first powered by gasoline, an electric version of the machine was later made. This was the first step toward the vacuum cleaner.
During the 1920s and 1930s, carpets went out of style as more people gravitated towards using rugs instead. People quickly became aware, however, that rugs required the same level of maintenance as carpets.
1945 until today
In the 1940s, vacuum cleaners gave way to chemical solutions as the method of choice for cleaning carpets. This led to the way carpets are cleaned now, which is by vacuuming, shampooing, drying, and brushing. Carpet cleaning has changed a lot over the years, thanks to the introduction of new tools, cleaning products, and cleaning methods like steam cleaning.
You can get the services of knowledgeable carpet cleaners to give your carpet a thorough cleaning if you take advantage of one of the many advantages offered by the modern method of carpet cleaning.
It is no longer acceptable to beat carpets and rugs with brooms. These trained professionals are aware of the most effective methods for revitalising your carpet and cleaning it thoroughly from the bottom up. Have we not previously mentioned that cleaning can be a piece of cake?
Need a Sydney carpet cleaner?
Since more than 10 years ago, carpet, fabric, and floor care specialists have been providing their services on a national scale. We are known as Sydney’s most trusted carpet cleaners because we work hard to be the leaders in our field when it comes to using new cleaning technology and always strive for excellence.
Our specialised estimators will conduct a walk-through of your space to gather important data such as the dimensions, types, and current conditions of your carpeting. Following the completion of this evaluation, we will devise an individualised cleaning program that is based on your specific needs.
If you are looking for a carpet cleaner in Sydney, you can get a free estimate from us today by visiting our website.