The introduction of electricity in homes allowed for many of the 20th century's domestic inventions.
The 20th century witnessed vast improvements in technology, including a variety of inventions that make home cleaning relatively effortless and straightforward. With the rise of industry and the introduction of electricity, as well as new improvements in heating and motor capabilities, tasks such as laundry and washing dishes can be done in the absence of an operator, as noted at the National Academy of Engineering's Greatest Achievements website.
Vacuum Cleaner
In 1901, H. Cecil Booth invented a machine-operated vacuum cleaner that worked in cooperation with a horse-drawn cart. The machine was mounted on the cart, which transported it into buildings for cleaning. The first electric vacuum cleaner was introduced in 1907 by James Spangler, Jr., who later sold the rights to his invention to William Hoover. Hoover improved the machine by using a small, high-speed motor, according to the National Academy of Engineering's Greatest Achievements website. This design allowed for increased power, ease of transport and suction capabilities.
Washing Machine and Dryer
No longer must women scrub clothes tirelessly over washboards, thanks to the invention of the Mighty Thor electric washing machine in 1908. This first washing machine model was invented in Chicago at the Hurley Machine Company by Alva J. Fisher, who received a patent for the machine in 1910. This machine was improved in 1930 by John W. Chamberlain, who was the first to invent a washing machine that could wash, rinse and wring out clothes without the aid of wringer rolls, which could be dangerous if mishandled. The first gas or electric clothes dryer was patented by J. Ross Moore in 1935, according to the Greatest Achievements website.
Electric Dishwasher
Although manual, hand-powered dish-washing machines were introduced in the latter half of the 19th century, the 20th century witnessed great improvements in the machine capabilities. In 1913, Philadelphia's Walker Brothers released the first commercial electric dishwasher, which was later improved by various companies beginning in the 1930's. The initial machines were very large, and it wasn't until 1924 that a realistic design was introduced by inventor William Howard Livens. The addition of heating capabilities did not come until 1940, when the dishwasher really took off for domestic use.
