Historical exploration of our main cleaning materials (series 1)

The first brooms were just bundles of twigs or discarded straw tied together with twine. These evolved into crude broomsticks when people began tying them to the end of a stick. According to the world wide web, In 1797, Levi Dickenson, a farmer in Massachusetts, used sorghum straws to create an improved version of the broom for his wife. Since then, the design and materials of this tool have undergone various alterations: today, plastic bristles have replaced the straw as the latter tends to fall out.

our knowledge of the broom is from what we have coined the African broom

The African Broom: It is said that there is no particular date or timeline that marks the invention of brooms. As a blog originating from Africa, our knowledge of the broom is from what we have coined the African broom. This broom is generally made with sticks tied using a leather knot or twine and hand-held closely to the ground by its user for effective-clean/dust-free-results. Over the years the African broom (though very relevant locally) has met with the influx of western innovation into smarter, more ergonomic types of brooms with longer cylindrical handles and straight twig bottoms. All brooms are used alongside a dustpan or dustpacker to gather dirt, debris and all other forms of litter. We find that all brooms are still very relevant in their different forms either for domestic or commercial purposes. The choice of broom is largely dependent on the user's exposure, need for efficiency and effectiveness, pursuit of health and safety, and ergonomic solutions. Super-interesting snippet(s) about the broom: It is so historic that it dates back as one of the oldest inventions of humans (traced to cavemen). It is said that there's even reference to it in the Bible. Oh wao...awesome!!!😄😄😄

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The Squeegee - Another historical exploration...!

😁 As we keep learning, we keep sharing... Here goes our findings on the foremost tool needed for professional window cleaning- the squeegee ... (and for those who know it to be versatile beyond the norm, it also serves as a floor gathering tool). Historically , it is said that the usage of the squeegee dates as far back as the Middle ages when fishermen used the Tshaped wooden swab called the "squilgee" (close isn't?) to scrape off fish guts off their boat deck. Fast forward to 1936 , Ettore Steccone dubbed his invention of the modernised single-bladed window cleaning squeegee, the New Deal. The squeegee - Tshaped in form with either a long or short handle depending on use involves generally placing the tool on already wet surface to wash then wipe off with its blade, and in other variants, foam padding allows for the dual function of lathering with soap then wiping. Over the years , due to technological advancements, commercial squeegees have been developed

Series 4: Vaccum cleaners! Where did they emerge from?!

😁🙌 Did you know that... Early vacuum cleaners were massive and had to be drawn by horse from door to door! Imagine...?! But, in 1907, just within the second industrial revolution, it is said that James Spangler had the brilliant idea to combine the design of the carpet sweeper with the mechanics of a vacuum, creating the earliest known version of a portable vacuum cleaner. The vacuum has perhaps evolved most significantly, marked by the creation of the first cordless, handheld mini-vacuum cleaner by Black & Decker nearly 30 years ago! From further findings, we see that the vacuum cleaner's emergence into a household dust extracting must-have, can also be connected to many great minds cutting across Engineers to Janitors who saw possibilities and brought forward their innovative thoughts into what we see as the Vacuum cleaner today (surely still evolving in ways to give the consumer a valuable experience) Basically the vacuum cleaner (once known as simply sweeper and even

5 natural cleaning agents to help you D-I-Y today!

As sequel to our writeup on going the long mile into Green cleaning. We thought to share interesting snippets on the uses of some readily available natural products that can be used as alternative cleaning materials as you go D-I-Y style . Here goes...: Lemon(s) - Acidic in nature yet It serves as : a DIY toilet cleaner a bleaching agent a natural freshener and a de-odoriser a rust remover an insect repellant a limescale remover a furniture sparkler White vinegar - acidic in nature and has similar uses as lemon. It serves as: a natural disinfectant a dirt buildup remover a gummy buildup remover a rust remover a hardwater stain remover Baking soda - a mild alkali that easily dissolves in water. It serves as a cleaning agent a dirt remover a grease remover a limescale remover (mix with dishwasher) a refrigerator deodorizer Borax - an alkaline compound. It serves as a useful laundry cleaner a drain unclogger (with lemon juice and hotwater) a mold and mildew remover

Cleaning 'n' more snippets.

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