Story: Washing, cleaning and personal hygiene

Carpet sweeper

Carpet sweeper

American Melville Bissell invented the carpet sweeper in 1876, and they soon made their way into New Zealand homes. Prior to this, dirt and dust was removed by hand with brooms, a difficult, often unsuccessful task. Carpet sweepers were propelled by hand and rolling brushes picked up the detritus, which was stored in a separate, removable compartment. Later, carpet sweepers were largely replaced by electric vacuum cleaners, though they are still available. This is a Ewbank Success carpet sweeper manufactured in Britain.

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Owaka Museum
Reference: CT80.1443a

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Washing, cleaning and personal hygiene - Household cleaning', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/40790/carpet-sweeper (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 Sep 2013