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The Lightbulb
In 1879 Edison patented the light bulb. This would lead to allowing for better lighting in the homes to continue activities and productivity and eventually allowing us to do many things like get around in large, dark spaces or drive at night. -
Dishwasher Machine
The first useful dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochran. However, this invention did not become a standard household item until the 1950s. The dishwasher was invented for convenience, fast and efficient washing and to lessen the occurrence of broken dishes. It has taken away much of the time and labor spent at the sink. -
Period: to
Pre-Modern
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Portable Electric Vacuum
James M. Spangler patented the first portable electric vacuum. This electric vacuum aided in the time and energy spent cleaning the floors. There were prior vacuum inventions but were not practical, as they had to be drawn by a horse and buggy and was not convenient for household use. -
Thor Electric Washing Machine
The Thor electric washing machine was invented by Alva J. Fisher. There were many inventions for washing clothes prior to this time, however this is the first with an electric drum. This is the start of convenient cloth washing. Prior to this people were using rocks, wringers and scrub boards. This invention took much of the time and manual labor that went into washing clothes. There were quickly other washing machines by familiar names like Maytag which made improvements to this first version. -
Refrigerator
The refrigerator changed the way that food was stored forever. This would lead to longer lasting food and the ability to have these foods stored in more common areas of the home. This would most definitely create efficiency in the household and in planning of meals. In 1916 the first household models were released to the market. -
Automatic Clothes Dryer
The electric machine dryer was invented and distributed to the public by J. Moore. The dryer helped eliminate the time it takes for clothing to dry and convenience by not having to hang out each item to dry outdoors. -
Credit cards
John Biggins invented the first electronic cards for banking. This is very useful for families to manage their finances in a more timely, efficient manner and allow quicker access to their money, or eventually the borrowing of money. -
Microwave
The first version of the microwave is invented. This machine was found to cook eggs and pop popcorn. This invention was very large and did not become a household sized item until 1967. This item makes cooking easier, quicker and more efficient for the home. -
Period: to
Modern
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Electric Sewing Machine
The electric sewing machine made fixing clothing items or household items much quicker and easier. It also allows for the homemaker to create the clothing or materials they need in their home very efficiently. -
World Wide Web
Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. This continues to affect the family and the household more and more. Now, the web is used for individuals to learn, work from home, manage finances and much more. -
Period: to
Post-modern
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Roomba
The Roomba is the first practical, household robot vacuum. It can detect dirty spots on the floor or changes in levels in order not to fall down stairs. It vacuums the floor without any person manually moving it. This saves time and energy for those cleaning the house. It changes the way household tasks are thought of and the manner in which they are done. -
iPhone
The iPhone is a common item, along with other smartphones, for many Americans today. It is now a very important piece of the household. It allows for communication through family members throughout the day, time management, work management, financial management, access to resources and knowledge and more.
