Let's be honest – when you think about exciting topics, the history of cleaning probably doesn't top your list. But stick with us, because the story of how humans have battled dirt, stains, and grime throughout history is actually fascinating (and occasionally hilarious).
At Sheen Services, we've been in the cleaning business since 1988, but our industry's roots go back thousands of years. So grab a cuppa, and let's take a light-hearted journey through time!
Ancient Times: When Cleaning Got Creative (and Weird)
The Romans: Urine Was Their Secret Weapon
Here's a fun fact that'll make you appreciate modern cleaning products: Ancient Romans used urine to clean their togas. Yes, you read that right. Urine contains ammonia, which is actually an effective cleaning agent. Roman fullers (ancient launderers) collected urine in public pots and used it to remove stains and whiten fabric.
Joke break: Why did the Roman cleaner always smile? Because urine good hands! (We'll see ourselves out...)
Ancient Egyptians: The Original Germaphobes
The Egyptians were surprisingly hygiene-conscious. They created an early form of soap by combining animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts. They also used natron (a naturally occurring salt) for cleaning and mummification. Talk about multi-purpose products!
The Middle Ages: When Nobody Cleaned Anything
The Medieval period was, shall we say, less concerned with cleanliness. People rarely bathed, streets were filthy, and the concept of "spring cleaning" meant throwing your chamber pot contents out the window and hoping for the best.
Fun fact: The phrase "raining cats and dogs" might have originated from Medieval times when heavy rain would wash dead animals through the streets. Lovely.
This lack of hygiene contributed to devastating plagues. Turns out, cleaning is rather important after all.
The Victorian Era: Cleaning Becomes Respectable
The Birth of Modern Carpet Cleaning
Here's where our industry really begins! The first carpet sweeper was invented in 1876 by Melville Bissell (yes, that Bissell). He created it because the straw packing from his crockery shop kept getting embedded in his shop's carpets and triggered his allergies.
Joke break: What did the Victorian carpet say to the sweeper? "You're really picking me up!" (Maybe not as good as the last one... we should stick to cleaning)
The Vacuum Revolution
In 1901, British engineer Hubert Cecil Booth invented the first powered vacuum cleaner. It was so large it had to be pulled by horses and parked outside homes while long hoses were fed through windows. Imagine explaining that to your neighbours!
The first portable electric vacuum came along in 1908, invented by James Murray Spangler – a janitor from Ohio who sold his patent to his cousin's husband, William Hoover. And that's how Hoover became synonymous with vacuuming in the UK.
The 20th Century: Cleaning Goes Professional
The Chemical Revolution
The 1950s and 60s brought synthetic detergents and specialized cleaning chemicals. Suddenly, professional cleaning services could tackle stains that would have been permanent just decades earlier.
Fun fact: The average British household now owns more cleaning products than a Victorian mansion had servants.
Hot Water Extraction Arrives
In the 1960s, hot water extraction (often called steam cleaning) revolutionized carpet care. This method, which we use extensively at Sheen Services, injects hot water and cleaning solution deep into carpet fibres and then extracts it along with dirt, allergens, and stains.
Modern Day: The Golden Age of Clean
Today's professional cleaning industry combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly products and specialized training. At Sheen Services, we're proud to be:
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WOOLSAFE-approved – a operator in the Mendip area with this certification for safely cleaning wool carpets and upholstery
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NCCA Gold Members – maintaining the highest industry standards
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Fully trained and insured – because professionalism matters
We've come a long way from Roman urine pots!
Fun Cleaning Facts to Impress Your Friends
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The average carpet contains about 200,000 bacteria per square inch – that's 4,000 times more than your toilet seat. (Time to book that professional clean!)
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Vacuuming was originally considered men's work because early machines were so heavy and difficult to operate.
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The word "soap" comes from Mount Sapo in ancient Rome, where animal fat and ash from sacrifices mixed with rainwater and created a cleaning substance.
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Professional carpet cleaning can remove up to 98% of allergens from your carpets – crucial for families with allergies or asthma.
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A clean carpet can last twice as long as a neglected one. Regular professional cleaning is an investment, not an expense!
Why Professional Cleaning Matters (Even More Than History)
While we love a good historical deep-dive, what really matters is keeping your Somerset home or business clean, healthy, and looking its best.
With 37+ years of experience serving Somerset, Bath, Bristol, and surrounding areas, Sheen Services combines historical wisdom with modern technology:
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All cleaning methods: Steam, dry, hot water extraction
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Specialized stain removal: Pet stains, tea, coffee, and more
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10-day spot return guarantee: If it comes back, so do we – free of charge
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98% customer satisfaction rate: Built on 8,000+ successful residential projects
The Bottom Line
From Roman urine to modern eco-friendly solutions, the cleaning industry has evolved dramatically. What hasn't changed is the fundamental human desire to live and work in clean, healthy spaces.
Final joke: Why did the carpet go to therapy? It had too many issues to sweep under the rug!- (Are we getting better at joke telling?)
Ready to experience professional cleaning that's backed by both cutting-edge methods and decades of expertise? Contact Sheen Services today for a free quote. We promise to use significantly better products than the Romans did.
Sheen Services 1988 LTD – Serving Somerset and surrounding areas for over 35 years. WOOLSAFE-approved. NCCA Gold Members. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Visit us at www.sheenservices.co.uk or call us for same-day emergency cleaning within our service area.
