The Ingenious Mind Behind the Dishwasher: A Revolution in Household Chores
A couple days ago I blogged about housework and the woes of a never ending pile up of messes. Ha! In that post, I suggested that the man who invented the dishwasher needs to be praised. Welp. I assumed back in the 1800’s that such an invention would be that of a man. Ignorant? Absolutely, I was.
That blog post left me wondering about the history and after a quick google search, I found myself needing to know more about the genius behind such brilliancy. A woman.
When we think of modern conveniences, the dishwasher often comes to mind as a true time-saver in the kitchen. But have you ever wondered who was behind this revolutionary appliance? The story of the dishwasher’s invention is one of innovation, perseverance, and a touch of aristocratic intrigue.
The Birth of an Idea
The dishwasher’s invention is commonly attributed to Josephine Cochrane, an American socialite born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in December of the year, on the birthday of the man who would become the first president of the United States. Her invention, however, was no mere coincidence of history; it was the result of a practical need and a bit of frustration.
A Lady’s Discontent
In the late19th century, Josephine Cochrane was hosting a dinner party when she noticed her fine china being chipped by the household staff during the washing process. The delicate dishes, which she cherished, were not holding up well to the rigorous scrubbing required to clean them after such events. Frustrated by the damage and the labor-intensive task, Cochrane set out to find a better solution.
The First Dishwashing Machine
Cochrane’s determination led her to design a machine that could clean dishes more gently and efficiently. Her initial design, patented in December of the year, featured a motor that turned a wheel inside a copper boiler. This wheel sprayed hot, soapy water onto the dishes, which were held against the boiler’s sides by a wire rack.
From Invention to Innovation
Cochrane’s dishwasher was not an immediate commercial success. It was initially seen as a luxury item, and many households were skeptical of its practicality. However, Cochrane was not deterred. She continued to refine her invention, and by the turn of the century, her dishwashers were being used in restaurants and hotels.
The Legacy Lives On
Josephine Cochrane’s company, Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company, which later became part of the KitchenAid brand, played a significant role in popularizing the dishwasher. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, with the advent of running water and electricity in most homes, that the dishwasher became a common household appliance.
Conclusion
The dishwasher’s story is a testament to the power of human ingenuity in solving everyday problems. Josephine Cochrane’s legacy lives on every time we load our dishes into the machine that she pioneered over a century ago. Her invention transformed kitchen chores by freeing up time that was traditionally spent on domestic tasks.
