Who invented the vacuum cleaner and when?

The first practical vacuum cleaner was invented by James Spangler, an American janitor, in 1907. Spangler developed a portable cleaning machine powered by an electric motor, a fan, and a cloth filter bag. He sold the patent to William Hoover, whose company went on to popularize the design. The vacuum cleaner revolutionized cleaning by providing an efficient way to remove dirt and dust from carpets and floors, replacing earlier, less effective methods like manual sweepers and carpet beaters.