In 2001, the vacuum cleaner celebrated its 100th birthday. It was in the year 1901 when British engineer H. Cecil Booth patented a cleaning machine that incorporated a vacuum to remove dirt. His machine was a huge one. Named "Puffing Billy", this vacuum machine was horse-drawn and used a gasoline engine to provide the power needed generate suction. Booth's idea was great, but because of the sheer size and inconvenience his machine brings, he never gained a great amount of success with it.

But, since Booth's time, the face, shape, size, design and engineering of the vacuum cleaning machine have changed tremendously. The basic idea is still there but due to the changing fashions, the development of science and advances in technology, vacuum cleaners have evolved to be a revolutionary invention that altered forever the way people clean. Today "Puffing Billy" would be put to shame by vacuum cleaners that are ten times smaller yet many times more powerful. From houses to cars, vacuum cleaners have become very practical pieces of tools in the battle against dirt.

Just like your house, your car needs and deserves the same level of attention and care. Leaving your car dirty would totally ruin your vehicle. Dust and other particles can cause scratches on the paint and can damage your car's upholstery. Also, especially with newer car models, heavy dust can cause damage to the computer and electronic devices usually found behind the dashboard. Garbage also piles up fast. Before you even realize, your back seat's floor resembles a dumpster.

In cleaning your car, your first step would be to vacuum the interior. From the start you will need a strong, reliable vacuum cleaner to do the job right. "Puffing Billy" would hardly be adequate for even this type of job. You'll need the power of modern day vacuum cleaners.

Present day car vacuum cleaners are equipped with powerful machines that can easily remove dust from your car interior. With various attachments, you will also be able to reach those tight cracks and corners like the areas around the car seats, behind the dashboard, and near the sides of the trunk.

For cars, both the portable vacuum cleaners and the upright units are at your disposal. The portable ones can be very convenient. These are good for both dry and wet operations. The rechargeable battery is also a plus especially with some portable models that can be charged using the cigarette lighter of your car. Upright cleaners, on the other hand, have at their disposal hoses and on-board tools that will allow a thorough clean up in a matter of minutes. These add-ons would extend and flex into gaps that ordinary nozzles or tools can't go.