Year: 1880​

Who: R. N. Hyde​

Where: Des Moines, IA​

What: R.N. Hyde, a Black inventor from Des Moines, Iowa, was active in the late 19th century and made notable contributions to cleaning technology. In 1888, Hyde patented an innovative carpet cleaning composition, a specialized fluid designed not only to clean carpets but also to preserve them from damage by moths. His patent (No. 392,205) detailed a unique formula consisting of ingredients such as distilled water, borax, soap, ammonia, bay rum, oil of sassafras, and alcohol. This cleaning solution was specifically designed to be both a cleaning agent and a protective treatment for textiles, combining ease of use with moth prevention.

Hyde's invention was the result of his successful business in house, office, and carpet cleaning, which began in 1880. His experience in the industry inspired him to improve cleaning methods, leading to the development of his electric carpet dusting machine and the creation of multiple cleaning compounds, including the patented fluid. Hyde's business grew, and he entered a partnership with T.W. Henry in 1882, with the pair patenting "H and H soap." Though Hyde later sold his business to Henry in 1905, he continued to innovate, creating additional cleaning products throughout his career.

Sources:

Websites:

• Hyde, R. N. (1888). Composition for cleaning and preserving carpets (U.S. Patent No. 392,205). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/6b/3e/be/1dbf579a2bf632/US392205.pdf

• The IE Voice. (n.d.). Black American History. https://theievoice.com/black-american-history-8/

• MIT Press. (n.d.). 300 Years of African American Invention and Innovation. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/300-years-of-african-american-invention-and-innovation/#easy-footnote-25-7368