Which household object, initially called the "Whirlwind", was invented by Ives McGaffey in 1869 as an early cleaning device?

Introduction / Context:
Many modern household appliances began as crude or hand powered devices. The vacuum cleaner, for example, evolved from early mechanical dust removing machines. This question asks which object was originally called the Whirlwind and was invented by Ives McGaffey in 1869 as an early cleaning device.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The name of the object at invention was Whirlwind.
• The inventor is Ives McGaffey.
• The year is 1869, which is before widespread electrification.
• The options all list common household appliances.

Concept / Approach:
Ives McGaffey patented a hand powered vacuum device to remove dust and dirt from carpets in the late nineteenth century. This early machine was known as the Whirlwind. Although it was not as convenient as later powered vacuum cleaners, it introduced the idea of suction based mechanical cleaning for homes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that 1869 is very early for electric devices, so the invention was likely manual or hand cranked. Step 2: Recall that the Whirlwind designed by Ives McGaffey was an early vacuum cleaning device that used manual power to create suction. Step 3: Compare this to washing machines or dishwashers, which took much longer to develop in powered forms. Step 4: Thus, the object originally called the Whirlwind was the vacuum cleaner.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, remember that histories of the vacuum cleaner often mention Ives McGaffey and his Whirlwind machine as a key early patent. Other appliances have their own distinct inventors and timelines. For example, automatic washing machines and dishwashers were patented significantly later and do not carry the Whirlwind nickname in most references.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Washing machine: Early washing devices existed, but the specific name Whirlwind and the inventor McGaffey are linked to carpet cleaning, not laundry.
• Electric mixer: This is typically a twentieth century appliance with different inventors.
• Food blender: Another twentieth century kitchen device, not a nineteenth century manual Whirlwind machine.
• Dishwasher: Developed later with other inventors, and not associated with Ives McGaffey.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to think of the circular motion implied by Whirlwind and associate it with washing machines, which also whirl or spin. However, the historical record connects the term Whirlwind to an early vacuum device rather than laundry. Remembering the specific pair McGaffey and vacuum cleaner helps avoid mixing up these domestic innovations.

Final Answer:
The object first called the Whirlwind and invented by Ives McGaffey in 1869 was an early vacuum cleaner.