Hubbry Logo
Discover Hubs
Create HubSign in
search buttonadd
Sign in
Frances Gabe
Frances Gabe
Comunity Hub
IntroIntro
WikipediaWikipedia
MediaMedia
arrow-down
TimelinesTimelines
arrow-down
ChronicleChronicle
arrow-down
ArticlesArticles
TalksTalks
addSign in
add
Sign in

Themed Timelines

Early Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationMain milestonesMain milestonesThe Self-Cleaning House: Conception and DevelopmentThe Self-Cleaning House: Conception and DevelopmentPublic Recognition and Media CoveragePublic Recognition and Media CoverageLater Life and LegacyLater Life and LegacyInventions and InnovationsInventions and Innovations
Talks
General forumGeneral forum
General chatGeneral chat

Media Collections

Frances Gabe - American inventor of the Self-Cleaning House (1915-2016)

Main images

03.04.25
Show all
icon

Overview

Frances Gabe, born Frances Grace Arnholtz, was an American artist and inventor, most famously known for conceptualizing, designing, and building the world's first 'self-cleaning house.' Her innovative home, designed to alleviate the burden of housework, featured an automated cleaning system that utilized water, soap, and forced hot air to sanitize the entire structure with the simple flick of a switch. Her unique approach to domestic life challenged conventional notions of housework and inspired considerable curiosity and debate.
Main Milestones
Birth in Brownsville, Oregon
June 23, 1915
Frances Grace Arnholtz was born in Brownsville, Oregon. Her early life likely shaped her later inventive spirit, though details are scarce. This marks the beginning of a life dedicated to artistic pursuits and ultimately, groundbreaking innovation in domestic living.
Artistic Inclination
Early Life and Education
Frances demonstrated an early aptitude and passion for the arts. She pursued these interests and this creative foundation would later be instrumental in her approach to designing the self-cleaning house, where aesthetics and functionality were intertwined.
Focus on Art
1940s-1970s
During these decades, Frances dedicated herself to her art career. She experimented with various mediums and developed her artistic style. While details of her artwork are limited, this period solidified her design sensibility, which would eventually translate into her innovative home design.
The Inspiration Behind the Self-Cleaning House
Late 1970s
The inspiration for the self-cleaning house arose from a painting accident. Frances spilled paint and, frustrated with the cleaning process, envisioned a house that could clean itself automatically. This marked the genesis of her most significant invention.
Design and Construction of the First Self-Cleaning House
Early 1980s
Frances Gabe began designing and building her self-cleaning house in Newberg, Oregon. She meticulously crafted a system that incorporated sprinklers, strategically placed drains, and forced hot air to wash and dry the entire interior of the house at the push of a button. The process involved a significant amount of time, effort, and problem-solving.
Public Attention and Recognition
Mid-1980s Onward
Gabe's self-cleaning house gained international attention. It was featured in numerous publications and television programs, showcasing her innovative concept and design. This newfound recognition brought both praise and skepticism, as people debated the practicality and appeal of her vision. She became a celebrated and somewhat eccentric figure.
Continued Refinement and Advocacy
Later Years
Frances Gabe continued to live in and refine her self-cleaning house. She became an advocate for her design and sought to promote its adoption in mainstream housing. She firmly believed in her invention's potential to liberate people from the drudgery of housework and enable them to pursue more fulfilling activities.
Death
December 26, 2016
Frances Gabe passed away at the age of 101. Her legacy endures as a testament to her creative spirit, her dedication to innovation, and her vision of a more efficient and liberating domestic life. Her self-cleaning house remains a fascinating example of ingenuity and a symbol of challenging conventional norms.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationInventions and InnovationsInventions and InnovationsLater Life and LegacyLater Life and LegacyPublic Recognition and Media CoveragePublic Recognition and Media CoverageThe Self-Cleaning House: Conception and DevelopmentThe Self-Cleaning House: Conception and Development