Most of us have lifted a broom to clean ceilings in our homes, and are well-versed with the consequences— clumps of dust that fall on our face and the ground.

Being the enterprising people that we are, we cover our faces with a cloth or use a vacuum cleaner, but these are quick-fix or expensive solutions and do not work in the long run.

However, Suhani Jain, Tanusha Rajesh and Swadha from Delhi Public School Bangalore (North) have innovated a unique broom with an inverted umbrella, that promises to be a longlasting yet affordable solution to this issue.

“The idea came to us when we spoke to a few homemakers and domestic helpers, who complained about how the dust falls on their face when they clean ceilings. This also exposes people to diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, heart and lung disorder. We brainstormed and finally came up with the idea of modifying a ceiling broom by attaching an inverted umbrella head to it,” says Suhani.

So, whenever a person cleans the ceiling wall, the umbrella collects all the dirt, thus preventing it from falling on the floor or the face. Besides, the cloth of the umbrella is transparent, letting you see what dirt you are collecting.

The USP of the product is that it is cost-effective and does not need any electricity to work. The broom is extended with a PVC pipe, and the end of the umbrella’s handle is attached below the pipe, which can be removed as needed.

The team is currently working on upgrading this prototype with one that is foldable and possibly automated so that it can fly up to the ceiling and clear cobwebs when the device is activated.

Even though we are surrounded by various devices and inventions, this simple solution by the girls prove that we do not need tonnes of money and expertise to solve everyday issues.