🧹 Even in Space, Someone Has to Hoover: Life on the ISS Isn’t All Floating and Fun
Keeping the International Space Station (ISS) tidy isn’t as simple as running a robot vacuum around the living room. With no gravity — and no cleaning crew — astronauts have to get creative.
A viral video shared by NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shows how vacuuming works in microgravity, turning one of Earth’s most boring chores into a surprisingly entertaining performance.
🎥 Video source: Watch on X (Twitter)
💨 Floating Dust: The Ultimate Cleaning Challenge
In the clip, Kim straps a vacuum to his waistband and gently drifts through the ISS, hoovering up dust like a space-age Mary Poppins. The challenge? In zero gravity, dust doesn’t fall — it floats, so cleaning means chasing tiny particles that refuse to behave.
He explains that while the vacuum looks like an ordinary one, space dust is handled differently. The ISS’s environmental control system, fitted with fans, diffusers, and HEPA filters, captures most of the debris floating around. Astronauts then clean the filters and vents to keep the air breathable and the equipment safe.
⚡ Why Not Just Use a Cordless Hoover?
When asked why he’s using a corded model, Kim explained that it’s all about reliability. Cordless vacuums use lithium-ion batteries, which can’t handle cleaning the entire ISS in one go. Plugging in ensures consistent power — something you definitely want when floating 250 miles above Earth.
🏠 “It’s Our Home Too”
The ISS may be one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements, but to its crew, it’s also home. Between experiments, spacewalks, and maintenance, astronauts share cleaning duties — hoovering included. Keeping their orbital home spotless helps maintain health, comfort, and morale during months in microgravity.
So while life in space might sound glamorous, even astronauts can’t escape a bit of housework.
🌍 Why This Video Resonates
What makes this short clip so delightful is how it humanises space life. It’s a reminder that no matter how far technology takes us, everyday routines — from cooking to cleaning — still follow.
Vacuuming in zero gravity isn’t just funny; it’s proof of our incredible adaptability. Even without gravity, humans find ways to make chores work — and look effortlessly cool doing them.
