DWC 100 Women: Josephine Garis Cochran, Dishwasher

Josephine Garis Cochran, born in 1839 in Ohio, was not just an inventor but a visionary who changed the course of history for countless households. Her life was marked by determination, ingenuity, and a deep desire to make life easier for others.

Josephine came from a family of inventors, with her grandfather, John Fitch, being one of the pioneers of the steamboat. But it was her own journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world. The loss of her husband in 1883 left her in financial difficulty, and she found herself in a position that many women of her time could relate to—overwhelmed by the endless task of washing dishes. But instead of resigning herself to the status quo, she decided to take action.

Her inspiration was simple but profound. Josephine was frustrated by the damage that manual dishwashing was causing to her fine china. She knew there had to be a better way, and she was determined to find it. With no formal engineering training, she set out to design a machine that would wash dishes more efficiently and without breakage. 

Josephine faced scepticism and doubt from those around her, as many couldn't fathom a woman inventing such a complex machine. She had to battle societal norms that confined women to the domestic sphere and discouraged them from pursuing scientific and technical endeavours. Despite these challenges, Josephine pressed on, driven by her belief that her invention could change lives.

In 1886, Josephine was granted a patent for her invention—the first commercially viable dishwasher. But the journey didn’t end there. She faced the daunting task of convincing the public of its worth. With relentless perseverance, she began marketing her invention to hotels and restaurants, recognizing that these establishments would benefit most from her innovation. Her efforts paid off, and the dishwasher slowly gained popularity.

Josephine’s invention was more than just a labour-saving device; it was a symbol of her refusal to accept limitations. 

She challenged the conventions of her time, proving that women could be inventors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Her work laid the foundation for the modern conveniences that many of us take for granted today.

Josephine paved the way for future generations of women to step into fields that were once considered off-limits. Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation often comes from a place of necessity and that determination can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles. 

Today, as we load our dishwashers with the day’s plates and glasses, we may not always think about the woman behind the invention. But Josephine’s spirit lives on in every cycle, a tribute to her courage, creativity, and unwavering belief that she could make the world a little bit better.