Vacuuming rugs

The vacuum cleaner was developed in stages—first the big machine on a wagon that used to roar outside grandmother's house twice a year, then a central plant with piping system in office buildings, and finally the compact little portable units that most housewives own today.

There are many good vacuums on the market. It's important to have one with enough suction to pull the dirt out of the pile, not just clean the surface.

It's also important to have some attachment that can really get into the corners and under things.