It’s no secret — vacuums are the standard tool for cleaning carpets. Their high-powered suction makes it easy to suck up dirt and debris with little effort. But if you don’t have a vacuum or yours is broken, there are alternative ways to clean your carpet.

The number one way to clean carpet of all types without a vacuum is with a broom and dustpan. Other options include a lint roller, a stiff-bristled cleaning brush, and a washing machine. Read on to learn directions for each method.

Use a Broom and Dustpan

A standard broom works well to clean low and medium-pile carpet. You can use it as if sweeping a hard floor. The bristles will lift dirt and debris you can sweep into your dustpan and throw away.

Brooms also work on higher pile carpets but may leave the fibers matted. After cleaning, fluff the fibers with your fingers or use a blow dryer to return them to their natural texture.

Note: The stiff bristles of brooms do a great job loosening embedded dirt from the carpet fibers. Because of this, you might end up with dust in the air. Be prepared to dust surrounding furniture and hard floors after cleaning a carpet with a broom.

Pick Up Dirt with a Lint Roller

When in a pinch, a lint roller is ideal for lifting away surface-level dirt. Roll the lint roller over the carpet, changing out the sticky sheet as needed. Do this alone or after using a broom to loosen embedded dirt.

Try a Stiff Bristled Brush

Use a stiff bristled brush if you don’t have a regular broom and dustpan. (Don’t use a wire brush, though, it will damage your carpet.) Test the brush in an inconspicuous spot on your carpet to ensure it doesn’t rip at the fibers. If it passes the test, use it to loosen the dirt and then sweep it into a dust pan or paper plate for disposal.

Shake Out Area Rugs

Take area rugs, large and small, outside and shake them off. You can drape them over a stair or deck railing and use a wooden spoon or similar item to beat the dust out. Give them a final shake before bringing them back inside.

Put Bathroom Rugs in the Washing Machine

Most bathroom rugs are machine washable and dryable. Check the manufacturer tag for specifics. If machine washable, put it in the washing machine and use regular detergent and a cold cycle. Tumble dry on low heat.