"The Batwing Beater" Carpet Beater, 1927-1932

Dirt and dust readily accumulate in rugs and carpets. Keeping them clean in the early 20th century was time-consuming and physically demanding, especially in homes without carpet sweepers or, later, vacuum cleaners. Housekeepers would hang the floor coverings outdoors and repeatedly hit them with a rug beater, like this one, to keep them clean.