If you've dropped something small and are unable to find it, try this trick with your vacuum cleaner: place a thin sock or pair of women's tights or stockings over the end of your vacuum hose and pull it tightly. Secure with a rubber band. Turn on the vacuum and clean around the area where you dropped the item. The small item will get sucked into the vacuum tube, but get caught by the fabric so you can easily pluck it out.
