Using the vacuum works just fine in my game. Have you tried to start the process by clicking on a free spot on the floor (not directly on a pile or bunny)?
Tested in a new save with no mods in the starter home across the bar in the cottage world.
A dust bunny and a pile appeared in the living room, called the maid. they picked up the pile, walked around, and left.
I didn't stare at them the entire time but found it odd that the floor level was still dusty.
thought the bunny maybe was in a weird spot.
Removed all furniture, except for a dog bowl in the guest room, placed bunny, and waited for the game to generate another one or a dust pile.
when that happened I called a butler this time. he came and sat down and started to read.
before I got to reprimand him he walked up to the first bunny and the dust pile in the guest room.
vacuums the pile, but bunny 1 stays, walks out in the living room to bunny 2. as he walks out, bunny 1 disappears but reappears in the living room with a pile a second later. butler takes the vacuum in and out, I barely see it. then a bunny and pile pops up and goes again a few times in the living room, really fast.
Then the butler does nothing
I think that is what OP means with resetting, it isn't a T pose reset or when there is a crowd on a lot and everyone does a rapid motion and reset.
