Shag carpets are the home-sweet home of space- so comfortable underfoot, so easy on the eye and so luxurious. The depth and warmth of their long, plush fibers can add to your living room, though these rug types have the potential to hold much more dirt, dust, and stains compared to flatweave rugs. In case you are thinking how to clean a shag rug without damaging the soft feeling or spoiling the fabric, you are not alone.
To know how to take good care of your shag, fluffy or high-pile rugs, then this is the comprehensive guide you want. Whether we are talking of normal dust, or an unwanted stain, here is all you should know in order to maintain your shag rug in tip-top condition.
Why Shag Rugs Need Special Care
Unlike low-pile carpets, shag carpets use long in some cases wool and sometimes synthetic fibers to get that classic thick, fuzzy appearance. This puts them at risk of:
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Embedding debris inside the pile
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Wear or flattening with time
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Uptake of moisture due to spills
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Clinging to pet hair and dust mites
This is why it is necessary to take care as often as possible and follow the proper cleaning strategies.
Routine Care for Fluffy and Plush Rugs
Maintaining a fluffy rug can be done by simple and routine cleaning. You should vacuum, but not the same way you would vacuum a normal rug.
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Clean them using your vacuum suction only setting to prevent breaking the long fibers.
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Shake out outside once a week, where possible.
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Turn it over once in a while and vacuum the underside so that the forgotten debris is cleaned up.
Do not use a beater bar or a rotating brush, which will fray the fibers or make them kick out.
Vacuuming Tips for Long-Fiber and Shag Area Rugs
Area rugs are frequently used in high-purity areas such as living rooms or bedrooms, so they accumulate more grime. To get your shag area rug clean:
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Immediately spot-clean stains with a white cloth with a mild detergent solution.
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Odors can be absorbed by dry cleaning powder or carpet freshener, which can be sprinkled and left to settle before gentle vacuuming.
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To clean more thoroughly, use a rug rake or brush to comb matted fibers and work out dirt.
Gentle Hand Cleaning Methods for Shaggy Textures
You can realize that sometimes it is almost impossible to clean the machine, whether it is a fragile rug, or the size is so large, or the label states that it has to be cleaned by a dry cleaner. Handwashing is most appropriate in such instances.
Step-by-step:
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Shake the mat to free some dirt.
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Place in a big basin or tub a little cold water with several drops of soft liquid soap.
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Use a brush or a sponge with soft bristles and dip it in the solution to cleanse the fibers.
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Wash in clean water.
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Release the rest of the water by pressing and not wringing out wet towels.
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You can air-dry your rug lying flat, out of the sun.
The approach is particularly beneficial with small or fragile shag and fluffy carpets.
Deep Cleaning Techniques for Long-Pile Rugs
With time, your carpet will require more than just the cleaning of the surface. Every few months of deep cleaning keeps it fresh and prolongs its life.
Here’s how to do it:
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Clean both sides by vacuuming.
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Use a lot of baking soda and sprinkle it on top. Leave it to rest for a couple of hours to absorb odors.
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Slowly vacuum once again (preferably using a hand-held suction device) to save the pile.
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For moisture in your rug, spot treat or steam clean.
In case of larger or precious rugs, a professional rug cleaner might be needed.
Washing Shaggy Rugs in a Machine: What to Know
The solution: it all depends. Look at the label. In case the manufacturer indicates that it can be washed by a machine, then you are lucky.
Guidelines:
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Use a front-loading machine (top-loaders that have agitators may cause damage to the rug).
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Select cold water and a gentle rinse.
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Put in a gentle detergent (no bleach or softener).
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Never place a shag in the dryer, air dry only.
Among the most delicate shag rugs, small-sized shag or synthetic shag rugs are only good to be washed by machine.
Freshening Up White Shag and Furry Rugs
White shag carpets are beautiful--but are traditionally difficult to keep them light. Harsh chemicals such as bleach must be avoided since they may lead to yellowing.
Instead:
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Use cold water mixed with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (test first).
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Use a cloth to dab, but not rub.
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Dry instantly with towels to avoid discoloration.
To clean normally, sprinkle the cornstarch or baking soda and vacuum after allowing some time. This soaks grease and smells without changing color.
Preserving Texture in Plush and Fuzzy Rugs
When over-cleaned or handled roughly, plush rugs can lose their bounce. The following is how to preserve that luxurious feel:
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After vacuuming it, fluff the fibers using a carpet brush.
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Turn your rug over on a regular basis to wear it evenly.
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Do not use heavy furniture on the rug or use furniture pads.
You could even steam the fibers a little with a garment steamer (with a safe distance), or brush them upwards.
Fiber-Friendly Shampoos for Shag and Long-Haired Rugs
When your rug is too big to handle or very dirty, then shampooing comes in handy. Select the carpet shampoo that is safe to use on high-pile carpets.
Steps:
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Vacuum thoroughly.
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Dilute the shampoo with water as instructed.
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Apply the solution, with a soft sponge or mop, in sections.
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Wash with clean water and squeeze well to get rid of any moisture.
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Hang the rug flat and turn it over to dry.
Do not soak the rug too much, as it can cause mildew or mold.
Cleaning Solutions for Stains and Spills on Shag Rugs
The trick is doing it fast. Time will be essential, whether it is wine, coffee, or muddy paw prints.
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First blot: Press to absorb as much as possible with a clean towel.
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A solution: Combine dish soap or vinegar with water.
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Handle carefully: Do not rub. Use a brush when the fibers are strong.
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Blot dry: use a towel and dry with pressure, and then air dry.
In case of oil-based stains, cornstarch may aid in soaking up the grease prior to your vacuuming and spot cleaning.
Final Tips: Preserving the Beauty of Your Shaggy Rug
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Prevention requires weekly (on the suction setting) vacuuming.
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Do a deep clean every 2-3 months, depending on foot traffic.
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Apply rug pads to avoid slipping and wear.
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Trim the nails of pets to avoid catching fibers.
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Never use a product without reading the care label.
Conclusion
Shag rugs appear to be very hard to clean, but just like other normal rugs, as long as you have the right equipment and are extremely gentle, you will be able to keep it in shape well past its lifetime. Small fluffy runner in your bedroom or a large white shag rug in your living room, the above methods can help you maintain a fresh and clean look - and not lose any softness.
Searching out your ideal shag rug or still in the need of more advice given by our rug care specialists? Explore our newest collections or visit our blog.
