Shag rugs are singular in style and comfort. Unfortunately, that luxury doesn’t come without some drawbacks. The long fibers that make shags so comfy are also notorious for attracting and trapping dirt. Without regular maintenance, it’s easy for shag rugs to start looking shabby. That’s why today we’re talking about how to clean a shag rug. Read on to learn easy techniques you can try right at home.
Why Shag Rugs?
The thick, soft pile of these fluffy floor coverings reached icon status during the 70s and 80s. Back then, it was championed by some of the biggest Hollywood stars of the time. Today, they are beloved by afficionados of both retro and contemporary design. Shag rugs are the kings of comfort and a great way to add texture and visual interest to any space.
Where to Use Shag Rugs
As with other types of rugs, the best way to clean shag rugs is to avoid having to clean them at all. To best achieve this, only use shag rugs where they are most appropriate!
Because they tend to hold on to dirt, it’s best to use shag rugs in areas where they’re less likely to be soiled. That means low-traffic spaces where food and drinks aren’t going to be spilled. Luckily, these same spaces are usually where you’d want to put shags anyway to take advantage of their supreme comfort. Shag rugs really shine in bedrooms and living rooms. These are spaces where comfort is king and it’s easy to keep things clean.
With shag rugs, you should avoid high traffic areas or places where spills are more likely. This means putting a shag rug in an entryway, kitchen, or dining room is a big no-no. Dining rooms are especially problematic, as the thick pile will make moving chairs more difficult and tip-overs even more likely.
Shake it Out
One of the safest ways to refresh or clean a shag rug is to shake or beat the dirt out. With a small rug, you can simply take it out and give it a vigorous shake until you are satisfied.
Larger rugs can be draped over a railing or stable chair and beaten with the handle of a broom or mop. Make sure not to use the “business end;” you’re trying to remove dirt, not add it! Put your back into it so you’re sure any stubborn dirt is shaken loose. At the same time, be careful not to hurt yourself or damage your railing or chair in the process.
Once you have loosened the dirt, leave the rug outside in the sun for a few hours. The UV light from the sun will help eliminate any foul-smelling bacteria that may be growing in your rug. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresher rug in the end.
Suck it Up
While there’s no denying vacuuming is one of the more convenient ways to clean, vacuuming is generally not recommended with shag rugs. This is because a strong suction has the potential to break or rip out the long fibers of a shag rug.
If you must vacuum your rug, try these techniques. First, turn the rug upside down and vacuum the back of the rug to loosen deep-down dirt. For an extra deep clean, you can use an upholstery attachment which creates a stronger suction in a more concentrated area.
Finally, if you still want to use your vacuum on the top of the rug, be sure it is set to its highest height and the beater bar or brush is turned off. Leaving the beater bar on has the potential to rip out the pile of your beautiful rug.
How to Clean a Shag Rug with Dry Shampoo
If you’re still not happy with the cleaning job, consider using a dry carpet shampoo. There are a variety of these available on the market, so make sure to read the label on both your rug and the shampoo to make sure the chemicals will not damage it. You should also always try any cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area first just to be sure, even if the label says it should work.
Follow the instructions on the shampoo packaging. Generally, this involves sprinkling the shampoo onto the rug, letting it sit for some time, then vacuuming. When vacuuming, remember the same tips from before: raise the height to its highest setting and turn the beater bar off!
How to Clean All Your Rugs
Cleaning your shag rugs at home can seem daunting at first, but ultimately, it’s worth the time to learn how to do it right. That way, you can maintain that high pile style for years to come.
Your other rugs don’t need to be difficult to clean, either. In fact, we’ve published a complete guide on how to clean all your rugs on this very blog! And if you have any advice from your own experiences, please comment below so we can share it with the community!