A shag rug is a beautiful addition to any home. It is comfortable under your feet and great to look at. However, they can be difficult to keep clean. This is because it has long strands of fiber that are also very thick.
If you rush the cleaning of your shag rug, you can damage the strands or even the whole rug.
Luckily, it easy to clean a shag rug once you know-how, and we will tell you.
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Shag Rugs Need Gentle Care
Shag rugs are unique in their design and require extra special care. They have thick, long strands which can easily become caught in your vacuum cleaner. They can confuse vacuums which think they are pieces of dirt and try to suck them up. Not only can this damage the rug, but it can also damage your vacuum cleaner.
As they are so delicate, we suggest not using an upright vacuum when cleaning a shag rug.
Begin by Shaking the Rug
The best way to begin cleaning a shag rug it so to shake it out. Take the rug outside and give it a good shake. This will remove lots of the dust and debris that have been collected. Then, hang your rug on a laundry line or over something to help get rid of any lingering odors.
If you don’t want to shake the rug, a rug beater will also work.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Even after shaking, some dust and debris will probably still be on the rug. It is also difficult to shake out larger rugs. Then it is a good idea to use a vacuum.
When you vacuum the rug, it is important to make sure you use a smaller brush attachment and not the main vacuum head. There are even specialized brush heads for cleaning shag rugs.
There are a number of vacuums that have motorized rollers on the bottom. These can particularly become tangled in a shag rug. Brush attachments don’t have these rollers, so are less likely to damage the rug. They simply pick up any debris or dirt.
Hire a Professional Cleaner
Sometimes home cleaning just isn’t enough and you need to hire a professional cleaner. They will know how to expertly clean your shag rug without damaging it. They have all the necessary skills and tools to keep your rug in perfect condition.
Another option is a carpet shampoo machine. Although these are expensive, they are a great long-term investment if you have a shag rug. You can read our reviews of carpet shampoo machines here. It is worth the expense as it will keep your rug in the best condition and extend its lifespan.
