It’s definitely safe to say that shag rugs are back in fashion, with many people keen to incorporate this trend into their living spaces. However, what a lot of folks don’t think about before taking the plunge and purchasing a shag rug is how to clean one properly. It’s important to know all the steps to take to clean a shag rug, otherwise those long carpet fibres will trap dust, dirt, and allergens over time. So, if you love your shag rug enough to give it the care it deserves, here are a few ways you can do just that.

Loosen Dirt

The best way to get rid of any dirt that’s built into your shag rug is to simply roll it up, take it outside, and hang it up over a railing. You should then beat the rug with the handle of a broom in order to loosen the dirt. Leave your shag rug in the sun for a couple of hours after doing this, because the sun’s rays are great at killing allergens and dust mites.

Vacuum Often

If you’re willing to have a shag rug in your living space, you should definitely be committed to vacuuming it regularly. Vacuum daily if you have pets or small children in your home, or weekly if not. Set the vacuum cleaner to high pile, and make sure it has an adjustable head. You should flip over your rug and vacuum the underside at least once a month, because lots of dirt builds up here, too!

Dry Shampoo

Occasionally, you should be prepared to dry shampoo your shag rug. Simply sprinkle the rug with carpet-shampoo granules and brush them into the rug’s fibers with your vacuum cleaner’s cleaning-head bristles, without actually turning it on. Allow the shampoo to sit for the time specified, which will probably be about an hour. After this time has passed, vacuum out the remaining granules.
Professional Steam Cleaning
To maximize the life span of your shag rug, it’s best to call in the pros for professional steam cleaning about once every year. Though you can also rent a steam cleaning machine, for best and most consistent results, you’ll want to hire pros who use professional-grade equipment and cleaning products to treat your rug.

Tackle Spills

Occasional spills are inevitable, but it’s essential to deal with them as soon as they happen. Use a light colour, absorbent rag, like a terrycloth or paper towel to dab at the spill. Rinse the rag after mopping up the spill, clean it with water, and use it to get rid of the rest. Dealing with spills immediately is the best way to stop your shag rug being damaged.