How to Safely Clean a Shag-Style Rug

Shag rugs add a sense of style and creativity to any living space. Though the name can invoke memories of the brown and green carpeting that was popular in the 70s, the modern shag rug is more refined. If you’ve chosen to decorate with shag rugs in your home, it’s important to know how to keep them clean for years to come. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your shag rug.

Why should I get a shag rug?

Shag rugs create feelings of comfort and coziness in a space. The deep pile feels luxurious and soft under your feet. They often come in solid colors, which can act as a sense of grounding for a room. However, some shag rugs have unique patterns that wouldn’t look right with a low-pile alternative.  

Can I vacuum a shag rug?

It’s safe to vacuum a shag rug, but we recommend only doing it once a week. We also recommend against the large, roller-style vacuum that most people use in their homes. Instead, to protect the fibers, you should either use the hand-held attachment or a separate hand-held vacuum to gently remove dirt and debris. If a standard vacuum is all you have access to, place it on the highest pile setting for the best results. 

How do I clean up a spill?

Next on our list of cleaning and maintaining your shag rug is spills. Spills and stains can happen anytime, anywhere. Use an absorbent, colorfast cloth to soak up any visible spills as soon as they happen. In the case of solid spills, gently lift and remove as much of the substance as possible without rubbing or agitating the rug fibers. 

At this point, the process of cleaning any shag rug is similar to cleaning a lighter color rug, such as a pink one. You’ll want to use a gentle, rug-safe cleaner and blot the stain with a clean cloth until it is removed. Take care not to scrub at the fibers; this can force the stain deeper into the rug.

How do I deep-clean it?

Contrary to popular belief, shag rugs are washable. Place your rug in the bathtub or a large plastic container. Add enough warm water to cover it, then add a cleaner designed for the material your rug is made of: wool, cotton, polyester, etc. 

Once your rug is soaking in the mixture of water and rug cleaner, gently swirl the rug and the water by hand. This will carefully agitate the fibers and loosen dirt without damaging the rug. When you’re done, drain the dirty water, refill the tub with clean rinsing water, then press as much water out by hand as possible before hanging it to dry. Be sure you hang it in a place with ample airflow to all sides of the rug.

Is there a way to clean it without getting it wet or using chemicals?

While a deep cleaning with water and rug-cleaner is needed sometimes, there’s also a way to clean your rug without soaking it in chemicals: just set it out to lay in the sun. Sunlight has surprisingly powerful disinfecting properties. By hanging all your rugs in the sun for a few hours a couple times a year, you can kill dust mites and other bacteria that your vacuum can’t pick up.

Find your next shag rug at Rug Source!

Are you looking to add a shag rug to your space? Rug Source carries many options that are sure to fit your aesthetic and budget. Regardless of the size of the rug you’re looking for, our team can help. Send us a message here to get started, call 980-422-4080, or visit our showroom to see them in person.