Shag rugs are known for looking great and feeling fluffy, but you’ll need to clean and vacuum your shag rug routinely to ensure it stays in good condition.
Use these cleaning tips to keep your shag rug looking and feeling its best!
Key Takeaways
First, assess the pile. Next, gather your cleaning products and tools.
Beat dirt and debris from the carpet fibers before selecting your cleaning method. Next, deep clean your shag rug. Finally, let it dry.
How to Clean a Small Shag Rug
Step One: Understand the Rug You Have
All rugs have a pile, but shag rugs are known for their high pile. Rugs with a high or deep pile are cleaned differently than a lower pile rug.
It’s important to understand your shag rug’s pile before you start cleaning, as you might damage the fibers if you don’t.
If your shag area rug has a high pile, you’ll need to use a mild carpet cleaner shampoo, a beater or broom, and a gentle vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
Step Two: Get Carpet Cleaning Solution and Other Tools
You’ll need a beater or broom, carpet shampoo, a clean microfiber cloth, warm water in a spray bottle, and an upright vacuum to do shag rug cleaning.
If you want to clean the rug without dry shampoo, white vinegar works well. Also, a carpet rake that’s used for professional cleaning can help you get a spotless, sanitary, and fluffy shag.
Step Three: Use a Beater to Remove Dust and Dirt
Before you clean a rug with dry carpet shampoo, take it outside, hang it on a clothesline, and beat it with a beater or broom to remove loose dust and dirt. Don’t forget to flip the rug!
It’s best to beat a rug outside so you won’t have to worry about dirt on your floors, furniture, appliances, etc.
Beat the mat as well (if you’re using one).
Step Four: Choose a Cleaning Method
If your shaggy rug is slightly stained, using a carpet dry shampoo is one way to clean it. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the stains appear to be caked on, a deeper cleaning will be needed to keep the rug looking fresh using a steamer.
Finally, if the steamer isn’t enough, it’s best to clean the rug thoroughly by hand-washing it with a white microfiber cloth.
Of course, if the small area rug is machine washable, you can run it through the washer to keep it looking its best.
Step Five: Address Stained Areas
Don’t try to rub the stain out. Instead, blot the area until it’s gone. This way you clean the shag rug without damaging it.
Rubbing a spill would just force it deeper into the pile.
Again, if you don’t want a chemical rug cleaner, vinegar and water will clean effectively and keep the rug plush.
Step Six: Dry the Rug
Once you’re done deep cleaning a shag rug, take the carpet outside so it can dry.
Knowing how to clean a shag rug is essential, but regular maintenance is the key.
However, if you don’t feel like using these tips for cleaning, consider hiring a professional rug cleaning service.
