Shag rugs - they're plush, a bit retro and look great placed in pretty much any room in your home. Cleaning a shag rug however is a different story. Make sure you're getting the most out of your shag rug by following our cleaning and care guide, complete with easy steps and handy tips.

---

Shag Rug Special Care

The softness of shag rugs is the main reason why they're so difficult to clean. Shag rugs come with a 'high pile' which refers to the length and density of its fibres. Since the carpet fibres are long and loose, they hide stains and complicate rug cleaning. If cleaned like any other rug, shedding and deterioration will occur but cleaned using with the right methods, the rug's natural plushness will be preserved for years to come. Knowing how to clean a shag carpet isn’t a universal skill either - shag rugs tend to come in all shapes, sizes and materials, allowing professional cleaners to charge more for the care of a shaggy rug.

Tip: You should clean your shag rug at least once a year.

How to Clean a Shag Rug

Shag rugs become dirty very quickly so its best to clean them regularly and often. Once your shag rug becomes matted down with dirt or stains, it may never return to its original plushness.

Step 1: Shaking It Out

The age-old trick to clean a shag rug is to shake it. Take your rug outside and shake it vigorously to release any dirt, dust or crumbs. If your rug is too large to shake by hand, try hanging it on a clothesline and beating any dirt out with a broom.

Step 2: Vacuuming

It's now time to vacuum your shag rug but remember to do so with caution. Vacuuming a shag rug is very different than vacuuming other rugs because the high pile can get caught easily and pull the rug out of its original shape. Use a vacuum cleaner specifically meant for shag pile – we recommend a high-pile-carpet vacuum.

Start by rolling up your shag rug and placing it to the side. Next, lay a large sheet on the floor where the rug was. Unroll your rug onto the sheet but make sure to face the soft side down. You should now be looking at the back of your rug. Vacuum the back side of your rug.

This will dislodge any dirt or debris that is stuck in your rug’s pile. Reroll your rug and place it to the side again. Now vacuum the dirt on the sheet. Continue unrolling and vacuuming the backside of your rug until no dirt is visible on the sheet. Once this is complete, remove the sheet and unroll your rug face up.

Tip: If at any point during this process your shag carpet appears damaged, seek the help of a professional carpet cleaning company.

Step 3: Removing Stains

Like most spills, the faster you respond, the more likely they will come out. Blot any spill with a clean microfibre cloth and a spray of carpet cleaner to sort out the mess. For settled stains, spray cleaner directly on the affected area. To properly break down the stain, let the cleaning solution sit according to the cleaner’s instructions then blot the area with a clean microfiber cloth. Continue spraying rug cleaner and blotting until the stain is completely removed.

If you prefer to use homemade cleaning methods, try a simple mixture of equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray directly onto the spill or stain. It's best to start with just a few spritzes, adding more if necessary.

Tip: Invest in a few white microfiber cloths. Microfibre cloths are preferable to rags as they don't leave any loose fibres when cleaning.

Deep Cleaning Your Shag Rug

If you have a shag rug that you think may be beyond hope, don’t panic! Your shag carpet likely comes with specific instructions for a deep clean. If the tag lists water as an appropriate cleaning method, a rented carpet cleaner will perfectly clean your shag rug with a mix of hot water and carpet shampoo. Simply hang your rug outside to dry when you are finished. If the instructions on how to clean shag rug are unclear, it's best to play it safe and have it cleaned by professionals.

Good to know: Flokati rugs are a subset of shag rugs. They are traditionally from Greece and are made specifically from 100% handmade wool. General cleaning methods for a flokati rug and wool shag rug are the same as a shaggy rug.

Tip: Found this article useful? Then why not also take a look at:

• How to Care for Your Rug so That it Lasts Longer
• How to Clean Your Mattress Like a Pro
• Your Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Pillows