How To Clean Shaggy Rug?

February 6, 2023
How To Clean Shaggy Rug

The fluffy shag rug is the ultimate source of comfort and warmth in your home. It also adds value to your home with its appealing looks. But how to clean a shaggy rug remains the most common question amongst homeowners.

So if you are also wondering the same, this blog can help you. Here we have discussed how to clean shaggy rug with some simple and effective methods. Keep reading to transform your rug from drab to fab!

How To Clean Shaggy Rug (Regular Cleaning)

⇒ Shake and Beat The Rug

The most common way to clean a shaggy rug is by shaking it properly. Shaggy rugs absorb more dirt and debris as compared to normal rugs. Take the rug outside and shake it to remove the accumulated dirt and soil particles.

Besides this, you can also remove dirt and debris by beating it. Hand the rug on a clothesline with the non-shag part facing outside. Beat the rug using a broom or some suitable thing.

⇒ Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuuming does great for a shaggy rug, but only if it is used correctly. Otherwise, it can damage the rug by pulling the rug fibres. Canister vacuums are best for cleaning shaggy rugs.

However, if you don’t have that, you can use the vacuum with the upholstery attachment. Before you begin, make sure you have done the proper vacuum setting suitable to your rug and then vacuum the rug thoroughly.

⇒ Treat The Stains

Things you’ll need –

  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Paper towels
  • Suitable rug stain remover

Flip your rug upside down and check for stains. Check the type of stains, because normal stains like food or drink spills can be removed using DIY methods, while some stubborn stains require professional rug cleaning.

Add ½ tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to a small bowl of warm water. Soak a microfibre cloth in the cleaning solution and gently work on the stain. Then soak another clean cloth in normal water and rinse the stained area.

If the stain is already dry, rinse the stained area with some warm water (don’t make your rug soaking wet) and then continue with the above step.

Repeat this process till the stain vanishes completely. You can also use a store-bought cleaner. Follow the given product instructions and spot treat for any damage before using it.

⇒ Dry and Groom The Rug

Once you are satisfied with the stain removal, dry the rug as soon as possible. Allow popper air flow by opening the windows and turning the fan on. You can also use a hair dryer.

Once the rug is completely dry, it’s time to make it fluffy again. Lift the piles up either with your hand, a carpet rake, or a suitable brush. While doing so, be as gentle as possible.

How To Clean Shaggy Rug (Deep Cleaning)

⇒ Shake & Vacuum

Begin with shaking and vacuuming your rug thoroughly. Take the rug outside and shake it properly to remove the loose soil and dirt particles. You can also hang the rug on a clothesline or rake and beat it. Afterwards, vacuum your rug thoroughly using an upholstery attachment and proper suction setting.

⇒ Spot Treat

Turn your rug and check and treat if there are any stains. Work on the stain by soaking a microfibre cloth in dishwashing liquid and warm water solution. Then rinse the stain using a damp cloth soaked in normal water. Repeat this step until the stains are cleaned. Then dry the rug completely before moving to the next step.

⇒ Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great agent for cleaning and deodorising your rug. It traps the loose grime particles and unpleasant smells from your rug. And the amazing part is, it does not cause any damage to your rug.

Sprinkle an adequate amount of baking soda evenly on your rug and work it using a suitable brush. Leave the rug untouched for at least 3-4 hours and then shake and vacuum your rug to remove excessive soda.

⇒ Use Dry Rug Shampoo

Another method to deep clean your shaggy rug is using dry rug shampoo. However, again you have to make sure the product is suitable for your rug and won’t cause any harm.  Spot-check the shampoo on a small rug area before using it.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions while using the dry shampoo. Sprinkle an adequate amount of shampoo evenly on the rug and wait for some time (as specified on the product), and shake and vacuum the rug to remove excessive shampoo and residue.

Some Dos and Don’ts for Shaggy Rug Cleaning

Shake and vacuum your rug regularly.

Address the stain immediately.

Invest in professional cleaning.

Avoid harsh chemicals.

Never use excessive water to clean.

Don’t clean harshly.

How often should you clean a shaggy rug?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the use and type of rug. If your use is more then you will certainly need to clean your rug more frequently. However, the regular cleaning of the shaggy rug should be done once or twice a month while the deep cleaning should be done every 2-3 months.

Apart from that, you must invest in professional rug cleaning once a year as it is more effective than DIY methods. It thoroughly cleans your rug without causing any damage.