Embracing the warmth and coziness of a shag area rug in your living space adds a touch of luxury and comfort. Whether placed in front of a TV for relaxing moments, enhancing a playroom’s atmosphere, or nestled beneath your bed for added comfort, shag rugs effortlessly elevate any room. These rugs not only provide a soft underfoot over hardwood floors but also lend a warm aesthetic to contemporary living spaces.
However, maintaining a hygienic shag rug can pose a challenge due to its long fibers. Read on for a guide on effectively cleaning a shag rug, ensuring that you can enjoy its plush appeal without worrying about dirt and grime. See below to discover practical tips for keeping your shag rug in top-notch condition.
How Often Should You Clean a Shag Rug
Maintaining a clean shag carpet or rug requires a strategic routine. If your rug is located around high-traffic areas, daily vacuuming is ideal. However, considering real-world demands, strive to vacuum your shag rug a few times each week, with a minimum of once a week. For long-term upkeep, expect to conduct a more thorough cleaning on a monthly basis. More on this below.
Project Overview
What makes this project appealing is its accessibility, suitable for those with beginner-level skills. As for the budget, anticipate spending around $25 on supplies if you don’t already have them. The time investment for cleaning a shag rug varies, ranging from a quick 20 minutes to a more thorough five hours, depending on the method. When it comes to hands-on time, expect to dedicate anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes for a refreshed shag rug.
Supplies Needed
Now you know what to expect, gather the below supplies before diving into the job.
Materials
- Mild detergent
- Paper towels
- Light-colored microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush
- Butter knife or spoon (optional)
- Dry carpet shampoo granules
Tools
- Carpet rake
- Soft-bristle carpet or upholstery brush
- Vacuum cleaner
How to Wash a Shag Rug
With all the supplies to complete the job, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cleaning your shag rug.
1. Routine Maintenance
The simplest way to clean your shag rug is to shake it outdoors. Alternatively, drape the rug over a railing and give it a few whacks with a broom to remove loose dust and dirt while also fluffing the fibers.
Next, bring the rug indoors and proceed to vacuum it. However, exercise caution, as an upright vacuum with a beater head and rotating brushes may cause permanent damage. To address this, disengage the beater bar and set the cleaning head to the highest pile setting. Alternatively, for a gentler approach, utilize the vacuum’s hose with a dust or upholstery attachment. When vacuuming, adopt a grid pattern, ensuring each stroke overlaps for a thorough job.
If these options are not viable, avoid using the vacuum altogether. Instead, consider a carpet rake or handheld vacuum. Another effective method involves rolling up the carpet and placing it to the side. Sweep or vacuum the area under the rug, lay down a tarp on the floor, and unroll the rug over it, pile-side down. With the vacuum set to its lowest setting, vacuum the back of the rug to dislodge any debris trapped in the pile. Reroll the rug and set it aside. Subsequently, vacuum the dirt on the tarp or sheet, repeating this process until no debris is visible on the tarp or sheet.
2. Spot Cleaning
In addition to routine cleaning, spills and messes are inevitable. In this case, it’s best to address the stain right away. Begin by blotting up as much liquid as possible using either paper towels or a white microfiber cloth. Opting for a white cloth prevents any color transfer to your rug, and the microfiber material minimizes the risk of fiber fallout compared to a regular rag. Remember to dab rather than wipe, as wiping not only risks damaging the rug but also pushes the stain deeper into the carpet. If the spill is solid or has solidified, use the edge of a butter knife or spoon to carefully scrape it from the rug’s fibers.
Next, apply a small amount of mild detergent, such as dish soap, onto a damp, white microfiber cloth. Gently dab at the stain until it disappears. Dabbing is essential to prevent the rug’s fibers from becoming entangled. For harder-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush.
Once the stain is successfully removed, dab the area with a clean cloth dipped in water to eliminate residual detergent. Allow the rug to air-dry. Hanging it outdoors on a clothesline or railing is the optimal method, but if that’s not possible, elevate the stained area. Alternatively, use a fan to expedite the drying process. Once dry, use a carpet rake or horsehair upholstery brush to fluff the rug’s fibers back to their original state.
3. Deep Cleaning
To deep clean your rug, first check your rug’s tag to determine if your shag is machine washable. If this option is available to you, it’s a great choice! If not, the best method for deep cleaning a shag rug involves using dry carpet shampoo granules, as excess water can potentially damage the shag rug’s fibers. It’s crucial to avoid carpet cleaning machines or a steam cleaner, as they may cause permanent damage.
Following the first step, generously apply the dry carpet shampoo granules to the shag rug, focusing on soiled areas. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work the granules into the shag’s fibers. Follow the dry carpet shampoo instructions, allowing the crystals to sit for the recommended time. Finally, repeat the first step, ensuring to vacuum both sides of the rug to eliminate all residue thoroughly. This approach provides a deep clean without compromising the integrity of your shag rug.
Top Tasker Tips
Trusted Taskers have seen it all. For cleaning shag rugs, follow the below tips:
- Enforce a no-shoes zone on your shag rug to help it stay cleaner, longer.
- For added freshness, add a few drops of essential oils when spot cleaning.
- Listen to your favorite podcast to relax and focus on the details while you clean. Little things can make a big difference!
Shag Rug Cleaning FAQs
Can I Power Wash My Shaggy Rug?
No, power washing a shaggy rug is not recommended. The forceful spray of a power washer can be too harsh for the delicate fibers of a shag rug, potentially causing damage. Additionally, it’s not recommended to steam clean a shag rug as this can also cause permanent damage.
What Is the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner?
The best homemade carpet cleaning solution for stain removal or spot-cleaning a shag rug is a mixture of water, white vinegar, and dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. This effective and gentle solution helps tackle stains without compromising the integrity of the rug’s fibers.
What Is the Best Way to Dry a Rug?
The most effective way to dry a rug is through air drying. Simply place the rug over a railing or between a couple of sawhorses. It’s crucial to avoid machine drying, as the heat and agitation can harm the shag rug’s fibers. If outdoor drying is not an option, elevate the wet area off the ground to facilitate air circulation. Alternatively, you can expedite the drying process by placing a fan near the rug until it dries completely.
Let a Tasker Do the Job!
Now that your shag rug is looking its best, you can shift your focus to deep cleaning other areas of your house. Fear not, as Taskrabbit has you covered for all your Deep Cleaning needs. Whether it’s carpets, fabric couches, and even post-hurricane carpet cleanups, carpet cleaning services on Taskrabbit are here to assist. Easily compare rates and reviews for dozens of Taskers on one convenient platform. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need today!
