Shag rug is one of the best choices for a house because of its two properties – Fluffiness and attractive appearance.
Shag rugs are often used under the couch, sofa, bed, chair, table, etc. And such areas have a high foot traffic. Hence, it ends up getting dirty over time. Which is why you’ve to clean it up more often than any other area rugs.
Moreover, shag rugs are fluffy which also results in gulping the more dirt around it. The rug piles in shag rugs give invitation to more dust. Therefore, in this article, we’ll tell you five methods on how to clean a shag rug at home.
1. Vacuum Cleaning
Usually, vacuum cleaners are recommended for cleaning a shag rug. Because it effectively sucks out the dust from rug piles, giving a shiny appearance to the shag rug.
Even the tiniest dust particles are blown away using a vacuum cleaner on shag or any type of rug. However, it’s also important to use the vacuum carefully as it can damage the fluff of the shag rug.
Steps to Follow:
- Set the vacuum suction power on intermediate level
- Normally use the vacuum cleaner on rug as your use on the floor
- Keep vacuuming until all the dust is clear
- At last, flip the rug and sweep on the floor for leftover dust
2. Wash and Rinse
Washing is one of the best ways to remove the dirt out of a shag rug. However, since the vacuum tends to suck out every little dry dust particle, washing is required only when the stains are dense.
With the help of detergent water, you can deep wash and rinse the shag rug for a proper cleaning process. Besides, this method is good for rug piles growth. Prior to wash and rinse, make sure to thoroughly clean the rug with vacuum cleaner to take out the grime stuck in fluffy piles.
Doing so will ensure a smooth cleaning process and help the flattening of the rug fabric.
Objects Required:
- Good-quality Detergent
- Lukewarm Water
- A Washing Tub or Bucket (big enough to fit the rug)
Procedure for Wash and Rinse:
Step 1: Make sure to clean the rug with vacuuming
Step 2: Add detergent to the lukewarm water according to the dirt on rug
Step 3: Soak the rug into the detergent water for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Gently rub the rug with hands
Step 5: Dry it in sunlight
3. Cleaning Using Hands
Sometimes, dust stuck in area rugs is stubborn. It requires extra efforts to go away. The vacuum does its job pretty well, however, if left unclean for a few days, the dirt flakes tend to stick with the rug.
Moreover, if there’s humidity in the room, especially during rainy days, the grime will thrust on the rug like concrete. This is where you need your helping hands.
Essentials:
- Mask – To prevent the nostrils from dust
- Gloves – Prevent the hands from dust
Steps to Pursue:
- Fold and take the rug at the backyard
- Now, unfold the rug, hold it tightly from the sides, and gently sweep in on the ground
- Repeat the above step multiple times, you’ll see the dust coming of the rug
- When you’re done, delicately use the vacuuming for dust remains
⚠️ If you’re allergic or your skin is sensitive to dust, it’s not advisable to do this process.
4. Steam Clean the Rug
Steaming is one of the best methods to spot clean a rug without damaging the fabric. As the steam is passed to the fabric, it removes the dirt and bacteria, giving the rug a fresh look. Whether it’s the foot traffic, kids’ mess, or pet stains, steam is a significant and proven method to remove the obstinate spots from rugs.
The best thing about steam cleaning is that it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals. Only the tap water is enough to clean the spots area of rug. Which is why it’s also a great method to deep clean a shag rug.
Appliances Required:
- Steam Cleaner Machine
- Chemical Cleanser (Optional)
- Vacuum Cleaner – To remove the hidden dust
Methods of Steam Clean:
- Perform vacuuming on the rug to eliminate the tiny dust particles
- Mix the cleanser in water, if required, and add the water to steam cleaner machine
- Run the machine over the stains as long as the stains don’t evaporate
- And don’t forget to dry the rug in sunlight
5. Stick Beating
This idea may sound ridiculous but trust us, it works like a charm. And this is one of the most effective ways to get the dirt out of a shag rug without a vacuum cleaner. Moreover, not only the shag rug, you can clean any Persian, Wool, and Polypropylene rug.
In this method, either you use sticks to get the dirt out of a rug or you can softly smash the rug against a wall or floor. As you start force hitting, the dust clung with the rug begins to fall on the ground. This method is also helpful for outdoor rugs.
How to Perform:
- Make sure to wear a mask and gloves
- Hold the rug in one hand and a stick in another one
- Start softly beating the rug from behind, making sure the dust is coming out
- If the dust doesn’t come out, try beating harder
- Eventually, hit it against the wall and floor 2-3 times
⚠️ Don’t perform this method if you’re allergic to dust.
Final Verdict
Cleaning a rug can be a challenging task depending upon what type of grime has been stuck on it. But these methods will surely help you keep a shag rug clean. Perform these methods once every two weeks, it’ll prevent the dust from sticking on shag rug piles.
