It feels so good to sit back and relax on the couch while digging your feet into a thick shag rug. Those fluffy floor covers add a cosy look to any room, and they feel comfy underfoot.
But while displaying a shag rug is easy as pile (ahem), maintaining them is where things get a bit fuzzy.
The texture and structure of shag rugs mean that dirt and dust particles accumulate in the fibres. Moreover, the high pile (or long pile) can hide stains and other grime, and it wears down or flattens with time and use.
Knowing how to clean a shag rug keeps your floor cover in good condition! Shake or vacuum the dirt out a few times a week, then deep clean the rug every few months.
It takes some time and effort to maintain your shag rug, but the comfort is worth it. And once it’s clean, you can go back to burying your toes in fluff — just not with dirty feet!
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Drying a Shag Rug | Removing Stains
So — What Are Shag Rugs?
Shag rugs (or shaggy rug, fluffy rug, area rug, you name it) are standalone floor coverings with high or deep piles. Those are long, dense fibres that give the rug its signature fluffy look.
There are a few rug types based on the material used for the fibres.
Leather shag rugs
Much like other leather items, these are great for aesthetics, less so for maintenance. You’ll need to use as little moisture as possible when cleaning, or the leather could dry out and crack.
Keep leather rugs in areas with low foot traffic so they encounter less dirt. They’re not recommended if you have a home with pets.
Synthetic rugs
These are affordable alternatives to leather or natural fibres. Synthetic shaggy rugs are easier to clean since the material is durable and can tolerate more moisture.
However, since the fabric is artificial, they’re less comfortable and have shorter lifespans.
Wool rugs
Wool rugs and other natural fibres are popular for their soft textures and luxurious feel underfoot. There’s even the bougie option of a Flokati rug — traditional, handmade wool rugs from Greece.
The tradeoff is that wool is more high-maintenance, as the delicate fibres need special care and gentle cleaners.
How Often to Clean Your Shag Rug
Shag rugs collect dust and dirt easily, so cleaning them regularly is a must. You don’t want the grime to accumulate, or your rug might never look the same!
Do some light cleaning weekly to lessen loose dirt and dust in the fibres. You can brush or shake out the fibres, and spot-clean any stains.
For rugs in high-traffic areas, brush, shake, or vacuum a few days a week.
Deep clean your shag rug every few months (or, for low-traffic areas, at least twice a year).
And hey, you can minimise the dirt on your rugs by leaving the floor cleaning — and the rest of your home — to our professionally trained cleaners.
Before Cleaning a Shag Rug
Always check the care label of your rug so you know how to clean it! Some rugs can tolerate moisture and at-home washing, while others require a professional carpet cleaner.
Using the wrong cleaning techniques can damage the fibres or backing, or even ruin the rug.
If you’re planning to vacuum a fluffy shag rug, choose the correct attachments. Use a brush or upholstery attachment and gentle suction so you don’t pull or break the fibres.
For upright vacuum cleaners, go for a high-pile setting and always disengage the beater bar, which can yank the fibres. If your vacuum does not have the appropriate settings, do not use it.
Has your rug lost its fluff? Use your hands, a carpet brush (better for fine fibres), or a carpet rake to lift the fibres back up. A clean pet brush also works on rugs in a pinch!
If you’re unsure about your cleaning method, test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Shag Rug Routine Cleaning
Regular, light cleaning helps minimise the buildup of dust and dirt on shag rugs and makes deep cleaning easier! It also keeps the rug looking fresh for longer.
How to get debris out of a shaggy rug
Dust mites, outside dirt, and even pet hair can get trapped in the fibres of your fluffy rug over time. Routine cleaning prevents all the dirt from building up and matting the rug strands.
To remove dirt and debris from a shaggy rug, you can do three things:
- Brush the rug
- Shake it out
- Beat the rug
Brushing is best for wool rugs (like Flokati ones), but you can brush almost any type of rug! Check if the manufacturer sells a specific brush to use, or opt for a soft-bristled brush for carpets and upholstery.
Lay the rug flat on a surface, and brush gently in one direction. This pushes out any dirt caught between strands and prevents the rug from matting or getting tangled.
If your rug is a manageable size, you can shake it out. Take the rug outside and shake it vigorously so the dust and dirt fall off.
(Be sure to do this out of the wind, though, or you’ll get a face full of dust!)
For large rugs — or if you want to be thorough — you can beat them. Hang the rug face-down over a few clotheslines, so that the underside is exposed.
Use a broomstick, mop handle, or rug beater to whack the underside. Channel your inner frustrations and smack all the dust and dirt off — just mind your aim!
Give the rug one last, good shake before taking it back inside.
How to clean the underside of a shaggy rug
The fluffy side of a rug isn’t the only part that needs cleaning — you need to maintain the underside of your shaggy rug as well! Dirt and grime can stick to the backing, even if you don’t move the rug much.
Flip the rug over or roll it out face-down on a clean, flat surface. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the underside to pick up any deep-seated dirt and redistribute the fibres on top.
How to spot-clean stains on a shag rug
If there are a few small stains, wash them off with some warm water and a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap!
Dip a microfibre cloth into the mixture, then blot the stained area until the stain lifts. Rinse off any soapy residue with a damp cloth before letting the rug dry.
You can also try a little rubbing alcohol (ideally 70% isopropyl alcohol). Spray a small amount onto the stain and blot it with a cloth or paper towel.
How to Clean a Shag Rug Properly
Even with regular maintenance, every few months, your shag rug needs a more thorough cleaning. Dry shampooing, washing, or steam cleaning helps make a shaggy rug look like new.
1. Using dry shampoo
If your rug can’t get wet — or doesn’t look too dingy — consider a dry bath! All you need is a dry carpet shampoo that’s compatible with your rug type.
Follow the product instructions for applying it to your shag rug, and make sure you cover the entire surface. Be gentle but thorough when brushing the product through the fibres.
When vacuuming the residue, choose the lowest setting and a nozzle or upholstery attachment. Work in small sections until the entire rug is clean.
2. Using carpet shampoo
Note — this refers to the liquid cleaning product, not a carpet cleaning machine! You want to use a liquid carpet shampoo or a mild detergent to hand-wash your shag rug.
This works best for small to medium-sized rugs that can fit in your bathtub. Check whether your shag rug can be submerged in water or tolerate detergents.
Fill the tub with water, then follow the product instructions for diluting the shampoo. Otherwise, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shampoo or detergent.
Submerge the rug and leave it to soak for 10–15 minutes, then carefully agitate it with your hands or swish it back and forth. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a soft sponge to scrub the fibres gently.
Once the rug is clean, drain the tub and refill it with fresh water to rinse. Afterwards, carefully press out as much moisture as you can, then let the rug dry completely.
3. By machine-washing
For small shag rugs with synthetic fibres, check the label to see if they’re machine washable! If you’re unsure, though, best to stick with gentler methods.
Place the rug in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent the piles from getting snagged or torn.
Follow the recommended settings on the care label to machine wash your shag rug. Generally, you should use a gentle cycle with cold water and skip any fabric softener.
Do not tumble dry the rug afterwards, as the heat and agitation can damage the fibres and backing. Instead, hang the rug up to air dry.
4. Using a steam cleaner
Some synthetic rugs are durable enough that you can use a steam cleaner to wash them. Instead of suction, steam cleaners use hot steam to loosen and wash off deep-seated dirt.
As always, check the care label to be sure!
After shaking or beating off the surface dirt, lay your rug out on a flat surface in the bathroom or laundry room — somewhere that can get wet.
If the machine allows detergents, add a carpet-safe detergent or shampoo and dilute it per instructions. While steam cleaning, move the machine over the rug’s surface at a careful, even pace.
Press out the excess moisture with some soft towels, then let the rug fully dry.
5. Professional cleaning
If you own larger rugs or rugs with delicate fibres, it’s best to get them professionally cleaned instead! The same goes for more expensive floor covers like Flokati rugs.
For large rugs, they’ll take much longer to dry at home, and they may not even dry fully. Any remaining moisture can attract more dirt, or lead to mould or mildew.
Instead of worrying about drying time or material damage, leave the rug cleaning to professionals.
How to Dry a Shag Rug
If you can, it’s best to air dry a shag rug outside! The fresh air, good ventilation, and warmth from the sun will help it dry quickly.
Hang the rug over several lines in an open, shady area. Avoid placing the rug under direct sunlight unless the manufacturer allows it, as the sun can fade the colours or cause other damage.
Still, if your rug can take some sun, it’s a great way to remove odours and refresh the fabric!
Leave the rug for a few hours until it’s thoroughly dry.
If you need to hang the rug indoors, open the windows and set up an electric fan so it dries more quickly.
Alternatively, check if your vacuum has a reverse function — you can use it as a cool blower to dry the fibres and fluff them back up.
How to Remove Stains from Shag Rugs
Treat any spills or stains immediately so the mess doesn’t set into the fibres. Otherwise, it’ll be harder to get out, especially on light-coloured rugs.
Remove any solids right away with some paper towels, then blot the stain with a microfibre cloth. Do not rub, or you’ll end up pushing the mess further into the rug.
Most stains can be washed with a combo of water and mild detergent. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the mixture, then gently scrub the shaggy rug clean.
Rinse off any residue with a damp cloth before patting the spot with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow the rug to dry.
For stubborn stains, try a carpet stain remover or (if it’s safe!) a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Use a microfibre cloth to apply the solution to the rug, then dab the stain until it lifts.
Do not use vinegar on dark-coloured rugs, as it can fade or discolour the material.
FAQs About Shag Rug Cleaning
Got more questions about cleaning a shaggy rug? We’ve got you covered!
Can you wash a shag rug?
Yes — if the care label says so.
Some shaggy rugs can be washed, especially ones made from synthetic material. But you should always check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
Other rugs (like leather) need as little water as possible while cleaning.
Can I use baking soda to clean a shag rug?
It’s better not to use baking soda to clean your shag rug!
The fine powder gets deep into the fibres, and it can be difficult to get it all out. Any leftover residue can clump up in the strands and lead to matting or even mould.
Moreover, the baking soda might clog your vacuum or get into the internal mechanisms and damage them.
For dry shampooing and deodorising, stick to dry carpet shampoo that’s formulated for your rug type. Follow the product instructions and remove all the residue afterwards.
Can I use a carpet cleaner or shampooer on a shag rug?
No, you should not use a carpet cleaner or shampoo machine on a shag rug — or other types of area rugs.
Rugs have a different structure from carpets, and a carpet cleaner or shampoo machine is too rough on a shag rug. The heat, moisture, and suction can damage the fibres or backing.
Instead, use one of the above methods (like a dry shampoo or mild detergent) to clean a shaggy rug without a carpet cleaner.
