Cleaning a Shag Rug: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shaggy rugs are certainly in style nowadays. They are soft, comfortable, and add character to any room you place them in. The only downside to these aesthetic rugs is that they tend to lose their freshness faster than other rugs, and you have to put in a constant effort to keep them looking clean.
Read on to find out how to clean a shaggy rug.
How to Clean a Shaggy Rug
Shaggy rugs aren’t the same as other rugs. The long, plushy piles require more maintenance and care than flatter, thinner rugs to look good at all times. Additionally, the long fibres trap more dirt and dust than any other rug on the market. Even if the rug isn’t dirty, it requires some refreshing now and then.
The good thing is that keeping your shaggy rugs clean isn’t difficult at all. It only takes a little extra time and effort. It won’t feel as dreading once you get used to it. Following are some tips on how to clean a shaggy rug that would make you a pro in no time.
1. Vacuum It
Every few days, you may notice that your shaggy rug is starting to look a little dingy. It doesn’t have any stains, but it doesn’t seem as clean and fluffy as it did when it was new. Don’t worry; the fluff isn’t gone forever. You can bring it back to life by using a traditional vacuum.
Make sure to set the vacuum at its highest setting. Since shaggy rugs are, well, shaggy, the fibres can get caught in the brush if the vacuum is set on low. If you can, turn off the beater bar and use a hand attachment. Handheld vacuums also provide great results.
2. Spot Clean
If you’ve recently vacuumed your shaggy run but accidentally spilled something on the rug, you don’t need to vacuum the whole thing again. Instead, you can just spot clean the area. Get some mild dish soap or detergent, a soft bristle brush, a white towel, and some water.
Pour some water on the stain and blot it with the towel. This will help desaturate the colour and remove any dirty substances from the stain. Add a squirt or two of soap to some water and dip the brush in this liquid. Use the brush to gently scrub the area in circular motions until the stain is gone. Afterwards, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
3. Steam Cleaning
Once or twice a year, you should perform a deep cleaning on your shaggy rugs. This will help keep them looking as good as new and may even increase their lifespan. A steam cleaner removes the dirt that gets trapped in the fibres of shaggy rugs over time. This cannot be removed by vacuuming and other similar methods. You can hire professionals to have your shaggy rugs cleaned every year if you don’t want to do it yourself.
However, investing in a good steam cleaner may be a more practical choice in the long run. Always vacuum the rug before steam cleaning it. Fill the steam cleaner with water and cleaner and run it over the rug as recommended. Afterwards, let the rug dry. Place it under direct sunlight for a couple of hours if you can.
Get Your Shaggy Rugs Today
If you haven’t gotten your shaggy rugs yet, don’t waste any more time. The Rugs has a wide variety of shaggy rugs for your bedroom, living room, study, and any other area of the house. We deliver all over the U.K. and will provide you with the best service.
And now that you know how easy they are to clean, there is no excuse to procrastinate buying these cosy and stylish shaggy rugs.
How do you clean a shaggy rug at home?
To clean a shaggy rug at home, start by shaking it outdoors to remove loose dirt. Vacuum gently using a low suction setting. For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, applying it with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
How do you make a shaggy rug fluffy again?
Restore fluffiness to a shaggy rug by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush. Use a mixture of warm water and fabric softener, spraying lightly over the rug. Once dry, vacuum in different directions to lift the fibres and restore its plush appearance.
Can you put a shaggy rug in the wash?
Most shaggy rugs are not suitable for machine washing. The agitation can damage the fibres and backing. Instead, opt for spot cleaning or professional rug cleaning services. If machine washing is absolutely necessary, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent, but be aware of potential risks.
How to clean high pile carpet by hand?
Clean high pile carpet by hand using a soft-bristled brush to loosen dirt. Mix a gentle detergent with warm water and apply it sparingly with a sponge. Work in small sections, blotting with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap. Finish by brushing the pile in one direction to restore texture.
How do you clean a dirty furry rug?
For a dirty furry rug, start with a thorough vacuuming. Mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently work the solution into the fibres. Rinse with clean water and blot dry. Brush the fur in its natural direction once dry to restore its appearance.
How do you clean sick off a shaggy rug?
To clean sick off a shaggy rug, act quickly. Remove solid matter carefully, then blot the area with paper towels. Mix a solution of white vinegar and warm water, applying it gently with a clean cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, blot dry, and use a fan to speed up drying.
How do you keep high pile carpet fluffy?
Maintain high pile carpet fluffiness by regular gentle vacuuming using a high pile setting. Periodically use a carpet rake to lift the fibres. Rotate furniture to prevent permanent indentations. Consider using a humidifier to prevent fibres from drying out and becoming brittle.
How to clean a rug at home by hand?
Clean a rug at home by hand by first vacuuming thoroughly. Mix a gentle detergent with warm water and apply with a soft brush or sponge. Work in small sections, rinsing with clean water as you go. Blot excess moisture with towels and allow to air dry completely.
How do you Refluff a rug after washing it?
Refluff a rug after washing by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush in the direction of the pile. Use a carpet rake for larger areas. Once completely dry, vacuum in different directions to lift the fibres. For stubborn flat areas, steam can help restore volume.
How do you dry a wet shaggy rug?
Dry a wet shaggy rug by first removing excess water with a wet vacuum or by blotting with towels. Elevate the rug to allow air circulation underneath. Use fans to increase air flow and speed up drying. Avoid direct heat, which can damage fibres. Ensure it's completely dry before use to prevent mold growth.
How to clean a rug with baking soda?
Clean a rug with baking soda by first vacuuming thoroughly. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the rug and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The baking soda will absorb odors and loosen dirt. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the absorbed dirt and odors.
How do you revive a deep pile carpet?
Revive deep pile carpet by first vacuuming thoroughly. Use a carpet rake to lift flattened fibres. For stubborn areas, steam clean to restore volume. Consider using a fabric softener solution (diluted with water) to soften fibres. Finish by vacuuming in different directions to fluff the pile.
How do you clean a large area rug at home?
Clean a large area rug at home by first vacuuming both sides. Spot clean stains individually. For overall cleaning, use a carpet shampoo machine or create a DIY cleaning solution with mild detergent and warm water. Work in sections, rinsing thoroughly. Use fans to speed up drying.
How to clean a fluffy carpet without a vacuum?
Clean a fluffy carpet without a vacuum by using a carpet sweeper or broom to remove surface debris. For deeper cleaning, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit, then sweep it up. Use a damp cloth or sponge mop for spot cleaning, being careful not to oversaturate the carpet.
How to deep clean a shag rug?
Deep clean a shag rug by first shaking it outdoors to remove loose dirt. Use a carpet shampoo machine with a gentle cleaning solution, or hand wash with a mild detergent mixture. Work in small sections, rinsing thoroughly. Avoid overwetting. Use fans to dry completely, and brush to restore texture.
Can you pressure wash a shaggy rug?
Pressure washing is not recommended for shaggy rugs as it can damage the fibres and backing. The high pressure can distort the rug's texture and potentially cause shrinkage. Instead, opt for gentler cleaning methods like hand washing or professional rug cleaning services.
How do you revive a furry rug?
Revive a furry rug by first vacuuming thoroughly. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently detangle and lift the fibres. For stubborn areas, use a mixture of fabric softener and water, spraying lightly and brushing gently. Once dry, use a carpet rake to restore the fur's natural direction and fluffiness.
How do you make a shaggy rug look new?
Make a shaggy rug look new by first deep cleaning it. Use a carpet rake to restore texture and remove any matting. Consider using a fabric softener solution to soften fibres. Trim any loose or uneven strands carefully. Finally, vacuum in different directions to fluff up the pile and restore its original appearance.
How long to leave baking soda on carpet?
Leave baking soda on a carpet for at least 15 minutes, but preferably several hours or overnight for best results. This allows time for the baking soda to absorb odors and loosen dirt particles. For heavily soiled or smelly carpets, you can leave it for up to 24 hours before vacuuming thoroughly.
How do you get gunk out of a rug?
Remove gunk from a rug by first scraping off any solid matter with a dull knife. Apply a cleaning solution appropriate for the type of gunk (e.g., dish soap for grease, vinegar for sticky residues). Gently work the solution into the fibres, then blot with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat if necessary, and allow to dry completely.
Does baking soda fluff carpet?
Baking soda itself doesn't directly fluff carpet, but it can help restore carpet texture by absorbing oils and loosening dirt that may be weighing down the fibres. After vacuuming up the baking soda, the carpet may appear fluffier due to the removal of these substances. For best results, combine baking soda treatment with brushing or raking the carpet.
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