Courtesy of SolStockWonderfully plush and tactile, a shag rug can add a warm, nostalgic charm to any room. But how does one keep its delightful fluffiness fresh? As with many home maintenance tasks, how to clean a shag rug properly comes down to the right techniques and tools.Regular upkeep will help ensure your shag rug continues to feel plush underfoot and look pristine year after year. So, let’s break down how to clean a shag rug and maintain its retro appeal.Related: 6 Carpet Trends for 2025 That Will Transform Every Room in Your HomeHow to Care for Shag RugsMaintenance is key in keeping shag rugs looking and feeling their best. And the most important part of regular maintenance for any shag rug? Vacuuming—you guessed it. Due to the higher pile and longer fibers of shag carpets, dust and dirt can more quickly accumulate, affecting both the texture and appearance.“Aim to vacuum your shag rug once or twice a week,” says cleaning professional Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image. First, give the rug a thorough shake outside to free any loose debris. If your vacuum has specific settings, adjust yours to the highest pile of carpeting to prevent the motor and mechanisms from getting caught in or damaging individual strands.Since the dense fibers can hide debris, vacuuming in different directions helps lift dust and dirt from every angle. Then, after vacuuming, give those fibers a fluff. Use a carpet rake or a wide-toothed comb to gently lift the fibers. Work in the direction of the pile to avoid pulling. This will help maintain the rug’s rich texture and prevent it from becoming matted down due to foot traffic.Related: 7 Clever Vacuuming Tricks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner How to Deodorize and Deep Clean a Shag RugEven with regular maintenance, the longer fibers of a shag rug can hide and hold onto dirt and odors. To keep it looking its best, try to give your shag rug a once-a-month deep clean.Related: 6 Reasons Your Carpet Smells—and How to Remove the OdorsMaterials Needed:VacuumBaking sodaCarpet rake or wide-toothed combOptional: Dry carpet cleaning powderInstructions:Shake out the rug and then vacuum thoroughly to remove as much dust and debris as possible.Deodorize by sprinkling baking soda over the shag rug generously, instructs Arias-Spinelli. “Baking soda is great at absorbing odors,” she shares. Allow to sit overnight, so the baking soda can work its odor-neutralizing magic.Afterwards, fully vacuum up the baking soda. (Giving the carpet another good shake outside can help with this step.)If desired, use a dry carpet cleaning powder to further refresh the fibers. These are sold commercially—think of them as your carpet’s equivalent of your favorite dry shampoo. Follow the label’s instructions, after which be sure to vacuum up any residue.Gently fluff up the fibers of the rug, using a carpet rake, comb, or just your fingers to restore its original plushness.Related: 20 Ways to Use Baking Soda to Clean and Freshen Your Home, According to ExpertsHow to Spot Clean a Shag RugWe get it—spills happen. But since excess moisture and the high pile of shag rugs don’t mix, you’ll want to avoid saturating your shag rug while cleaning. “You’ll need to spot-clean to treat any stains,” explains Arias-Spinelli.Act fast and follow the steps below for your best chance of preserving your carpet.Materials Needed:Mild dish soapMicrofiber cleaning cloths or paper towelsCarpet rake or wide-toothed combInstructions:Gently blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the liquid further into the fibers.Once the excess moisture has been removed, create a cleaning solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water. Apply it to the stain using a microfiber cloth by dipping it into the solution and then blotting the stain. Gently work the solution into the carpet fibers until the stain begins to lift.Remove any soapy residue with a clean, damp towel. Now, grab a dry cloth to soak up any excess water, blotting the carpet dry.Comb through the shag, ensuring the fibers aren’t stuck together and restoring its signature fluff.Related: 12 Brilliant Ways to Use Dish Soap Around Your House (That Have Nothing to Do With Dishes)Read the original article on Martha Stewart
