A brand new shag rug is a cloud of comfort, but over time, foot traffic and dirt can cause those long fibers to mat down and lose their bounce. If your fluffy rug is looking a little flat, don't throw it outβit just needs some specialized care.
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The Right Way to Vacuum
The number one rule of shag rug care: turn off the beater bar. The spinning brush of a standard vacuum will catch the long fibers, pull them out, and destroy the rug. Use the upholstery attachment or a vacuum with a suction-only setting.
The Shaking Method
The most effective way to clean a shag rug is the old-fashioned way. Take it outside, hang it over a sturdy railing or fence, and beat it with a broom handle. This forces dirt out from deep within the pile without damaging the fibers.
"If your synthetic shag rug has completely matted down in high-traffic spots, you can gently comb it out using a wide-toothed pet brush. Just be very gentle to avoid pulling the fibers out of the backing."
β Naheed Mir, Founder of RugKnots
How to Revive Matted Fibers
For wool shag rugs, a light spritz of water followed by gentle fluffing with your hands can help the natural fibers spring back to life. For synthetic rugs, regular rotation is key to preventing permanent traffic patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam clean a shag rug?
It is not recommended for home machines. The long pile holds onto water, making it very difficult to dry completely, which can lead to mold and mildew.
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About RugKnots
RugKnots is a family-owned rug company based in Hagerstown, Maryland. Founded in 2010, we've spent over 14 years helping homeowners and designers find the right rug β from hand-knotted Persian heirlooms to durable machine-made everyday pieces. We hand-inspect every order before it ships, offer free U.S. shipping, and back every purchase with our 30-day return guarantee.
This article was written by our editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Our writers work directly with our buyers and customer-experience team, who handle thousands of rug questions every year. If you have a question this article didn't answer, reach out β a real human will get back to you within one business day.
