How to Easily Clean a Fluffy Shag Rug

With their high piles, shaggy rugs are some of the cosiest rugs around, making them an incredibly popular option for the home. The long, loose fibres of this style make it luxuriously soft and fluffy underfoot, so there's no doubt you'll want to keep it that way. That's why we've written this expert guide on how best to clean your shaggy rug. 

The First Steps in Cleaning Your Shaggy Rug 

Shaggy rugs are incredibly soft and luxurious, but their high pile makes them trickier to clean than other rug types. For stubborn stains, a professional cleaner is the safest option, as they have the right tools and expertise to restore your rug. However, for routine maintenance and minor spills, you can clean your shaggy rug at home.

Start by taking it outside, hanging it up, and giving it a good shake or beating it with a broom handle to remove dust and dirt. This should always be the first step before trying deeper cleaning methods. If your rug needs a more thorough cleaning, vacuuming, spot-cleaning, or even gentle shampooing may help.

Shaggy rugs, often made from durable polyester blends, are generally easier to maintain than natural wool or sheepskin rugs. With regular care, you can keep your rug looking fluffy, fresh, and inviting for years to come.

Please note that these shag rug cleaning methods apply to all types of shaggy and fluffy rugs, including wool-based rugs and those made from polyester.

How to Hoover a Fluffy Rug

If you've tried beating your shaggy rug and still need to clean it, vacuuming is a great option. Often, a quick hoover is all it takes to freshen it up. Always vacuum before attempting deeper cleaning methods.

1. Pre-cleaning: Use a carpet rake, rubber broom, or soft-bristled brush to loosen dirt and pet hair trapped in the fibres.
2. Shake and Beat: Take the rug outside, shake it well, and beat it with a broom handle to remove loose dirt.
   
3. Let it Air: Leave it outside in dry weather for up to two hours to kill bacteria and deodorise, but avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent fading.
   
4. Vacuum Carefully: Use a handheld attachment, not an upright vacuum with a beater bar, as this can damage the fibres. Hoover both the surface and underside while keeping the rug taut.
   
5. Fluff Up: After vacuuming, use a carpet brush to restore the rug’s plushness.
   

Beater bars on vacuums can damage shag rugs by tangling the fibres. Unless your vacuum has a high pile setting to disable the bar, it's best to avoid using it. Instead, use a handheld attachment to gently clean your rug without causing harm to the fibres or your machine. 

For regular upkeep, vacuum at least once a fortnight. If your rug is in a high-traffic area, aim for weekly cleaning.

How to Hand Clean a Shaggy Rug 

Spills and stains happen, but quick action can prevent deep cleaning. Spot cleaning is often the fastest way to refresh your rug. You can also use this method for routine deep cleaning in sections.

1. Check the Label: Ensure your rug can handle moisture. If it’s marked ‘dry clean only,’ avoid water-based cleaning.
2. Blot the Stain: Use a damp, light-coloured cloth to dab (not rub) the stain, preventing it from sinking deeper into the fibres. A white cloth is best to avoid dye transfer.
3. Use a Cleaning Solution: If needed, mix equal parts water and white vinegar or use warm water with dish soap. Spray lightly, then blot until the stain lifts. Repeat if necessary.
4. Remove Residue: Dab with a fresh damp cloth, then dry with a towel.
5. Air Dry: Hang the rug over a washing line or railing to fully dry.
6. For Stubborn Stains: Sprinkle baking soda to absorb odours and moisture. After 30 minutes, vacuum up the residue. Take a look at our guide on cleaning rugs with baking soda for more information. 

You can find more information on removing stains from any rug, including tea, coffee, soda, nail varnish, red wine, and dog pee in our advice centre.

Featuring our Sense Washable Ghost Grey Rug. 

How to Spot Clean Stains on a Shaggy Rug

If your fluffy rug has solid stains, such as food, you can try scraping most of it off using a spoon before cleaning by hand. Unless the stain is mud, do this as soon as possible to prevent it setting. Again, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.

If you have mud on your shaggy rug, let it dry first before cleaning, as this will make it much easier to scrape off. For more information on this, take a look at our guide on how to get mud out of rugs.

How to Use a Carpet Cleaner on a Shaggy Rug

Before using a carpet cleaner, check with the rug manufacturer or cleaning company to ensure it’s safe for wet cleaning. If allowed, a rented carpet cleaner like a Rug Doctor can effectively clean your rug with hot water and carpet shampoo, while its vacuum removes excess dirt and moisture.

For large or odour-prone shaggy rugs, a carpet cleaner is the most efficient choice. However, avoid excessive wetting, as thick shag rugs retain moisture and take time to dry. To prevent this, pass over the rug once in washing mode, then again with just the vacuum to extract excess water. Always air dry completely before placing it back on the floor.

If your rug cannot get wet, use a powder-based dry shampoo cleaner. Sprinkle it evenly, leave it for at least 10 minutes (or as directed), then vacuum thoroughly. For stubborn areas, work the powder in with a soft-bristled brush before vacuuming.

How to Steam Clean a Shaggy Rug

Steam cleaning is an effective, chemical-free way to refresh your shag rug and remove odours. Using heat to loosen dirt and kill bacteria, it works best on synthetic rugs like polyester and acrylic. However, avoid steam cleaning wool or sheepskin rugs, as heat can shrink and damage natural fibres.

Steps to Steam Clean a Shaggy Rug:

1. Prepare the Rug: Beat and vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt.
   
2. Use a Cloth Cover: Attach the provided cloth or sock to the steamer’s nozzle to protect fibres. If missing, use a tea towel or soft cloth.
   
3. Add Water: Fill the steamer with cold water and let it heat up. Some models may require a mild detergent.
   
4. Steam Clean Gently: Work in small sections using the lowest setting, increasing only if necessary. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibres.
   
5. Air Dry: Hang the rug to dry completely before placing it back. Since steam evaporates quickly, your rug should dry within 24 hours.

For natural fibre rugs, consider alternative cleaning methods to avoid damage.

How to Make a Shaggy Rug Fluffy Again

Over time, the fibres of shag rugs can become flat and dull, losing their original luxurious fluff that you love. If this happens, it's very easy to revive your rug and get it looking fluffy again.

Often, taking it outside, hanging it over your washing line, and giving it a little beating with a broom handle will help separate the fibres and revive the rug's fluff.

If your rug still isn't as fluffy as you'd like it, you can try giving your shaggy rug a quick vacuum can help bring back its natural fluff. You might also want to use a carpet rake or rubber-bristled broom before and after vacuuming. This will help dislodge hair and dirt for more effective cleaning, as well as bring some fluff back to your shaggy rug.

Can You Put a Shaggy Rug in the Washing Machine?

We'd usually only recommend cleaning your rug in the washing machine if it explicitly states on the label that it's a machine-washable rug. Due to their loose pile fibres, it's best to avoid cleaning your shaggy rug in the washing machine if possible, as it may damage the deep pile and cause shedding.

Due to the amount of water your washing machine uses, your shag rug will also take a very long time to air dry, so we'd always recommend an alternative cleaning method instead, such as spot cleaning by hand, steam cleaning, or using a carpet cleaner.

Featuring our Larissa Shaggy Washable Charcoal Rug. 

How to Keep a Fluffy Rug Clean

Keeping your shaggy rug clean will help it stay fresh and fluffy for years to come. Everyday dirt, dust, and pollen can settle deep into the fibres, but regular maintenance makes all the difference.

If your rug is in a busy area like the living room or bedroom, give it a good vacuum or shake it out once a week. Don’t forget to vacuum the underside at least once a month to keep dust at bay. For spills, blot them up straight away and try spot cleaning to prevent stains from setting.

To keep your rug in top condition, aim for a deep clean two to three times a year. A professional cleaner is always a great choice, as they have the right tools and expertise to refresh your rug without causing damage.

For more information, take a look at our guide on making your rug last longer.

Please note that these techniques are intended as advice only and are not a substitute for professional rug cleaning methods. Rugs Direct is not liable for any damage resulting from this advice.

Finding Your Perfect Shaggy Rug

If your shaggy rug has had its time and needs a refresh or you're looking for another one to elevate a different room, we have a beautiful collection to choose from. Explore our selection of shaggy rugs now and enjoy free UK delivery on your order.