How to Make a Shaggy Rug Fluffy Again

So, you’re looking at your shaggy rug and thinking it needs a bit of a fluff up. Maybe it’s seen its fair share of heavy foot traffic over the past few years, and its fibres are looking pretty flat, which can cause your shaggy rug to lose that plump, fluffy and cosy appeal. Don’t worry, this is very common and expected in shaggy rugs as time goes on. The good news is that there are some very simple ways to bring some life back into your shaggy rug.

Below, we’ve listed the best ways on how to make a shaggy rug fluffy again and look its best.

1. Begin By Using a Rug Beater

Rug beaters are great for helping remove and dislodge loose bits of dirt and dead fibres, as well as plumping up the rug. Beating the rug makes it much easier to move on to the other cleaning steps that help to fluff it up. You can also use a rug rake to achieve a similar effect - scraping any loose debris or frayed fibres out from the rug. It’s best to perform either or both of these techniques outside.

2. Next, Vacuum Your Shaggy Rug

The next port of call when it comes to making a shaggy rug fluffy again is to vacuum. Regularly vacuuming your shaggy rug will help it retain its fluffiness in a similar way to plumping a pillow. Vacuuming helps dislodge and remove stubborn dirt, as well as “shake up” the wool and other fibres that make up the shaggy rug. We’d recommend that for the best, long-term results, you should lightly vacuum your shaggy rug at least twice a week during the first month of your purchase. This way, it removes any initial loose fibres and dirt, while at the same time keeping the rug fresh and bouncy.

3. Some Simple Cleaning

If there are certain parts or areas of your rug that have become particularly worn or filthy, spot cleaning or steam cleaning is a great way to address and revitalise these areas. Using white vinegar and some hot water, gently scrub the affected areas for a few minutes. This will not only dislodge any grimy debris but also free up any tangled fibres or woollen areas that have become worn and tired through heavy foot traffic over the months or years.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations when buying products to clean shaggy rugs.

For more advice on cleaning, take a look at our article on how to clean fluffy rugs.

4. Ice Your Rug

This one may sound a bit bizarre, but it has been known to work for some people! Start by placing ice cubes (or a few ice cubes) on areas that have seen better days or have become worn due to furniture movement or pressure. Next, using a clean towel, dab the areas until the iced liquid has been absorbed - be sure to be gentle when dabbing, as you don’t want to make the dent in the rug worse.

After this, run a spoon or something similar over the iced area to raise the fibres up in the right direction. This should help the shaggy fibres fluff up.

5. Ironing You Shaggy Rug Back to Life

If you have tried and tested the ice cube technique and had no luck, the next option is to iron areas that require a breath of new life. You will first need to take a clean towel, wet it slightly and lay it over the dented, damaged or matted area. Next, heat up your iron for about one minute and iron over the towel covering the dented area of the rug. Iron for about 10 - 15 seconds and then leave the towel in place until it dries. Once dry, remove the towel and fluff up the area using the towel or your hand.

6. Professional Cleaning

Now, this technique is obviously more pricey, but can make all the difference. Choose a rug cleaning company you trust, and be sure to check reviews for how they clean shaggy rugs.

If All Else Fails, it Might Be Time for a New Rug 

If you have tried all of the above and nothing seems to spring your shaggy rug back to life, it might be time to invest in a new one. We offer a stunning collection of shaggy and 100% wool rugs to enhance the comfort of your home, whether it’s for your living room, bedroom or hallway.