How to Clean and Care for a Shaggy Rug?

Shaggy rugs are totally on-trend right now, but figuring out how to clean and care for a shaggy rug might seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, it’s easier than you think! These plush, high-pile rugs not only add a retro flair to your space but also feel amazing underfoot, especially when you step out of bed.

What to Know About Shaggy Rugs

Shaggy rugs have been a hit since the 80s, and they’re still super popular today. The best part? You can now get them in just about every colour and style imaginable! While they add a luxurious touch to your room, their fluffy fibres can be tricky to keep clean. Getting them spotless may not be easy, but regular care can help extend their life. Cleaning a shaggy rug can be more of a challenge compared to rugs with shorter piles, but we’ve got you covered with some simple tips below!

Types of Shaggy Rugs

The variety of shaggy rugs available makes care a little more complex, as each type has its own cleaning needs. This is one reason professional rug cleaners often charge more for cleaning shaggy rugs than they do for pricier, low-pile rugs. Let’s explore the different types of shaggy rugs and how to care for them, and then we’ll dive into some general care tips.

• Flokati

Flokati shags are typically white or cream, although they can be dyed. Made entirely of wool, even the backing, these are among the fluffiest shaggy rugs. However, they will get dirty quickly due to their light colour.

TOP TIP: To keep that signature fluffy look, clean your Flokati rug on a regular schedule—before it even looks dirty!

• Wool

Wool is the gold standard for most shaggy rugs. It’s warm, durable, and soft, plus it’s great at absorbing moisture and naturally filtering the air in your room. Wool rugs are very popular for their beauty and health benefits.

TOP TIP: Wool shaggy rugs tend to be on the pricier side, so make sure you’re investing in one that will last and complement your home for years.

• Leather

Leather shaggy rugs are a showstopper! They’re a bit easier to clean since you can use leather cleaners on them. However, they can be pricey depending on the brand and quality.

TOP TIP: Place your leather shag in a low-traffic area and keep it away from food, liquids, and pets.

• Acrylic

Acrylic is a soft, luxurious fabric that gives vibrant colors and excellent stain resistance. It mimics the look and feel of wool at a lower price point and is resistant to damage.

TOP TIP: These rugs aren’t fire-resistant, so it’s best to keep them away from kitchens and fireplaces, though most are treated for safety.

How to Clean a Shaggy Rug

Shaggy rugs have long, plush fibres that are a dream to lie on, but cleaning them can seem daunting. Don’t worry—it’s possible to clean them at home with a little extra care! Always check your rug’s care tags before starting. Here are some steps to help you keep your shaggy rug looking fresh.

Loosen Dirt

1. Take your rug outside and hang it over a railing or sawhorse.
2. Gently beat the rug with the side of a broom or a mop handle to loosen dirt and dust.
3. Leave it in the sun for a couple of hours. The heat helps kill bacteria and dust mites.

Vacuuming

• Vacuum your shaggy rug as needed—this could be weekly, daily if you have kids or pets, or monthly if it’s in a low-traffic area.
• Set the vacuum to “high pile” mode if available. If not, consider investing in a vacuum that offers this option.
• Try not to use the beater bar, as it can snag or pull the fibres.
• Vacuum the rug’s underside once a month, using the beater bar to get any trapped dirt.

Dry Shampooing

• Sprinkle carpet shampoo granules over the rug to freshen it up.
• Brush or work the granules into the fibres without turning on the vacuum, then let it sit for about an hour.
• Vacuum up the granules thoroughly.

Steam Cleaning

• You can steam clean your shaggy rug once or twice a year if it gets heavily soiled or stained.
• Rent a steam cleaner if you don’t own one, and use a non-foaming carpet detergent.
• Make sure to dry the rug thoroughly using a fan, as shaggy rugs tend to hold onto moisture.

Spills

• Blot spills immediately with a light-coloured absorbent cloth.
• Rinse the cloth and continue blotting until you’re sure the stain is gone.

Call in the Pros

For a deeper clean than your everyday shake and vacuum, it’s worth calling in the professionals. Just be prepared—cleaning a shaggy rug is no easy task, and even professionals may not get it 100% spotless due to the nature of the fibers. But they’ll definitely do a better job than DIY methods!