How to Clean Shag Rugs

Shag rugs have recently seen a return to popularity after being all the rage in the 1960s and ‘70s. They have long fibers and can come in a variety of vibrant colors which brighten the room. They require regular cleaning to maintain their color and protect the fibers, as well as general short maintenance routines to prevent wear. For a more thorough cleansing, it is advised to turn to a rug cleaning service. Our professionals at Carpet Cleaning Huntington Beach can give you a quote and provide more information on the subject.

How to Maintain Shag Rugs

There are a few steps required for general maintenance of shag rugs. First of all, it should be vacuumed on a regular basis with an upholstery attachment to keep the loose dirt out. You need to be careful of the fibers in a shag rug because they can become entangled in the beater bar if the regular vacuum head is used. The second way to maintain a clean state is to regularly sweep it out with a bristled broom which can whisk away the loose dirt and keep them from getting pressed further into the rug. Finally, these rugs can become worn in the commonly trodden upon directions, so it should be rotated regularly to change how it is being walked on. All of these steps will keep the shag rug looking fantastic.

Giving your Shag a Good Clean

Rug cleaning goes beyond general maintenance however, and shag rugs need regular washing same as any other kind. Some places recommend carpet shampoos to maintain the bright colors as the best way clean them and restore the old shine, but the carpet shampoos can eventually cause the colors to yellow and dull so they are not the best method. For the best shag rug cleaning mix laundry soap and cold water in a large washtub or sink and let it soak for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Never use bleach because it can cause spots of discoloration. After it has soaked in the soapy water, rinse it out in cold water then lay it out to dry. White rugs can be dried in the sun but colored ones will need to be hung out in the shade.

The overall goal of any shag rug cleaning is to keep the rug looking as thick and fluffy as it had the first day it came home. This is what gives them their most distinctive look. Especially in the case of colored rugs, you need to take care to preserve the color by not using carpet shampoos and drying them in the shade. No matter what, you want the rugs to be beautiful just like the day you bought them.