Even if you have a washable shag rug, it is important not to neglect it, if you want it to stay in good shape. You can’t just throw all washable rugs in your machine and hope for the best.
If yours is a big shag rug, make sure you vacuum clean it at least once a week. Use an upholstery tool or at least one without a beater or rotating brush. These can pull the rug’s strands and damage both the rug and the vacuum cleaner. For best results, pass in one direction with the vacuum and then pass a second time at a 90 degree angle to capture all the debris stuck in the fibers. This will also help the fibers to go back to their original upright position if they have been flattened.
If you have a small shag rug, you don’t really need to vacuum it. It’s probably easier just to take it outside and give it a thorough shake about once a week to keep it fluffy and clean.
When it’s time for deeper cleaning, you’ll be pleased you chose a washable rug. You can usually wash these in the machine using a hand wash cycle. Alternatively you can hand wash your shag rug with warm water and some mild detergent. Whichever method you use, make sure to rinse properly and then allow the rug to dry in the open air if you can. This is especially important if it’s a wool blend or pure wool rug.
While frequent vacuuming and washing are important to keep your shag rug in shape, you still need to prevent stains. Make sure you prevent permanent staining by promptly attending to any spills as soon as they occur; don’t try using cleaning chemicals without knowing whether they are color-friendly.
Following these simple tips will keep your washable shag rug in great shape for several years, especially if you bought a good quality rug in the first place.