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Shag rugs are a great addition to the modern-day home décor but challenging to clean. So, if how to clean a shag rug is what is bothering you, then you are at the right place. The very sight of a shag rug is so comforting that you simply wish to curl up on it. It is soft and cozy and available in any form and in different hues. From leather to wool – you can choose your pick. However luxe and comfy it may feel, it needs regular maintenance and possibly a tad more than the flatter and thinner rugs—the plush, long fibers in a shag rug trap more dust and grime. You just need a little more time to clean it thoroughly. If you are not willing to do it yourself, then call up the local rug cleaning service and get it cleaned in a jiffy.
Meanwhile, you can read on to figure out about cleaning a shag rug all by yourself.
Vacuuming
It is the best option for a dingy shag rug free of stains. The rug will indeed look clean, and the fluff will return. Make sure you vacuum extensively till the change is visible on the rug. Once the face is done, turn it over and vacuum the back. If you are worried that too much vacuuming could break the fibers, then you can simply vacuum the back. Once done, shake out the rug and set it back in its place.
Beating
If your rug is free of stains and you can take a little time to clean it regularly, then undoubtedly beating or shaking it is the best method to keep it clean. If your rug is large, place it on the porch rail and either use a beating tool or a broom to beat it thoroughly. Remember to beat repeatedly to loosen the debris and leave it in the sun for a good few hours to ensure it’s free of germs and bacteria.
Spot cleaning
This method of shag rug cleaning is recommended for treating spills and stains. You got to be fast and act before the stain settles in. All you need is a white towel, a mild detergent or dishwashing soap, water, and a brush having soft bristles. Start by blotting the spill with the towel. For a colored spill, use water to dilute and desaturate the hue. Next, use water with detergent to make a soapy liquid. Soak the brush and scrub the stained area repeatedly. You may dip your brush in the soapy liquid and keep scrubbing in circular motions till the spot is discolored. Give a thorough rinse with water and leave it in the open to air-dry.
Dry Bathing
Sometimes vacuuming intermittently may turn out ineffective since a significant portion of dirt can settle inside the fibers. In such a case, just give your rug a dry shampoo bath and watch it spring back to life with a renewed fluff. All you need is a soft-bristled brush and a dry carpet shampoo. Start with vacuuming the rug and then follow it up with sprinkling dry shampoo on the carpet. Use the brush to rub the shampoo into the fibers gently. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes, so the shampoo settles in. You can either shake or vacuum the dry shampoo out of the rug.
Steam Cleaning
This kind of cleaning is apt for treating rugs that have odors because of dirt settling in long. You need a vacuum cleaner, a cleaning solution, and a steam cleaner. It is advisable to start with a freshly vacuumed rug. Mix the cleaning agent with water in the steam cleaner and run it over the stained spots till the stains disappear. Put it out in the sun and let it air dry.
Hand Washing
In case you do not have a steam cleaner and the rug has not been dry-cleaned, it’s time you give it a hand wash. Do not use washing machines. You need a soft-bristled brush, mild detergent, and a tub to wash the rug. In a tub, add detergent to proportion and mix it well with warm water. Now let the shag rug soak in it for 10-15 minutes. After that, work on the stains with a gentle brush stroke. Once done, wring out as much water as possible and dry it in the open.
Calling a professional cleaning service
When the stains have become stubborn, and no amount of vacuuming can clean them, and you are not quite aware of how to clean a shaggy rug, take it to a professional rug cleaning company. Chances are that you could ruin the rug by trying to clean it at home.
Conclusion
Various ways can help you clean shaggy rugs and keep them spic and span. If you are unaware of how to clean a shag rug, first figure out the volume of dirt to remove and accordingly plan a cleaning process. Weekly vacuuming, if done, could be very effective in keeping your rug warm and comfortable. If you have any apprehensions, do not hesitate to call area rug cleaning for rescue.
