Shag rugs are unique floor pieces that add character and a luxurious look to your home while making your floor more comfortable for bare feet. Their lush, shaggy fibers can collect some dust, but require gentle cleaning to prevent damage. Here are four easy but effective ways to keep these delicate rugs clean.

4 Ways to Care for Your Shag Rug

1. Choose the Right Rug

To ensure you know how to care for your shag rug, place them in appropriate areas of your home. Cotton shag varieties are affordable and easy to care for with vacuuming, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas such as halls and living rooms. Wool shag rugs, on the other hand, cost more and require professional cleaning, but look and feel more luxurious and last longer. Place these in bedrooms, where they’ll see less foot traffic.

2. Give It a Good Shake 

To remove dust ingrained in shag fibers, take your rug outdoors and shake it out with your hands or with the help of a second person. Another useful cleaning strategy is hanging the rug over a clothesline and beating it with a broom or mop handle to dislodge dust particles.

3. Use a Vacuum Cleaner

When vacuuming your shag rug, adjust the setting of the vacuum to high without using the beater bars. This allows you to give the rug a deep clean without damaging its fibers. You can also use hand-held upholstery attachments to gently remove dust and trapped allergens.

4. Spot Cleaning

If you spill juice, wine, coffee or other liquids onto your rug, clean the spill immediately to prevent it from setting in. Use a rag to soak up as much liquid as possible, then spray a carpet cleaning solution on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the area with a new rag, then repeat the process until the stain is lifted.

For 35 years, residents of the Mat-Su, AK area, have turned to Carpet World of Alaska for their home flooring needs. The business's incredible flooring selection — including hardwood, shag rugs, vinyl, stone, and tile — means there's something for every homeowner's needs and tastes. Visit the flooring pros' website to browse some of their tile and stone options, or call them directly at (907) 745-3737.