How do you clean a shag rug at home?

Vacuum gently, brush fibers, spot clean stains. Hire a professional for deep cleaning.

How do you fluff a shag rug?

Brush with a stiff brush or wide-tooth comb to lift and separate matted fibers.

Small shag rugs can sometimes be machine washed on cold gentle cycle. Check the care label.

Foot traffic and lack of brushing. Vacuum and brush regularly to keep fibers fluffy.

Household

A clean shag rug makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Shake outside
Take small shag rugs outside and shake to remove loose dirt and debris.
2
Vacuum gently
Vacuum with suction only -- no beater bar. The beater bar tangles and damages shag fibers.
3
Brush the fibers
Use a stiff brush or wide-tooth comb to lift the shag fibers and dislodge embedded dirt.
4
Spot clean stains
Mix a few drops of carpet shampoo or dish soap in cold water. Dab stains with a damp cloth, working from outside in.
5
Blot dry
Use towels to blot up moisture. Air dry completely before walking on it. Brush the fibers once dry.

TIPVacuum shag rugs weekly to prevent dirt from embedding deep in the long fibers.
TIPBrush the rug periodically to keep the fibers fluffy and prevent matting.
TIPHave shag rugs professionally cleaned every 1-2 years.

XUsing a vacuum with a beater bar, which tangles and damages shag fibers.
XSoaking the rug, which is difficult to dry and grows mildew in the dense fibers.
XSkipping regular vacuuming, which lets dirt embed deep in the rug.

Yes, but only with suction. Turn off or remove the beater bar to avoid tangling fibers.