by The Rug Truck June 25, 2019 2 min read

The look and feel of shag rugs is something unforgettable. Their soft material and high pile height have given them quite a resurgence in interior design. If you have recently purchased a shag rug you may be asking yourself, "how do I clean this?" No need to fear, some simple practices to help upkeep your shag rug will make it a long-lasting piece in your home. 

Shag rugs can be made of wool or synthetic fiber. It is important that you take note of the type of material before treating your rug. This information can be found on the back label of your rug. Take extra care when vacuuming with a beater-bar or high suction vacuum. Our best recommendation is that you use the hand-held attachment on your vacuum to avoid damaging your shag rug.


If you accidentally stain your rug, resist the temptation to rub! Rubbing will grind the stain deeper into the pile of the rug and can distort the integrity of your rug's fibers. 

As soon as possible, attend to the stain with a dry, white cloth. Dab the stain until it is completely dry. For water-soluble stains, spray with a solution mixture of ¼ teaspoon of clear dish-washing liquid and 1 cup of warm water. Allow the detergent solution to remain on the affected area for ten minutes to lift the stain. Blot in a single direction with a white paper towel or white cloth. Spray with water to rinse. Continue to blot dry with a white cloth or paper towel. For non-soluble stains, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Make sure to vacuum any remaining residue before applying a cleaning solution. If there is any remaining residue, treatment will depend on the specific stain.


For assistance with a specific stain, refer to our stain treatment guide and always adhere to the following before moving forward with treatment: test any spot removal agent with a few drops to an inconspicuous area to make certain the solvent will not alter the appearance of your rug. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the area rug and cloth for color transfer or damage to the rug. If everything looks okay, apply a small amount of the solvent to a white cloth (don't spray directly on the stain) and work from the edges of the stain to the center to prevent spreading. 

For general cleaning, your shag rug can be taken to a reputable rug cleaning company in your area.