Shag rugs can be either wool or synthetic, so before treating your rug, be sure to note what it's made of. This information can be found on the back label of the 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.
In the event of a stain, resist the temptation to rub! Rubbing will inevitably grind the stain deeper into the pile of the rug and can distort the integrity of your rug's fibers.
Immediately 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 10 to 15 minutes to lift the stain. Blot in a single direction with a white paper towel. Spray with water to rinse. Blot dry in a single direction with a white towel and repeat if necessary. For non-soluble stains, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Be very careful to vacuum any remaining residue before applying any cleaning solution. If there is a 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, color change or damage to the area 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.
Remember to blot- don't rub! Repeat if necessary.
If desired, for general cleaning, your shag rug can be taken to a reputable rug cleaning company in your area.