Can You Vacuum Shag Rugs
Let’s assume you have beautiful shag carpet or shag rugs, and they’re so beautiful. However, sometimes cleaning can be a challenge. Can you vacuum shag rugs? Let’s look at the best way to clean your shag high-pile carpet, as well as some tips and tricks for keeping it in good condition.

One of the fun things about shag rugs is that they are such fluffy rugs. When they are in an area with substantial foot traffic, keeping them clean can be challenging. Knowing how to go about cleaning them so that they stay in good condition is another challenge. You might question if you can vacuum with an upright vacuum as you normally would, or if it should be cleaned in a specific way.
Let’s check out some different cleaning ideas for shaggy rugs, and what the best way is to stay on top of the dust mites that collect in the carpet fibers of your shag rug. Together we will also answer the question, can you vacuum shag rugs below. You don’t want to miss out!
Cleaning Shag Rugs
Short Answer: Can You Vacuum Shag Rubs?
The short answer is yes, you can vacuum shag rugs. However, when you do use a vacuum to clean your shag rug, you will want to make sure that the vacuum is in the highest setting possible so that the vacuum’s brush roll does not get tangled in the long fibers of the carpet. You mostly want to use the suction from the vacuum to clean the shag rug, not the roller brush.
Shag Carpeting
Shag carpeting is so pretty, so soft, and inviting. Plus, it adds a textured feel to your home. However, keeping it clean can be a bit challenging. Shag rugs tend to accumulate pet hair, dirt particles, dust particles, and dust mites. Using regular vacuuming, you can try to stay on top of keeping the shade carpeting clean, so that it stays in good condition, and does not accumulate excess dirt.

Shag Area Rug
When cleaning your shag carpet, or shag area rug for the living room, it’s a good idea to try to stay up on regular maintenance of the rug so that it stays nice and clean. If you choose to vacuum your shag rug, which is a great way to keep it clean, you want to use a vacuum that has adjustable settings on it.
This way you can raise the brush so that your primary cleaning is the shag rug with the suction power rather than with the brush. The downside of using a vacuum with a brush is that it will get tangled in the shag carpet and could destroy your precious shag rug.
To avoid this, it is best to use a vacuum with an adjustable height setting so that you can set it on the highest setting possible before using the suction power to clean your shag area rug.
The Best Way to Vacuum Shag
When vacuuming a shag rug to keep it clean, the best way is to use a vacuum that has adjustable settings. You want to set the vacuum so that it is on the highest setting, that way the vacuum’s brush roll does not get tangled in the shag carpeting. By following these easy steps, you can vacuum regular cleanings on your carpet or rug so that the shag stays nice and clean.
Type of Vacuum
To clean your shag rug or a carpet that is in a high-traffic area, you don’t have to have any special kind of tool or a vacuum. You simply need a basic vacuum, such as a canister vacuum, or even some cordless vacuums that have adjustable brushes. You will want to adjust the cleaning head of the vacuum so that the brush is at its highest possible setting. This way it won’t get tangled in your shag rug.
Primarily using the suction function of your vacuum, will enable you to clean your carpet on a regular basis. That way you can avoid pet hair, dirt particles, or dust mite piling up in the carpet fibers.

Deep Cleaning Shag Carpeting
Just like regular carpets, it’s a good idea to deep clean shag carpets regularly as well. In addition to vacuuming shag rugs regularly to keep them clean, there are a few other ways that you can deep clean shag rugs. Let’s look at some of these as the next steps that can be taken after regular vacuuming.
Stain Removal
There are a few different methods you can use to help remove stains on shag rugs. A good idea is to try spraying dry shampoo on the affected area, then fill a spray bottle with water, and spray it onto the area. Scrub it with a washcloth or rag, and then spray with additional water until the stain is removed.
Another great spot cleaning method to remove stains is to use clean water in a spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray the affected area, and then scrub it to remove the stain.
Another method for spot cleaning is to mix liquid Dawn dish soap, approximately a half teaspoon, with 1 cup of warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, then work the stain starting from the outside towards the center with the cloth dipped in your cleaning solution.
After you have worked the stain, leave it to set for 5 to 10 minutes, then black the spot until the stain is completely gone.
Handheld Vacuum
Another cleaning method for your shag rug is to use a handheld vacuum. This allows you to concentrate on getting a small area of the carpeting thoroughly cleaned before moving on.
Carpet Rake
A carpet rake looks like a broom or rake. But it is specially designed to clean the carpet and remove pet hair, or other hard-to-remove items from your carpet. The carpet rake has rubber bristles, that are designed to remove things like pet hair from deep within your carpet, which are otherwise difficult to get out.
Steam Cleaner
Using a steam cleaner to deep clean your shag carpeting can be another option for occasional deep cleaning. The warm water, turning into steam, can help to remove any dirt or bacteria that might be hiding in the shag carpet fibers.
Cleaning Small Shag Rugs
There are a few different ways you can go about cleaning small rugs. The first way to clean a small rug is to use a rug beater. When you pick up your small shag rug and use a rug beater, to give it a good beating, this removes any dirt that might be clinging deep in the carpet fibers.
Another great option for cleaning a small shag rug is to put it in the washing machine. This should be done only rarely because it could break down the rug over time. If you choose to put it in the washing machine, it should not go in the dryer.
After it has been washed, place it in indirect sunlight, and avoid direct sunlight, if possible, to allow it to dry. For the best results you want to put it so that the backing faces upwards, which will allow it to dry faster.

Professional Cleaners
There is also a time when you may need to consider hiring professional rug cleaners, for your shag carpeting. This is especially true if you have valuable silk rugs or wool rugs. Wool shag rugs can be a challenge to clean, so it’s a good idea to err on the safe side and hire a professional.
Clean Shag Rugs
Just like any other carpet or rug, keeping shag rugs in good condition is important. Keeping it clean, is essential for the overall cleanliness of your home. Because of this, it’s a good idea to vacuum shag rugs regularly, with a vacuum on the highest possible setting.
Now that you know that you can in fact vacuum shag rugs, you can get started cleaning your rugs. Just make sure to raise the brush on your vacuum before you get started. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope that this has been helpful to you!
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