We've all been there... you've had your beloved shag rug for quite a while now. It's starting to show its age, isn't as fluffy and fresh-looking as it was when you first got it. You're starting to notice flat, worn areas and maybe even a few stains on the rug, making it look nowhere near as nice as it did when you first bought it.
Don't get down about it! There are several methods that cost little or no money and are incredibly easy to do. In this article, we'll show you six simple steps you can take to clean your shag rug and make it fluffy again.
Vacuum your shag rug
If you've noticed that your shaggy rug has become a bit flat and lifeless over time, we have good news for you! Sometimes all it takes is a good vacuum to get the fibers to stand up again and make the rug soft and fluffy again.
Many people are afraid to vacuum their shag rug because they believe that it will damage the fibers and cause them to come loose over time. While this is a valid concern, if you vacuum your shag rug properly, you shouldn't have to worry.
Make sure you go over the shag rug gently and use the right vacuum cleaner attachment. After a few tries, your shag rug should be as good as new.
Clean stains on your rug with this home remedy
If your favorite rug is not getting fluffy again with a vacuum cleaner, don't despair, because there are other options you can try without having to get the rug professionally cleaned.
You can easily clean the particularly dirty and unloved areas with home remedies and be successful. Simply scrub the affected areas of your shag rug for a few minutes (gently) with white vinegar and hot water. In this short time, you will notice that not only has stubborn dirt disappeared, but also areas of your shag rug have become knot-free, restoring the beautiful long pile.
To keep your shaggy rug fluffy and soft, simple maintenance is essential.
Iron your rug back to fluffiness
Did you know that if your shaggy rug looks flat and lifeless in some places, you can often correct this with steam ironing?
Yes, that's right.
Simply take a damp dish towel and drape it over any flat spots on your shag rug. Now, let the towel sit on the rug for a minute or two to moisten it a bit. Now, you're ready to iron.
Heat your steam iron for about a minute and iron over the towel for about 15 seconds. Then leave the towel to dry. Once the towel is 100% dry, remove it and run your fingers over the surface of the rug. This will loosen knotted rug fibers, allowing them to straighten up again.
Ice cubes for rug cleaning work wonders
Did you know that you can use ice to get rid of tangles and flat spots on your shag rug and make it fluffier? No? Well, now you know!
If you spot a flat and tangled area on your shag rug, simply place an ice cube on the spot and let it melt. Once the ice cubes have completely melted, wait for the spots to dry, and then rub (gently) with your hand and fingers over the rug to loosen the fibers.
That's right, you can make your shaggy rug fluffy again with nothing but ice! Ingenious, isn't it?
Invest in a rug beater
If your shaggy rug has become very flat and lifeless, you may not be able to restore it to its former glory with the simple steps above. In this case, we recommend investing in a separate hand tool, a rug beater, that can fluff up your shaggy rug again! Another tip is to use a knock vacuum: this involves vacuuming with a special spiral brush. The tapping motion helps to lift the long fibers, making them feel soft again.
Still flat? It might be time for a new shag rug!
If none of these methods help and you are still dealing with a flat, lifeless shag rug, but you don't want to hire a professional cleaner either, it might be time to invest in a new shag rug for your home.
We have an incredible collection of shaggy rugs with long-pile, soft fibers, most of which can be delivered in a few days, so you can start taking care of them right from the start.
There you have it, our simple guide to making a fluffy rug fluffy again! We hope it proves useful and helps you to bring your beloved shag rug back to life.
FAQs:
How do you de-mat a rug?
Use a brush or a special rug tool (such as a beater bar) to gently detangle the matted areas.
Does a rug flatten on its own?
Yes, over time and with everyday use, a rug can naturally flatten, especially under heavy furniture and in high-traffic areas.
Does baking soda help make rug fluffy again?
Baking soda can help remove odors, but other techniques and cleaning agents are more effective for raising the pile.
Can a steam cleaner or steam iron damage my rug?
If you are careful and always place a dish towel between the iron and the rug, your rug should not be damaged.
What are some other home remedies for cleaning rug?
White vinegar, shaving cream, and even dish soap, used with a natural-bristle brush, can be effective home remedies for removing stains and keeping the rug fluffy.