How to clean shaggy rugs easily

How to clean shaggy rugs without damaging them

Shaggy rugs are ideal to create a warm, cosy, luxurious atmosphere at home, conferring texture, insulation and a certain degree of sound-proofing in your home. However, they do tend to get dirtier and trap more dust. The question therefore is how to clean them without spoiling the original texture.

The very first step should always be to shake the rug outside, since because of the depth of the strand fibres, the dust tends to settle at the bottom. When vacuum cleaning the rug, it is important to disconnect the rotating brush to avoid the fibres getting tangled or snagging and breaking off completely. Slow, constant vacuum cleaning is the key to get rid of the most stubborn dirt particles.

If you are just doing a general clean, without resorting to wet cleaning, which can cause mould, dry cleaning is the safest method. The most effective method is to sprinkle some baking powder uniformly over the entire surface. This compound not only neutralises bad smells, but it also helps to naturally disinfect the fabric. You should leave the product on for at least one hour so that it absorbs any grease, oil or moisture trapped in the hairs. You should then vacuum clean the remains using a smooth suction nozzle.

For occasional stains, applying a mixture of warm water and white vinegar is ideal as it works as a powerful cleaner and natural softener. Lightly moisten a microfibre or cotton cleaning cloth and press on the stains by gently dabbing. Finally, for a fluffy finish and to avoid the strands flattening over time, a preventive “brushing” is a good idea. Use a wide-toothed comb. This will help lift up the strands and keep the characteristic volume like when it was new. 

Common mistakes when cleaning shaggy rugs

Cleaning a shaggy rug without damaging it requires avoiding any impulsive actions that could ruin the structure. The most common mistake is over-vigorous scrubbing. By doing this the dirt gets buried deeper down and the fibres fray, thereby losing their original softness. Instead of vigorous scrubbing, it is best to gently dab the rug with a microfibre towel to absorb any liquids.

Another common mistake occurs when vacuum cleaning; it is best to use a manual suction nozzle or a setting for thick carpets to raise the bristles. Likewise, soaking the rug with water is counter-productive, since the density of the strands retains the moisture for days, which means that mould and other bad smells can appear.

Finally, failing to shake out the rug before cleaning is a major mistake. The vacuum cleaner cannot reach the solid dirt at the bottom of the rug. To keep the strands in good condition, avoid aggressive chemicals and choose neutral solutions or use baking powder to freshen up the fabric without weighing it down.