How to clean shaggy rugs – expert tips for fluffy rugs
BY MARTINA, RUGVISTA | PUBLISHED:11/10/2024
5 MIN READ

Shaggy rugs are cherished for their fluffy, soft textures and luxurious appearance, making them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and other cosy spaces. However, their dense fibres tend to trap dust, dirt, and debris, making regular maintenance essential for preserving their beauty and longevity. We’ll walk you through the best ways to clean a shaggy rug, including maintenance and home cleaning. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to clean a fluffy rug at home: Simple steps to maintain your rug’s softness and appearance.
- Hoover regularly: The key to keeping your fluffy rug looking new.
- Tackling spills on the spot: Easy tips to keep your rugs fresh
- Removing stains: Expert tips for treating spills and stains.
- Cleaning rugs with fringes: How to handle the delicate edges of your fluffy rugs.
- Pet owners tips to rug cleaning: Special advice for homes with furry friends.
- Reviving a shaggy rug: Easy tricks to restore its plush look.
- Shaggy rug care guide: The ultimate routine for maintaining your rug’s quality.
- Rug tips & tricks: Expert advice to help you find and care for your perfect rug.
Quick maintenance tips for shaggy rugs
Maintaining your shaggy rug’s softness and appearance can be easy with these regular care tips:
- Hoover weekly to remove dust and debris.
- Shake the rug outdoors occasionally to dislodge deep-set dirt.
- Rotate the rug every few months to ensure even wear.
- Fluff and brush the fibers regularly to keep the pile looking full and plush.
- Use a rug pad underneath to provide cushioning and prevent slipping while also protecting the rug from wear and tear.
Step-by-step guide: How to clean a fluffy rug at home
1. Shake or beat the rug: Keep your high-pile rugs fresh and fluffy
Before diving into more intensive cleaning, remove surface dirt and dust by shaking your shaggy rug outside. If the rug is too large to shake, hang it over a railing and beat it with a rug beater. This method helps to remove deep-seated dust particles and provides a good starting point for caring for your rug.
2. Hoover regularly to keep your fluffy rugs looking new
How to hoover a shaggy rug is a question many people ask, as hoovering can be tricky with long fibres. Use a low setting to avoid pulling or damaging the rug when hoovering. Gently hoover in the direction of the fibres, focusing on areas that receive the most foot traffic. Shaggy rug cleaning should include hoovering once a week to maintain freshness. We recommend using a conventional hoover instead of a robotic cleaner to prevent any damage to the rug.
3. Spot cleaning spills: Quick hacks to keep your rugs looking new
Accidents happen; when they do, it’s essential to act quickly. Here’s how to clean a fluffy rug by hand when dealing with spills to prevent potential stains.
- Ensure that the surface beneath the rug is adequately protected to avoid damage to the floor.
- Use an undyed, damp cloth and gently dab the affected area.
- Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibres.
- Start blotting from the outer edges of the spill and work your way toward the centre to prevent the stain from spreading.
4. How to remove stains from a rug: Quick & easy tips
Struggling with removing stains from a rug? It doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right stain remover, you can easily tackle common stains like coffee, ketchup, red wine, and even rust. This cleaning technique is especially effective for small stains or targeted areas, ensuring your high-pile rug stays in great condition. Here’s how to use it:
- Choose the right stain remover: Make sure to pick a product that’s suitable for both the stain type and your rug material, whether it’s wool, synthetic, or natural fibres.
- Apply the stain remover: Simply spray the affected area and let the remover work its magic.
- Vacuum the residue: Once the stain remover has dried, vacuum up any remaining crystals for a clean, refreshed rug.
5. How to clean fluffy rugs with fringes
Cleaning fluffy rugs with fringes requires special care to preserve both the thick pile and the delicate fringe detail. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a soft brush: Gently brush the fringes to remove debris without damaging the fibres. This will help keep the fringes neat and free from tangles.
- Avoid electric cleaners: Non-electric rug sweepers, hoovers, or robot cleaners may accidentally pull and detach the fringes from the rug. Instead, manually clean the fringes to prevent damage.
6. Fluffy rug cleaning for pet owners
If you have pets, you may ask: How do you clean a large, shaggy rug full of pet hair? The answer is simple: using a lint roller or pet hair remover before hoovering. For more detailed advice on choosing and caring for pet-friendly rugs, check out this helpful guide.
7. How do you make a shaggy rug look new?
Regular fluffing is essential to restore your shaggy rug’s plush, fluffy appearance. Shake out the rug periodically and use a soft brush to lift and fluff the fibres, restoring their fullness gently. Additionally, rotating the rug every few months helps prevent uneven wear and flattening in high-traffic areas. For added freshness, allow the rug to air out in a well-ventilated space, which will also help eliminate any trapped odours and keep the fibres looking lively.
Guide to shaggy rug care: tips on cleaning, storage, and preventing shedding
If you want to dive deeper into caring for your shaggy rug beyond cleaning, you can learn more in this guide on how to care for your rug, it provides essential tips on everything from rug storage to preventing shedding.
Find your perfect rug: Useful rug tips and tricks
Unsure where to begin your rug selection process? Our inspiration page is filled with valuable tips to assist you in choosing the ideal rug. Discover expert insights on selecting the right rug size and learn how to choose a rug and read about how to choose the best rug colour for your room’s style and needs.