How to Keep Your Shag Rug Looking New
10 Easy Tips for Long-Lasting Softness and Style
Shag rugs are soft, stylish and full of character — but they do need the right care. At Onlinetapijten, we regularly get questions from customers about how to keep their shaggy rug in top shape.
Whether it’s a wool shag in the bedroom, a washable high-pile rug in the living room, or a synthetic softie in a kids' zone, the same principles apply: gentle maintenance = long-term beauty.
Here are 10 simple tips to help your shag rug stay fresh, clean and as fluffy as day one.
1. Shake it out (yes, really)
Especially for smaller rugs: take them outside and shake gently. This loosens dust and lifts the pile naturally — no machine needed.
✔ Good for: weekly fresh-up
✔ Works with: cotton, synthetic, or lightweight shag rugs
2. Vacuum — but do it right
Don’t use a rotating brush (it tangles the pile). Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment or switch off the brush if possible. Vacuum slowly and in multiple directions.
✔ Frequency: once or twice a week
✔ Works with: all shag rugs, especially in high-traffic areas
3. Fluff the fibres by hand
Sometimes the simplest tools are your fingers. Run your hands through the fibres or use a wide-toothed carpet brush to lift areas that look flat.
✔ Ideal after: sitting or walking areas lose volume
✔ Tapijten tip: also great just after vacuuming
4. Rotate the rug every few months
Especially if one side of your rug sits under a sofa or catches direct sunlight — rotating helps prevent uneven wear and keeps the pile balanced.
✔ Suggested: every 3–4 months
✔ Helps: fading, flattening, and footpath marks
5. Clean spills immediately
Shag rugs absorb quickly. So when a spill happens, blot — don’t rub. Use a soft cloth, cold water, and if needed, mild soap. Always blot from the outside inward.
✔ Important for: wool, viscose, or any high-pile rug
✔ Avoid: scrubbing or over-wetting (which mats the fibres)
6. Let it breathe
If your rug starts to smell dusty or dull, let it air out for a few hours in dry, indirect sunlight.
Don’t place wool rugs in full sun for too long — they can fade.
✔ Bonus: reduces moisture and resets freshness
✔ Ideal for: bedrooms or homes with pets
7. Use an anti-slip pad underneath
Not just for safety — a rug pad protects your shag rug from rubbing against the floor and helps keep the pile lifted.
✔ Adds softness and grip
✔ Helps with airflow and cleaning too
8. Watch out for furniture dents
Thick furniture legs can leave visible marks. To avoid them:
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Use felt pads or clear leg discs
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Move furniture slightly from time to time
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Use ice cube method: melt, blot, and lift fibres with a spoon
✔ Best for: wool and polyester shag rugs
9. Deep clean once a year
Even with great habits, your rug will need a deeper refresh. You can:
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Machine-wash (if the label allows it — like some PET or cotton shag rugs)
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Use a steam cleaner on synthetic rugs
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Book a professional cleaning for wool or delicate shag rugs
✔ Need help choosing a cleaner? Ask us in-store or online.
10. Choose the right rug for your lifestyle
Some shag rugs are made for looks. Others are made for life. If you have pets, kids, or heavy use, go for:
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Washable shag rugs
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Durable synthetic blends
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Shorter-pile soft rugs that give the shaggy look with easier maintenance
✔ Not sure what you need? We’ll help you choose based on how you live.
🛋️ Visit Our Showroom for Advice You Can Feel
Need help choosing the right shag rug — or not sure how to clean the one you have?
Visit our Onlinetapijten showroom in Willebroek (Antwerpen regio) or contact us online. We’re happy to:
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Recommend maintenance tools or cleaning products
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Help you compare textures and pile types
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Show you shag rugs in real daylight and natural settings
💬 Final Tip
Shag rugs bring softness, warmth and a touch of luxury — but like anything soft, they need care.
With these 10 habits, you’ll protect your investment, keep it clean, and make sure your shag rug looks just as good next year as it does today.
Need help? Send us a message or stop by — we’ll be happy to help you take care of it.
