How to Clean a Polyester Shaggy Rug
Shaggy rugs are comfortable, fluffy, stylish, and soft. But, their design makes them hard to clean. However, shaking them, vacuum, spot, and shampoo cleaning are ways to keep them clean. Likewise, you can use the steam cleaning method to deep clean the shaggy rugs. Here are a few cleaning tips on how clean a polyester shaggy rug.
- The shaking method
When a shaggy rug is dirty but not stained, it requires refreshing and airing out. Shaking method is fantastic for such cleaning since it’s easy, and it sends dust flying. Besides, letting your carpet soak up UV rays kills mites and bacteria.
However, this method might be challenging for large rugs. Also, prolonged sun rays can make the rug fade its colors.
You will need:
- A solid something to hand your rug on or beat it against. (You can use a porch rail)
- A beating tool or a broom
Steps to Clean the Shaggy Rug:
- Take your carpet outside and hang it over a porch rail or another stable place.
- Using a beating tool or a broom beat the rug repeatedly to loosen trapped dust, debris, and dirt.
- Let the carpet remain in the sun for a couple of hours to kill germs or lingering bacteria.
This method is recommended for use on shaggy polyester rugs once a week.
- The vacuum cleaning method
This method is a quick and simple way of cleaning your shaggy polyester rug. It removes the dust, thus refreshing the carpet and bringing back its fluff. However, you should use an upholstery extension in the main machine to avoid damaging the rug.
You will need:
- A vacuum cleaning machine.
Steps to clean the Polyester Shaggy Rug:
- Set your machine to its highest setting. Low settings can make fibers stick in the brush.
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove all the dirt.
- Flip your shaggy polyester rug to vacuum its back. If you are afraid of breaking off the fibers or sucking them up, vacuum the backside only.
- Take the rug outside and shake it out before taking it back.
It is recommended you use this method when needed. On average, that can be weekly.
- The spot cleaning method
This method works perfectly for spills cleaning. But, you need to act quickly before the stain sets. The method is convenient since you don’t have to treat the entire rug. But, it might not be effective if the spill settles.
You will need:
- A white towel (for wet stains)
- Water
- Detergent or mild dish soap
- Soft bristle brush
Steps to Clean your Polyester Shaggy Rug:
- You should blot the spill immediately using the towel. When a colored liquid spills, you need to dilute it with water. As such, you can de-saturate the color.
- Mix water with a soap squirt or two.
- Put the bristle brush into the mixture and scrub the area gently using circular motions. If necessary, repeat.
- Rinse the area with water and let the rug to air dry.
You should use this method whenever there is a spill on your shaggy rug.
- The Dry Shampoo Cleaning Method
This method is suitable for quick cleaning your shaggy rug. Also, while using this method, you don’t have to be afraid of damaging the fibers.
You will need:
- A shampoo
- A vacuum machine or a brush with soft bristles
Steps to clean the Polyester Shaggy Rug:
- Vacuum the rug.
- Sprinkle your rug with absorbent, which are the carpet-shampoo granules. This absorbent is vital for occasional freshening.
- Using the vacuum’s cleaning-head bristles, apply the shampoo in small amounts, and brush them into your rug. However, you don’t have to turn on the machine during this process. Then, allow the granules to sit for the time allocated on the label. This period varies depending on the shampoo brand.
- Vacuum up the granules thoroughly once the allocated time lapses.
You should use this method once a week.
- The steam cleaning method
Steam cleaning is an easier way of getting rid of dust, odor, and dirt from deep inside the rug. So, it is a good option for cleaning the shaggy rug. Also, this method is essential in killing dust mites and lurking allergens. But, using excessive cleaner can damage your shaggy carpet.
You will need:
- A steam cleaning machine
- Non-foaming carpet detergent
- Hot tap water
Steps to Clean your Polyester Shaggy Rug:
- Vacuum clean the rug to remove the dirt at the top.
- Put the hot water and the carpet detergent in the steam cleaner machine. Ensure you add the right quantity of the detergent.
- Move the steam machine over the rug. Repeat until it feels tidy.
- Let the rug dry in a properly ventilated area so that it can air dry.
It is recommended you use this method once or twice a year.
Can you put a shaggy rug in the washing machine?
Depending on their material, you can wash some of the shaggy rugs in a washing machine. For instance, shaggy rugs that have rubber materials are not recommended for machine washing. Also, you should follow certain instructions when while cleaning a rug in a washer.
Steps to clean a shaggy rug in a washer
- Read the care label on your rug and confirm if it is suitable for machine washing.
- If yes, shake it to remove some dirt particles. Also, you can grab one end and beat the rug against something hard.
- Treat the stains or spots on your shaggy rug using a carpet detergent. Pre-treating the stains assists in eradicating them during the wash.
- Put the rug in the washer and ensure it is well balanced.
- Add the carpet detergent and water, and then let the machine start washing the rug.
- Lastly, air-dry your shaggy rug in a well-ventilated area. However, avoid keeping it in direct sunlight to prevent some of its colors from fading.
Additional tips
Cleaning a shaggy rug is not easy. Therefore, you should take good care of the carpet to avoid frequent cleaning.
As such, you should place the shaggy rug in low traffic areas. Also, you can instruct the family members not to eat or throw trash on the carpet.
You should avoid walking on the rug with the shoes on. Moreover, the floor beneath it should be clean and dust-free. As a result, your shaggy rug will remain clean for a longer period.