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What Kind of Attachment Can I Clean My Shag Rug With?

Shag rugs require special care due to their extra long pile. Cleaning them requires an upright or canister vacuum with a hand-held attachment, as the beater bars in most upright vacuums are too harsh for use with shag carpeting.
  1. Identification

    • If your rug has long, thick pile, you are most likely dealing with a shag rug. They come in many different sizes, colors and materials, but the same basic care principles apply.

    Types

    • You can purchase a special shag attachment for your upright vacuum cleaner from several different manufacturers. You can also use a standard attachment with soft bristles, which comes with most upright vacuums.

    Function

    • Both a shag attachment and a bristle attachment will suck up dirt and debris from your shag rug. The shag attachment will also comb through the pile, preventing it from become matted or tangled.

    Warning

    • The long fibers of a shag rug can hide an assortment of items, such as coins, screws, or jewelry, which you should avoid vacuuming up.

    Tip

    • Steam cleaning offers a deep clean that you just can't get with your normal household vacuum. You can rent a steam cleaner or hire a carpet cleaner to perform the task.