How to Vacuum Shag Carpet

Shag carpet is plush and comfy inviting you in and in a sense saying “ come curl up for a while and make yourself warm and cozy.” Though shag carpet can bring both cozy and maybe even a bit of luxury into a space it does take a lot of care. While Shag carpet is carpet you can’t just take any old vacuum to it and expect to get great results.

There is a different method to vacuuming with Shag carpet. All carpet needs to be vacuumed at least twice a week to keep it in its best shape and more often in a high traffic area. Shag carpet also ideally should be vacuumed twice a week, but that is where the similarities between regular carpet vacuuming and shag carpet vacuuming end.

Unlike regular carpet, Shag carpet should NEVER be vacuumed with a beater bar ( that round paper towel roll-shaped thing with the brush bristles on it just inside the main suction area of most vacuum.) If you have wall to wall shag carpet we would suggest purchasing a suction-only vacuum without a beater bar. If you plan to use a standard vacuum with a beater bar make sure you disengage it or remove it from the vacuum if possible.

So what does a beater bar do when used on shag carpet? It damages the individual yarns in the carpet. They will lose their twist and your once fun and comfy plush carpet will look like it was given an afro. You may also begin to notice pilling and maybe even shedding.

If it is not within your budget to purchase a new vacuum there are a few different attachments you can purchase to better care of shag carpet. They can be found online or in carpet/flooring care stores. There are now special carpet rake attachments that allow you to fluff with gentle rake prongs/bristles and vacuum at the same time.

A carpet rake is great for thick shag carpets. It helps to keep your carpet looking well groomed. It is sort of like a comb or brush for your long-haired carpet.  A rug/carpet rake can be found for a minimal cost at most carpet/ flooring stores and online.

Shag carpet may need a little more care than other types of carpeting, but it doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. With the right tools your shag carpet can be a comfy, warm, and yes even luxurious addition to your home.

Let the team at All Kleen help you care for your carpets. Make an appointment online.

Image by Karen