Over time, the fibres of shag rugs can become flat and dull, losing their original luxurious fluff that you love. If this happens, it’s very easy to revive your rug and get it looking fluffy again. To compile this buyer’s guide, we first tapped into the views of Mumsnet users for tried and tested recommendations. We then researched which carpet shampoos and detergents are well regarded by cleaning professionals and industry experts, before seeking the views of impartial consumer champion Which?.

avoid using a lot of water, or hot water, as this can make some stains worse and even lead to it soaking into the carpet Even with regular vacuuming, after many months of use grime can collect in the fibres and leave your carpet looking dull and smelling musty. A good quality carpet cleaner can help to restore it to its original glory. When you buy a new carpet or have one professionally cleaned, ask for a ‘stainguard’ treatment to be applied – it makes removing stains in future far easier. Your rights and responsibilities towards your carpet when renting We appreciate the list of environmentally friendly, plant-based ingredients, and the fact that it’s biodegradable. Though, if you’re in need of a disinfectant or sanitizing solution for your flooring, this formula doesn’t include any of the tougher chemicals and soaps for the job. It also doesn't come in an unscented version, so if you or anyone in your household is sensitive to fragrances, you may want to steer clear. However, for your regular, eco-friendly cleaning needs, we think it’s a winner. The citrus scent is also a classic amongst cleaners. In This Guide: Materials and Tools | Routine Carpet Cleaning | When to Shampoo | Tips to Keep Carpets Clean | Hiring a Professional | Conclusion | FAQs

Dry shampoo or washing detergent

Sheepskin rugsare one of the most popular types of rugs we sell at Rug Traders. Not only are they known for their soft and fluffy texture, making them great for adding ‘hygge’ to almost any area of the home, they also add textural interior design interest to even the plainest of spaces. But, wear can take its toll and frequently walking across the sheepskin, sitting on it, or letting pets use it as a bed can flatten and dull the rug. If you can't get hold of a Trusted Trader near you, the National Carpet Cleaners Association also has listings. Getting quotes for professional cleaning Even if you don’t already have washable rugs as part of your decor, knowing how to clean a rug at home is completely doable. There’s no need to hire professional rug cleaners for the task— unless your rug is extremely delicate (for example, an antique rug, Persian rug, or Oriental rug). Read on for expert-approved cleaning tips on how to refresh those well-worn wool rugs so they look as good as they did when you first unrolled them. What is the best way to clean my rug? Take a spray bottle and fill it with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Then simply spray this solution on your carpet and you’re ready to go (a light spray is enough, don’t soak the carpet). The most important thing to do is act fast. 'Use a paper towel to soak up any excess liquid immediately,' Samantha says. 'Use a gentle touch and don’t rub so hard that you end up damaging the fibers of therug. You can actually push the spill further into the fibers of therug, making it more difficult to clean.'

When you clean a shag rug, the beater bar can be too powerful and the fibres may become tangled into the vacuum, causing damage to both your machine and your rug. Unless your vacuum cleaner has a high pile setting that turns the beater bar off, try to avoid using it upright. You should always use a handheld attachment to clean your fluffy rug instead. Now you’re ready to start cleaning the carpet. It’s usually good to start in one corner and clean in parallel lines, getting as close to the wall as possible. This will ensure that you don’t miss spots and that steamers that are meant to be pulled only in one direction will work properly. Remember to go slowly—the machine injects steam and soap into the carpet and vacuums it up again, which takes time. One step per second may feel like a long time, but you need to give the machine time to work.These little insects can wreak havoc once installed on your carpet. If you find threadbare areas, this may well be due to carpet moths. Baking soda will also help to neutralize any odors that may be left lurking in the carpet.Mix one part white vinegar with one part cold water in a spray bottle. Soak the area with the solution – this will help to cut through the stain and ensure that all of the urine is lifted from the carpet. Gently rub the area – take care here not to rub too vigorously and damage the carpet fibers.

No matter which cleaning solution you opt for, blotting is the way to go. For best results, blot inwards from the outside of the stain to ensure the stain doesn’t spread further.

What tools and supplies do I need to clean an area rug at home?

For shaggy rugs, you can usually get rid of everyday dust and dirt by taking it outside, hanging it over your washing line, and beating it with a broom handle. This is often the best option and the first step you should try before carrying out any other cleaning methods. For a deeper clean or for more stubborn dirt, you may need to try a more thorough cleaning method. Yes, vinegar is a carpet-friendly cleaning solution. It also has antimicrobial properties. So, it can disinfect your carpet as well. Q: What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution?

Those who need to wrangle pet stains from an area rug will love Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Strain & Odor Eliminator. AD tested it to get out a (surprise) accident that was weeks old, and the yellow stain came out of a wool rug in seconds. Jute and sisal rugsdon’t respond well to water so it us best to use a dry shampoo which are sold in most supermarkets,' says Daniel Prendergast. 'Sprinkle the rug with absorbent carpet shampoo granules for an occasional freshening. Work or brush the granules into the rug with the vacuum’s cleaning head bristles without turning on the appliance. Allow the shampoo to sit for the length of time instructed on the label, which may be about one hour. Vacuum the granules out thoroughly.' How to clean polyester rugs Foam - some spot cleaners and stain removers come in foam form, spraying onto the area and creating a frothy coating which then dissolves or is scrubbed in to penetrate deep into carpet fibres and lift away stains.These little invaders can also cause mayhem to your textiles. Look out for infestation signs such as patches in your carpet. If you have pets that shed, brush them frequently (outside, when possible) to reduce the number of loose hairs on the carpet. With their high piles, shaggy rugsare some of the cosiest rugs around, making them an incredibly popular option for the home. The long, loose fibres of this style make it luxuriously soft and fluffy underfoot, so there’s no doubt you’ll want to keep it that way.