If you own a shag carpet, chances are you’ve heard it all—the horror stories of how difficult they can be to keep clean. But the truth is, vacuuming your shag carpets doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right approach and knowledge of what not to do, you can easily keep your carpets looking fresh and spotless. Let’s take a look at some of the major don'ts when it comes to vacuuming shag carpets.
Don’t Use an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuum cleaners are best suited for short pile carpets, and as such will not provide adequate suction for long pile carpets like shags. The long fibers of shag carpets tend to get tangled up in the vacuum cleaner’s brush roller, resulting in damage both to the carpet and the vacuum cleaner itself. Stick with a canister or other handheld model when it comes time to vacuum your shags.
Don’t Over-Vacuum Your Carpet
Shag carpets are often made from delicate materials such as wool or silk, which means they need special care when vacuuming. As such, you should avoid using too much suction on your carpet; this could cause damage over time by breaking down the fibers. It is also important that you keep your vacuum cleaner moving at all times; if you stay in one spot for too long with too much suction power, it could cause piling or other cosmetic damage over time.
Don’t Use Too Much Detergent When Spot Cleaning
If there are any spots on your shag carpet that require special attention—for example, if there is mud tracked in from outside—you may want to use detergent or cleaning solution when spot-cleaning them. However, it is important that you don't use too much detergent; this could cause discoloration or fade over time due to residue buildup on the fibers of your carpet. Instead, use just enough detergent mixed with warm water to lightly dampen a cloth before gently scrubbing out any spots on your carpet.
Vacuuming shag carpets doesn't have to be an intimidating task—as long as you know what not to do! By avoiding upright vacuum cleaners, being careful with suction power and detergents, and keeping an eye out for any signs of damage, you can easily keep your shag carpets looking like new for years to come! If done correctly, vacuuming your shags can actually help maintain their softness and luxuriousness over time instead of making them look worn out and tired. So don’t be afraid – get out there and start vacuuming those beautiful shags!