How do I clean my shag pile rug?

terf

Hi there, does anyone have any ideas how I can clean the shag rug myself? I've been getting quotes from cleaners and they are much too expensive!
Any tips would be great! :T

Wig

is it portable? how big is it?

is it fitted carpet?

if it is carpet one of those 149 pound vax things might be ok

if it is a rug I'd take it outside on the patio, maybe put a bit of tarpauling down first (2.99 from a lot of places) soak it in warm soapy water and start scrubbing, hose pie to rinse, wring it dry and hang on something to dry (better in summer).

terf

It's a small portable rug that cost me £50 from Ikea - but it just needs a bit of a clean. I've tried shaking it out but i think it needs something more thorough especially because the long hair on the rug are starting to get matted.

g33za

terf wrote:

It's a small portable rug that cost me £50 from Ikea - but it just needs a bit of a clean. I've tried shaking it out but i think it needs something more thorough especially because the long hair on the rug are starting to get matted.

We've also an shag pile from ikea that is now in need of a clean, was thinking of doing what wig suggested and washing it on the patio in the summer.

Ken68

Hi Terf....couldn't you get the dust out with a carpet beater/stick then stick it in the washing machine on lower heat setting or a cold water gentle refresh.Perhaps pre-soak it overnight.

dragonsoup

I have a wool rug about 3' by 4' . I think it would be too heavy when wet for the washing machine so I just soak it occasionally in the bath with some biological washing powder, rinse in the bath too then hang it outside to drip dry. It also brings the bath up a treat!