“Hey, do you know if I can just throw my shaggy rug in the washing machine?” We hear that question often.

A high-pile rug, with its dense, long fibres, is not only a gathering place for dust and dirt but also a delicate piece of home furnishing.
Anyone who sets out to clean one quickly faces a real challenge. 
In the washing machine there is a risk that the pile clumps, the rug shrinks or the colours fade – the opposite of what you wanted.
Machines without a dedicated wool or hand-wash programme carry a higher risk still.
What is more, most washing machines are not built for high-pile rugs, given their size and weight.
That way both the rug and the machine can come to harm.

Now that we have settled that, we can look for the best and safest way to clean and care for a fluffy high-pile rug.

Cleaning a high-pile rug can be difficult. Shaggy rugs are known for long fibres that tend to hold on to dust and dirt, so vacuuming regularly and thoroughly matters a great deal. A vacuum with a gentle brush setting is recommended, so that the fibres are not damaged.

A stain in the rug? No need to panic. Fresh stains can often be removed with household remedies. Dab the stain carefully with a cloth and a little water. For dried-on stains, a little vinegar or sparkling mineral water often helps. Leave it briefly, then dab it off with a damp cloth.

A long-proven household remedy is baking powder. Sprinkle it generously over the stain, leave it overnight and then vacuum the rug.
The baking powder not only lifts the stain, it also leaves a fresh scent.

Vacuum regularly:

Vacuum your shaggy rug at least once a week.
Use a vacuum with a gentle brush setting, so that the long fibres are not damaged.
Treat stains straight away:

With a stain, do not hesitate.
Dab it with a clean, damp microfibre cloth. Do not rub, so that the fibres are not damaged.
Beat the rug out:

At least once a month, beat the rug out thoroughly outdoors, to remove deep-seated dust and dirt.
Brushing:

After cleaning, brush the rug with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres, to restore its soft structure.
Professional cleaning:

With extreme soiling, or with large high-pile rugs professional cleaning is advisable.

To bring back the rug's fluffy look, brush it with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres after cleaning.

While small rugs may perhaps be washed in the machine, large high-pile rugs are out of place there and can be damaged.
With the right tips and tricks, though, you can keep your rug fresh and fluffy. And most importantly: you will enjoy your beautiful high-pile rug for a long time.

FAQs:

Can shaggy rugs be ruined by pet urine?

Yes, definitely. If your pet has an accident on the rug, clean the stains immediately, to keep damage and odours out of the rug.

Cleaning a high-pile rug without a vacuum?

You can beat the rug out now and then to remove dust and dirt, and a steam cleaner can help too. But if you want to clean your high-pile rug regularly and thoroughly, a vacuum is indispensable in the long run.