Lawrence Bradley, founder of GO-2 Enterprises, takes it a step further. “While it may seem inconvenient, even in my own home, enforcing a ‘no shoes indoors’ policy is crucial for maintaining a clean environment. Shoes track in a multitude of outdoor contaminants—dirt, dust, pollen, and chemicals—that are best left outside your living space.”
What kinds of rugs should you not attempt to clean at home?
As noted, some rug types should not be cleaned at home, like Oriental or Persian rugs; this is all the more true for older rugs, as age only makes fabrics more delicate. Hand-knotted and shag rugs may also present difficulties for home cleaning. Then there are also fabric types that may warrant professional rug cleaning, such as silk or viscose fiber (faux silk, essentially) rugs.
“Engaging a professional carpet cleaning company is an essential step in comprehensive rug care,” says Bradley. “However, the importance of hiring the right professional cleaner cannot be overstated. I urge you to consult Google reviews or seek recommendations from trusted sources. Improper techniques or substandard equipment can leave residue in your carpets, ironically attracting more dirt over time. A skilled professional ensures a thorough and effective cleaning that protects your investment.”
How to clean a shag rug at home
Once the height of style, and now a welcome piece of home decor when styled just right, shag rugs present more of a challenge in terms of cleaning than they do in terms of styling. But you can clean most shag rugs yourself at home, you just need to use care. And critically, in most cases, don’t use liquid cleaners on shag rugs. Start the process by vigorously shaking or hanging then pounding the rug to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and other particles, then vacuum it thoroughly on both sides, using a canister vacuum with the hose or a high pile setting—and no beater bar! Then, for a deeper cleaning, use a dry carpet shampoo, sprinkling it all over the rug, working it in with a soft brush, letting it sit for an hour or so, and then vacuuming it up completely. And remember, some shag rugs are actually machine washable and dryable, just be 100% sure yours is safe to wash and dry like this before you do so.
Which cleaning products should not be used on rugs?
Yes, very much so. Lisa Macqueen, CEO of Cleancorp, advises against using “bleach, ammonia or overly soapy cleaners. These can strip colors, weaken fibers, or leave a sticky residue that actually attracts more dirt.” Avoid cleaners with a strong artificial aroma, as the odor may become semi-permanent as it settles into your rug. And be sure that it’s safe to apply heat to your rug if you will be steam cleaning it; checking any paperwork that came with your rug can help.
