How to Refresh Shag Carpet
Shag carpet, big in the 1960s and 1970s, has made a surprising comeback in recent years, with many consumers choosing the retro rugs in fresher colors and materials. Cleaning one can be a challenge. The deep pile, or carpet loops, mats down with oils from bare feet, dirty hands and even pets. Wear and tear is normal on all carpets, with the life expectancy from 5 to 10 years for most. Eventually even shag rugs will need to be replaced. But a bit of vigilance can extend your carpet's look and life. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Vacuum frequently to raise the carpet's pile. Fibers are crushed down by daily walking, as well as dirt and grime that are ground into the fibers. A daily vacuuming will remove the dirt and grime and the suction from the vacuum lifts the carpet fibers.
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Shampoo carpets (preferably by a professional) with hot water to get rid of dirt and body oils and to restore the carpet fibers to their original plushness. Do this every 1 to 2 years to lengthen the life of your carpet.
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3
Sweep with a bristle brush, which will pull the carpet fibers back and forth, as well as up. This gives the carpet a "full" look again.
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Fluff up the pile with a carpet rake. These are specially made for deep carpets, such as shag, and can be purchased online or in many flooring stores.
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5
Turn on the steam iron and grab a screwdriver for small areas. Steam the carpet with the iron. Use the screwdriver to gently pull the pile up into a standing position while the fibers are still warm and damp. This trick is helpful if something heavy has smashed the carpet down.
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Clean all spills immediately. When liquid is left on the carpet (even water) it will weigh the fabric down, and can eventually cause matting. Blot the spill, removing as much excess liquid as possible. Then, using an appropriate cleaner for the spill, clean the carpet. Blot dry, and allow the carpet to air dry before using one of the above methods to ensure the carpet pile is pulled back into an upright position.
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7
Switch furniture around to keep it from crushing the same spot of carpet for months or even years. This allows the pile to breathe and recover from the weight.
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Tips & Warnings
Although carpet rental equipment is available to consumers, it is not recommended for shag carpets. The suction on the machines is not enough to sufficiently remove dirt, and the rotating brushes can possibly damage the carpet pile.
