Can you put a high-pile rug in the washing machine?

“Can I just throw my shaggy rug in the washing machine?” We hear this question a lot.

A high-pile rug, with its dense, long fibres, is not only a magnet for dust and dirt but also a delicate piece of home decor. Anyone who wants to clean such a rug soon faces a real challenge. If you put it in the washing machine, the pile can mat, the rug can shrink or the colours can fade – exactly the opposite of what you want. The risk is particularly high with machines that have no special wool or hand-wash programme. On top of that, most washing machines are not designed for the size and weight of an average high-pile rug, so you could damage not only your beloved rug but your machine as well.

Now that we have cleared that up, let's look at the most effective and safest ways to clean and care for your fluffy shaggy rug.

Cleaning a shaggy rug can be tricky. Its long fibres are harder to clean and tend to hold on to dust and dirt. That is why we recommend vacuuming the rug thoroughly and regularly. But be careful: vacuum gently, so that the fibres are not damaged.
A stain on the rug? No need to panic! Fresh stains can be removed with home remedies you are sure to have in the house: simply dab carefully with a cloth and a little water. For dried-in stains, a little vinegar or cold water often helps (sparkling is fine too, but the bubbles make no difference). Leave it to act briefly, then dab with a damp cloth.

A tried-and-tested home remedy that works wonders in rug cleaning is baking powder. Sprinkle it generously on the stain, leave it overnight and then vacuum the rug. Baking powder not only removes stains – the rug smells wonderfully fresh afterwards too.

Regular vacuuming: start by vacuuming your shaggy rug at least once a week. It is important to use a vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush setting, so that the long fibres are not damaged.

Treat stains straight away: with stains, don't hesitate. First dab the stain with a clean, damp microfibre cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, because that can make the stain worse or damage the fibres.

Use natural remedies: for stubborn stains, a mixture of water and vinegar or water and washing soda can help. Simply apply it to the stain, leave it briefly and then dab it gently out of the rug.

Beat the rug: at least once a month, beat your rug thoroughly outdoors to remove deep-seated dust and dirt.

Turn it for even wear: so that every part of the rug takes the same wear and it does not look worn in one spot, it is a good idea to turn the rug every few months.

Deep cleaning with foam: there are special rug foams you can use for deep cleaning. Just spray them on, leave them to work as instructed and then vacuum thoroughly.

Restoring the fluff: after cleaning, you can brush the rug with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres to give it back its fluffy texture.

Consider professional cleaning: with extreme soiling or larger shaggy rugs, it can make sense to use a professional rug cleaning service. Morgenland offers cleaning and repair. The service runs from Germany, so from other countries a rug has to be sent in.

Once it is clean, it can help to brush the rug with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres, to give it back its fluffy look.

Can pet urine ruin a shaggy rug?
Yes, definitely. If your pet has an accident on the rug, clean the stain straight away to prevent damage and odours.

How do you clean a high-pile rug without a vacuum cleaner?
You can beat the rug from time to time to remove dust and dirt. A steam cleaner can also help. But if you want to clean your high-pile rug regularly and thoroughly, a vacuum cleaner is essential in the long run.

While small rugs may be washable in the machine (check the care label first), large high-pile rugs do not belong in the washing machine and can be damaged there. There are, however, a few tips and tricks to make sure your rug always stays fresh and beautifully fluffy. And most important of all: enjoy your beautiful high-pile rug for a long time!