Looking for the best vacuum for shag carpet to buy? Well, you are not alone. Shag carpets not only give a velvety touch to your skin but also offers a nice accent to your home décor. These carpets first appeared during the late 70s. Since then, they have evolved quite a lot and there are tons of different varieties of shag carpets available in the market.
A shag carpet surely enhances the look of your home. However, due to the carpet’s thickness, it’s hard to clean them properly. Vacuums have a powerful suction that helps to get rid of all the dust particles from the carpet.
Even though there is a wide array of options available out there. Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for shag carpet is a crucial job. The surface of these carpets is different compared to the regular flat carpets. The salesperson may try to convince you that the one you’re opting for is suitable for all kinds of carpets out there. However, many expensive vacuums don’t work well for shag carpets.
We have come up with this detailed guide along with the list of best vacuums for shag carpets out there. After screening out tons of vacuums in the market, we have made our final picks to make sure that you invest in the right product.
Our Top Picks for Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
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Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away Vacuum | Type: Upright Vacuum, Color: Bordeaux, Weight: 15.4 lbs, Dimensions: 13.2 x 11.9 x 45 in |
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Shark NV42 Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum | Type: Upright Vacuum, Color: Champagne, Weight: 15 lbs Dimensions: 11.4 x 11.8 x 45.5 inches |
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Miele Compact C1 Powerline | Type: Canister, Color: White, Weight: 14.8 lbs, Dimensions: 16.9 x 9.8 x 9.1 inches |
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Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner Yellow | Type: Upright, Color: Yellow Weight: 15.6 lbs, Dimensions: 15.59 x 13.39 x 41.93 inches |
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Soniclean SFC-7000 Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum | Type: Upright, Color: Black, Gold, Weight: 10.5 lbs, Dimensions: 11.5 x 14 x 43.5 in |
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Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Type: Upright, Color: Lightweight-blue Weight: 10 lbs, Dimensions: 13.4 x 14 x 44.5 inches |
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Oreck Magnesium RS LW1500RS | Type: Upright, Color: Blue/Black, Weight: 7.7 lbs, Dimensions: 10.5 x 12 x 47.5 inches |
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Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Orange 1831 | Type: Upright, Color: Orange, Weight: 15.4 pounds, Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.5 x 44 inches |
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Shark Duoclean NV803 Upright Vacuum | Type : Upright, Color: Cinnamon, Weight: 15 lbs, Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.9 x 46.1 inches |
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Severin Germany Nonstop Corded Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Type: Canister, Color: Grey Weight: 20.9 lbs, Dimensions: 22.3 x 15.5 x 13.2 |
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Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet Reviewed And Analyzed
1. Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away Vacuum
Key Features:
- Fingertip Controls
- Dynamic Swivel Steering
- Multiple ways to clean
- Cord length: 360 inches(30 ft.)
- Bagless, HEPA filtration, Washable filter
Description:
The first model on our review of the best vacuum cleaner for shag carpet is Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away Vacuum. It’s a bagless upright vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter trap inside. The Vacuum comes with a powered pet tool to deep clean dust and pet hair from stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.
It’s got a power cord with a length of 30-foot. There is also a motor-driven brush bar which you would expect in a vacuum of this size. It also weighs the neighborhood of about 15 and a half pounds, makes it not too heavy and not particularly a light machine either.
Shark Rotator NV752 comes with a host of accessories and tools. There is a pet upholstery tool with red velvet strips on the top and the bottom. These strips help to ensure you don’t mark your upholstery. Then there is a dusting brush which is good for doing hard surfaces and upholstery.
Moreover, it has a heavy motorized brush that works excellent for cleaning shag carpets. It also works well for loose debris, stuff on upholstery, and other surfaces. All of these things fit into a bag nicely provided by Shark.
Overall, it’s an all-around impressive vacuum for you.
Pros
- Strong cleaning performance
- Thoughtfully designed accessories
- Sealed HEPA filtration
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Swivel steering makes it difficult to angle the vacuum the correct way
2. Shark NV42 Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Key Features:
- 1200 Watt Motor
- Cord Length: 300 inches(25ft.)
- Capacity of Dust Cup: 2.46 Liter
- Comes with zero loss of suction technology
Description:
Shark NV42 Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum is the next model on our review of the best vacuum cleaner for shag carpet. This budget-friendly upright vacuum will work perfectly for people with medium to large homes.
One of the biggest issues of upright vacuums is the limited reach of short hoses. Luckily, Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42 comes with a long 12-foot flexible hose to extend the reach and allows it to clean upholstery.
You’ll definitely love the performance of this vacuum cleaner on both carpet and bare floors. Thanks to its power-hungry 1200-watt motor that can generate immensely powerful suction. Also, you can easily clean large areas without the need to empty the dirt bin often because of its large 3-quart dirt cup.
It features a pet hair brush tool to pick up pet hair out of the toughest spots such as sofas, chairs, and even stairs. Also, Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42 comes with an extension that can attach a crevice tool, brush tool, and pet hair tool. The length of the power cord is around 25 feet long.
There are two filters you’ll have to clean. One is the primary filter right below the dirt bin and the other one is the secondary filter right in the front of the motor. Remember to wash it once at least once a month to maintain performance.
Overall, this will do a great job to clean your shag carpet and upholstery.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- 12-foot long hose
- Strong suction
- Large capacity dirt cup
Cons
- No swivel steering
3. Miele Compact C1 Powerline
Key Features:
- Comes with 1200W Vortex Motor
- Adjustable Suction Control
- Suitable for both hard floor and low-pile carpet.
Description:
The Miele Compact C1 Powerline is another model on our review of the best vacuum cleaner for shag carpets.
This vacuum cleaner is good for all hard surface flooring with maybe one or two very short pile area rugs. The reason is that it comes with a single floor attachment. Miele C1 Vacuum is a combo floor tool, so it has one setting where the bristles are engaged and sticking out.
If you have really delicate hardwood floors then you may want to look for other softer bristles model. It also features a little velvet strip that allows you to glide across the carpet easily. However, it doesn’t come with a spinning brush floor, so it’s going to lift and clean debris from your carpet.
The Miele C1 Vacuum Cleaner comes with three tools; dust brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool. They’re going to be kept on the canister vacuum body. It has six suction settings depending on what cleaning task you need to do.
The body of this vacuum cleaner is completely sealed to take all the air into the vacuum. Then it gets to put through the entire filtration before it’s blown back out. Overall, this vacuum is great for asthma or allergy suffers.
Pros
- 1200-watt Vortex Suction Motor power
- Six motor speed settings
- Small and compact
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Lacks a motorized brush
4. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner Yellow
Key Features:
- Powerful suction for all type of floor.
- Cleaner head is Self-adjusting.
- No need to touch for bin emptying
- Asthma and Allergy Friendly
Description:
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Vacuum Cleaner is next model on our review of the best vacuum for shag carpet. It is a very effective and powerful machine. The ball technology on this unit may look a little strange but actually, help with maneuverability. So, you can move the head of this vacuum by just twisting your wrist.
The dimension of the product is 41.93 x 15.59 x 13.39 inches with a weight of 15.6 pounds. It has a maximum reach of up to 40-feet. It features radical root cyclone technology to capture more microscopic dust than any other cleaner on the market. Also, it has a capacity of 0.42-gallon and the length of the cord is 31-feet.
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner Yellow is very good on low to medium pile carpet. We also find it effective on hard surfaces when you’re dealing with small to medium-sized debris. Moreover, it also works well at pulling up pet hair.
This vacuum cleaner doesn’t have any bag. You can simply take the canister off and empty it and then put it back on. There are a couple of filters you’ll get and the filters last the lifetime of the vacuum. You can rinse them in the water when they’re dirty and simply put them back in when they completely dry.
You’ll definitely like the easy and inexpensive maintenance of this machine.
Pros
- Instant release wand
- Easy to maneuver
- Strong suction
- Emptying the bin after use is simple
Cons
- Difficult to push the vacuum on a plush carpet
5. Soniclean SFC-7000 Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum
Key Features:
- Sonic Cleaning Technology
- Special Soft Bristle Brush Roll
- Modern jam protection technology
- HEPA Filtration, Bagged and Corded
Description:
Up next is Soniclean SFC-7000 Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum, another model on our review of the best vacuum for shag carpet. It’s the only vacuum to use patented sonic cleaning technology in conjunction with an ultra-soft brush roll. This technology can produce 200 vibrations per second.
The vacuum also has a patented easy push adjustable vent system, allow you to easily and effectively clean your carpet. It features an adjustable vent system for easy maneuverability on soft cycle carpeting.
It has an efficient motor design feature. This feature produces superior suction while using 50 percent less electricity than many full-size vacuums. Moreover, the vacuum has an extremely lightweight design with a weight of only 10.5 lbs. The length of the power cord is 35-ft long which is enough to vacuum multiple rooms without having to change outlets.
Another cool feature is the patented jam protection feature. If a brush roll jam is sensed, then this feature automatically shuts the vacuum off and alerts you to check the brush. Moreover, Soniclean SFC-7000 has a digitally controlled motor with two cleaning modes. One is a quiet mode for regular vacuuming of hard floors and the other is deep cleaning mode for vacuuming high heavily soiled carpet areas.
Pros
- Sonic cleaning technology
- Special soft bristle brush roll
- Adjustable vent system
- Digitally controlled motor
Cons
- Not so powerful as other vacuums in the same price range
6. Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features:
- Powerful Suction
- All Tools on Board
- Cord Length: 216 inches(18 ft.)
- Dust Cup Capacity: 2.7 Liter
- 12.6″ Cleaning Path and Easy Empty Flip Bottom
Description:
The Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is our another best vacuum for shag carpet. It is a very powerful cleaner with the dynamic motor and brush roll. It can lift stubborn and heavy debris with its quick 12.6-inch wide nozzle.
This vacuum is ideal for a whole home clean. It’s pretty lightweight and easy to maneuver with a weight of 10 lbs. It has 5 height adjustment settings, suitable for all floor types throughout your home. All you have to do is turn the dial to clean low to medium pile carpets.
One of the best features of Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed is the extra-large dust cup with a capacity of 4.1 liters. It requires less frequent emptying and holds more dirt. There are several accessories comes with this cleaner. All tools are stored right on-board for your easier use, including an extra-long 7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, and an upholstery tool.
It features no complicated parts or control systems. Also, operating this cleaner is as easy as a breeze. The on/off switch is a foot pedal which ensures that you don’t need to bend at all. Also, the pedal is conveniently located within quick and easy reach.
Overall, the powerful suction, lightweight design, and XL dust cup make it a perfect vacuum for cleaning the shag carpet.
Pros
- Powerful suction power
- Low maintenance
- Can clean the ceiling
- 5-height adjustment settings
Cons
- The belt is easily breakable
7. Oreck Magnesium RS LW1500RS
Key Features:
- Slim swivel steering
- Lightweight design
- 5-layer HEPA filter
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Bagless
Description:
The next model on our review of the best vacuum for shag carpet is Oreck Magnesium RS LW1500RS. It has a slim swivel design that enables you to easily maneuver around and reach under furniture.
The vacuum is extremely lightweight with a weight of less than 8-pounds. You’ll be surprised to know that the weight of this cleaner is about the same as a gallon of milk. Like many other vacuum cleaners, it also has a HEPA filter system. The 5-layer HEPA filter locks in 99.97 percent of particles and seals in the dust when you throw it away.
It features an auto shut-off system to prevent the brush roll from jamming. It comes with a Saniseal system to ensure no dust particles can get out. Oreck Magnesium Vacuum has headlights to help you see the dirt and side brushes for easy cleaning around the edges.
This vacuum uses a magnesium frame to reduce weight but increases overall durability. The best feature of this vacuum cleaner is the wireless quick switch controls. The wireless quick control is a fingertip control on the handle to give you an easy way to transition from hard floors to carpet.
Overall, this vacuum sucks dirt, dust and animal fur with ease. With this model in hand, you’ll be able to clean up your shag carpet without any hassle.
Pros
- Lightest upright vacuum
- Slim swivel steering
- Auto shut-off
- Multi-surface cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any attachment
8. Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Orange 1831
Key Features:
- Multi Cyclonic Suction System
- Lightweight Design
- Washable filter with Multi level Filtration
- Power Cord Length: 300 inches(25 ft.)
- Bagless
Description:
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner, then the Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Orange 1831 is a perfect choice for you and it is one of the best vacuum for shag carpet on our guide. It has a one-pass technology with powerful suction and innovative design. This technology helps you to remove most debris.
The lightweight design helps you to carry it without any hassle and push without sacrificing your power. Bissell Cleanview 1831 has a 6-foot hose and long power cord length of 25-foot for extended cleaning reach. Bissell Cleanview is powered by a mighty 8-amp motor.
The only tool you’ll need to assemble your vacuum is a Phillips screwdriver. One thing to remember is the power foot won’t suction properly unless the hose is firmly attached. You have to push the Red Power Switch Pedal once to turn the unit ON and once again to turn the unit off.
There are three settings and you can turn the dial on the foot of the vacuum to the desired setting. The lowest setting is for low pile carpet or bare floors. Then there is a medium setting for medium pile carpet. Lastly, the highest setting is for high pile and most shag carpet.
Overall, Bissell Cleanview 1831 is perfect for cleaning furniture, stairs, upholstery, and more!
We also have a complete reviews of Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. If you want to check that out!
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush tool
- Washable filter
Cons
- Little bit noisy
9. Shark Duoclean NV803 Upright Vacuum
Key Features:
- Deep Clean Carpets
- Comes with Anti Allergen Complete Seal
- Dynamic Swivel Steering
- Comes with LED Lights
Description:
Shark Duoclean NV803 Upright Vacuum is another model on our review of the best vacuum for shag carpet. It doesn’t matter which surface you are on as it’ll pull in high piles. The lift system was first utilized by them to separate the bin and frame to extend reach.
The powered lift-away feature makes it function as an upright and canister. Then there is a Duo Clean feature that adds a soft roller to a bristled brush. It’ll help you to pull in large debris. The lift mode system allows you to clean above the floor on upholstery, stairs, etc.
The dirt bin is pretty easy to remove. All you have to do is press the latch located on the handle to remove the dirt bin. One feature you’ll definitely like is that it has two doors. One is at the bottom and another one is at the top. This feature helps you easily empty dust that clings on the plastic shell.
Under the bin, there are two motor filters. One is made from sponge and others from filling. These two filters are washable and Shark recommends you wash these filters every 3 months. The frequency might increase if you live in a dusty area.
Overall, Shark Duoclean NV803 Upright Vacuum comes to value for money.
Pros
- DuoClean brush
- Great at cleaning large debris
- Anti-allergen complete seal
- Dynamic swivel steering
Cons
- Most expensive Shark upright vacuum
10. Severin Germany Nonstop Corded Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features:
- Noise is very low
- Multi Cyclone Technology
- Long durability
- Bagless and comes with a variety of tools
- With HEPA filter
Description:
The last model on our review of the best vacuum for shag carpet is the Severin Germany Nonstop Corded Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner. Their floor heads guarantee optimum dust pick up. The special XL hard floor nozzles are also ideal for difficult to reach places.
This vacuum is pleasantly quiet with a noise level of just 77-decibels. It provides constantly high suction power thanks to its Multicyclone technology. The vacuum has a great operating range of up to 9m. The adjustable power regulation makes it easy to handle.
Severin Vacuum provides high constant suction on all surfaces with its advanced, anti-smell heap active carbon filtration system. Moreover, it comes with a wide variety of tools including a 2-part accessory set, furniture, and crevice nozzle.
The vacuum also features a long extra easy touch telescopic tube. You’ll need no bags and no filters as vacuum waste is held in a bin and removal of trash has never been easier. The handle and tube can be locked firmly and securely.
It also has 2 large rear wheels and a multi-directional front wheel. So, you can comfortably move the machine throughout the house. Without any doubt, you can expect a powerful device cable of meeting your needs.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- No bag and filter purchase necessary
- Allergy-friendly
- Durable
Cons
- Difficult to disconnect the tube
What is Shag Carpet?
The dictionary definition of the shag carpet is that it’s a rug or carpet that is made of deep piles, which gives it its“shaggy”look. The name itself is derived from the Old English “sceacga” a word related to skegg of the Old Norse meaning — beard.
In other words “Shag carpets” or are often called “Shag rugs” got its name from its distinctive shaggy appearance that may or may not be characterized with an uneven pile of an inch or more. Shag carpets are made available in various colors and different materials like cotton, wool, and leather.
It is super soft to the touch and a good shag rug will complement a wide array of aesthetics or any decorating style you have for your home or business space. Whether it’s contemporary, laid-back, modern, or even avant-garde interior designs.
This aspect of versatility is what got it on track and on-trend and at the same time last decades and decades of changes in preferences by people. They say that shag carpets though are some of the most difficult to maintain and maybe even clean. And that is true to an extent, but nothing beats the advantages of getting one for your home.
Shag carpet trivia:
- Some of the first shag carpets came from Greece, the Flokati rugs. It’s so big and shaggy, that people started referring to it as a sheepdog. Difficult to wash but brushes out smooth as the fur of a sheepdog, plus they are so cute of course.
- Always keep in mind to clean Flokati carpets first before they get dirty just so you can preserve them properly for years.
- Wool carpets are sometimes referred to as noodle rugs because the wool fiber looks like pasta.
- Shag carpets that have felted type of wool are called grabbers, as they grab and hold unto whatever falls on it. Like your pet’s fur or foodstuff (yeah it could be nasty sometimes).
- Acrylic shags can be fire hazards, so do be careful.
Types of Shag Carpets
Wool Carpets
Wool rugs generally come in two variants. One of them is known as noodle rug as the fiber is shaped like a noodle. They have a soft and velvety texture. However, these fibers are more prone to catching dust from the atmosphere. Therefore, gets dirty quickly compared to other types of shag carpets.
Another type of wool carpet is known as shaggy rugs. Their fibers are comparatively thinner and more spaced out compared to the noodle rug. Also, the thin consistency of the rug catches less dirt.
However, the cleaning procedure with the shaggy carpets is even more hectic compared to the noodle rug due to their 100% wool fiber content. You need to be extra careful and set the power in the optimum setting to get the dirt out.
Leather Carpets
Cleaning the leather shag rugs are fairly easy and hassle-free. Make sure that you don’t place these rugs in places where there’s high foot traffic. These rugs should be cleaned with a leather cleaner instead of a vacuum.
However, if absolutely necessary, then set the vacuum in the lowest power setting and vacuum the back of the carpet. Vacuuming the leather shag carpet from the top will deteriorate the quality of the leather pieces and damage them.
Flokati Carpets
Flokati carpets are one of the most sophisticated kinds of shag carpets and require extra care during the cleaning process. These rugs are made with handcrafted wools made by the finest craftsmen in Greece.
These carpets usually come in white or beige color. However, you can also dye them in your favorite color. The Flokati rugs are made with 100% wool fibers including the back of the rug. They are super fluffy and extremely soft to touch. The color may become dull and yellowish over time if not cleaned properly.
However, as good as these carpets may look, cleaning them is a nightmare. You need to be ultra-cautious while cleaning them as they are extra delicate. Always read the instruction provided by the manufacturer before proceeding with the cleaning ritual.
Vacuum the carpet only if that’s recommended by the manufacturer. Also, if you choose to hand wash the rug then always dry it under direct sunlight as the UV rays will damagethe fiber and decline the color quality.
Synthetic Carpets
If you’re looking for a shag carpet within a budget-friendly price tag then the synthetic shag carpets will be the best option. They may not offer as good of a quality as wool or flokati rugs. However, they will surely enhance the elegance of your home.
The cleaning process for cleaning the synthetic rug is quite simple and easy to carry out. You can use the vacuum on the carpet without worrying about damaging the texture of the carpet. Make sure you follow the instruction provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best result from the cleaning regime.
Acrylic Carpets
Acrylic shag carpets are highly flammable and we recommend you to avoid it if possible. These carpets are quite affordable but they have an unpleasant appearance compared to all the other types of shag carpets we reviewed.
History of Shag Carpets
Most historians agree that Shag carpets originated in Central Asia and the Middle East. Shag carpets used to already occupy every house even from opulent palaces and temples to standard homes. There are also some findings that shag rugs were first made from goats. This is evident in some findings in Ancient Greece. With these claims, no one has really managed to come up with a solid, collective, and educated conclusion regarding its place or time of origin. But one thing is for sure, it’s been around for a very long while now and it’s still as relevant as ever.
The Shag carpets in the 1960s somehow found its place in mainstream culture and aesthetics during what was a series of counterculture movements. The unorthodox appearance, style, and comfort it offered became popular in households across America.
Because of this resurgence in the 60s, Shag carpets or rugs are oftentimes associated with the hippie’s culture. It was a symbol and icon along with everything that came with that movement.
It has re emerged again as of late but also a lot of people have remained interested in the shag culture and it continues to attract a lot of other new followers.
Things to Consider Before Purchase of the Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet
The vacuum cleaners that we listed above are indeed the best in the market. However, before you proceed with the purchase decision, several factors should consider. These will help you make a more thoughtful purchase and make the most out of your investment.
Types of Vacuum Cleaner:
Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Upright vacuum cleaners are the full-sized model and they incorporate cleaning paths up to 15-inches in size. They come with a motorized rotating brush that works excellent in terms of picking up dirt from carpets. Most upright vacuum cleaners come with extra attachments that help you to clean to tough and hard to reach places.
The upright vacuums are powered by electricity and there’re compact compared to the canister vacuums. Also, they take up less floor space as you can store them vertically. These vacuum cleaners work extremely well for deep cleaning the carpets.
However, despite their compact size, the weight of these cleaners is quit on the heavier side. If the weight of the vacuum is a major concern for you then we recommend you to see the portability and user-friendliness ratings of the model.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
As the name suggests, handheld vacuums are easily transportable and lightweight. Most of the handheld vacuum cleaners are cordless and this gives you the flexibility to clean the carpet just on the right spot. These models offer a long-running power and some of them can also be connected to a vehicle’s accessory power outlet.
The power provided by the handheld vacuums is not as powerful as the canister models. However, they come in handy for giving a quick clean on the floor, short-pile carpet, furniture, etc.
Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Canister vacuum cleaners are ultra-powerful and they work extremely well for cleaning the floor, carpets, furniture, etc. They come with multiple different attachments that help you reach all the nooks and edges with ease. Also, they have a quiet operation method and a separate power head that reduces the weight to some extent.
However, the wand the hose configuration of the cleaner gives it quite a bulky look. They require more space for storage compared to the upright vacuums.
Choosing the Right Vacuum for Shag Carpets:
We must know which type of vacuum is right for which shag carpet. This is to ensure that we effectively clean and maintain them in hopes of prolonging its lifespan and keeping it in good quality.
Canister vs. Upright Vacuum
The age-old battle and comparison between the upright and the canister vacuum cleaners. These two models have been at it over and over again through the years. So which is better overall and for shag carpets? Let’s see!
Canister
This type of vacuum cleaner has a cleaning wand that is attached by a hose to its body or canister. The canister contains the motor and the dust bag. You can drag it around with its convenient wheels.
Pros
- More powerful, fast cleaning especially in bare floors
- Lighter so it’s easier to move around
- Works better in stairs and tight places
- Less noisy
- Can have some useful attachments
Cons
- Can be a bit challenging to store and not a quick to grab for use
- Dragging the canister around can damage bare floors or other furniture
- You will have to bend down a lot
Upright
The Upright vacuum is a simple and traditionally designed model. The motor and the suction head are attached so all you got to do is to push and pull it in front of you when you’re cleaning.
Pros
- The cheaper model
- The motorized brush makes it ideal on carpets and rugs
- Works well on bare floors too
- Ergonomic and easy to store
- Has a wider cleaning path
Cons
- Noisier
- Heavier
- Not as effective in corners and hard to reach places
Given the simplicity and efficiency of upright vacuums on carpets then it wins this round.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums
Each with its advantage let’s check out the strengths and weaknesses of the models.
Bagged
Pros
- Less expensive
- Friendly to people with allergies
- More hygienic
- Easy to empty and dispose
Cons
- Requires for you to buy more bags
- Some aren’t eco-friendly
Bagless
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Less expensive in the long run
- Easy to use
Cons
- A challenge to clean the filters or empty it especially for allergy sufferers
The bagless model takes this round because overall it doesn’t suffer from a decline in performance that bagged vacuum cleaners do when its bag is getting full. It’s just a quicker way to get around cleaning your shag carpets.
Corded vs. Cordless
Last up is whether you should go corded or cordless. It seems like an easy decision but there’s more to it. Let’s discuss it!
Corded
Pros
- Naturally higher suction power
- Higher dust capacity
- Unlimited power
Cons
- Not that mobile
- Can be pretty heavy
Cordless
Pros
- Easier to store and manage
- Lightweight
- Extremely mobile
- Good for stairs and hard to reach areas
Cons
- Lesser dust capacity
- Battery life is limited
For shag carpets? The corded model brings home the bacon this time. It’s just more able to clean them because of its powerful suction and bigger dust capacity.
Suction Power of the Vacuum:
The suction power is one of the most important factors that you should consider when you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner. No matter what job you’re going to use it for, it needs to hold the optimum suction power to get done with the job quickly and efficiently.
However, don’t opt for a cleaner that comes with excessive power. The extra suction power will damage the material and deteriorate the fiber quality quickly. Vacuums with mid-range suction power are the best choice for shag carpets. Make sure that you pick the unit that is suitable for your shag carpet’s fiber and material.
Weight:
Dragging down a heavy vacuum is nothing but a nuisance. A heavy vacuum will make the cleaning process harder and time-consuming. Choose a model thatis lightweight and easily operable.
Some of us have this misconception that heavier vacuums are better and they perform better compared to the lighter ones. Well, this is nothing but a fallacy. The weight of the vacuum cleaner does not correlate with its performance.
Adjustable Height:
The cleaning mechanism of the vacuum determines how well it can get rid of dirt and debris from the surface of the carpet. If the vacuum works from too high above the surface of the carpet then it’ll be unable to get rid of the dirt properly.
Make sure the cleaner that you opt for comes with adjustable height settings. This will help you clean the carpet thoroughly while cleaning every nooks and edge.
The material of the Carpet:
The material used for the shag carpet has a significant contribution to the overall cleaning process. Woolen carpets are the hardest to clean as they have thick fibers. They tend to catch dirt more easily which leads to making them look dull and worn out over time. Be extra cautious while operating on the soft fibers. Make sure that you don’t damage the carpet.
Wheel:
There’s a common problem that people face while vacuuming the shag carpet is the wheels getting stuck at the carpet’s surface. Well, you can avoid this situation by choosing the right wheel size that’s appropriate for the carpet.
Small wheels are more prone to get stuck in the rug. On the other hand, bigger wheels have a greater surface area and it’s easy to navigate them around. However, if you absolutely dislike the idea of dragging down the vacuum on the carpet then get yourself a handheld vacuum to avoid such hassle.
Important Vacuum Cleaner Attachments:
Vacuum cleaners are truly a godsend and their contributions are inevitable for making our daily chores more hassle-free. The vacuum cleaner includes some common attachments that come in super handy during the cleaning rituals. Properly utilizing these tools will help you achieve the best output from your vacuum cleaner.
Dusting Brush
The dusting brush usually comes in a long rounded shape. The dusting bristles work excellent for dusting on wooden surfaces. The bristles are gentle enough, therefore, you can also use this brush to clean off dust from appliances, doors, and windows as well.
Extension Wand
This bad boy is one of the most underrated tools in the vacuum cleaner attachments. It offers numerous useful applications. You can use the wand to clean those hard to reach places that you will not be able to reach otherwise. This will help you to reach the corners and edges without any struggle.
Crevice Tool
This tool comes with an angled edge and skinny shape. You can use this attachment for small spaces such as refrigerator coil, gaps between furniture, cushion, and other places that are hard to reach with the bigger attachments.
Upholstery Tool
The upholstery tool is the most suitable tool for cleaning carpets, mattresses, sofas, etc. The soft bristles of the tool work splendidly well for removing dirt and dust particles from them.
How to Operate a Vacuum Cleaner?
Operating a vacuum cleaner is not rocket science. If you’re not cautious while operating the device then it may cause damage to the carpet. We have come up with a step by step guide to help you with the overall procedure.
- Most modern vacuums come with a deposit chamber. However, some older models come with a bag. Check the dirt deposit chamber before you turn on the vacuum. If it is already full then empty the chamber before moving forward with the process. Otherwise, the vacuum cleaner will be unable to pick up the dirt effectively.
- Adjust the height of the vacuum according to the height of the carpet. This will help you catch all the dirt particles without any effort. The suction will not work appropriately if the height of the vacuum is not well-adjusted with the height of the carpet.
- Remove any item from the top of the carpet. This will enable you to reach every part of the carpet without any hassle.
- Once you turn on the vacuum cleaner, slowly move it forward and backward. It’s important to properly set up the suction power setting. If the suction is too strong then it will deteriorate the quality of the carpet and result in damages.
- To effectively clean the corners, use the attachments that come with the vacuum. This will help you reach them easily and clean properly.
Maintenance Tips for Shag Carpet
Shag carpets are hard to clean as they tend to catch dirt quickly. The thick consistency of the fibers is more prone to catch dust particles which eventually leads to deteriorating color and the quality of the carpet. However, following some simple tips, you can retain the carpet’s initial quality.
Vacuum Method
Vacuuming method is the easiest and most convenient way to keep the carpet looking good as new.
- Keeping the setting low may lead to getting the fiber caught up in the vacuum. Set the vacuum is a mid to high setting to get rid of every bit of dirt and dust particle from the carpet. You can use either a handheld vacuum or an attachment to perform the job.
- Vacuum the carpet until you feel that all the dust particles have come off the. Make sure you vacuum the back as well.
- Once you’re done with the process, take the carpet outside and give it a nice shake before putting it back to place.
- Repeat the process as often required.
Spot Cleaning
This method works best for removing stains and unwanted marks. The trick to obtaining the best result from this method is to work immediately before the stain sets permanently.
- Get a towel and rub it over the stain. You may use water to dilute the stain.
- Soak the towel with mild detergent or liquid. Then gradually blot the liquid with the towel until the stain comes off.
- For tough stains, drip some soapy water on the carpet and rub gently. However, don’t rub too vigorously as that may deteriorate the texture of the carpet fibers.
- Rinse the carpet with clean water and let it air dry.
Dry Cleaning
Sometimes vacuuming is not enough. The rug may look dull and worn out even after vacuuming due to the continuous dirt build-up. Dry cleaning is the best option to tackle such a situation.
- Before you start with the process, get a dry cleaning shampoo and a soft bristle brush.
- Sprinkle some dry shampoo all over the carpet and brush it thoroughly. This will loosen up the dust particles and help them come out with the brush.
- Let the shampoo sit for a few more minutes in the carpet and give it another brushing session.
- Once you have reached your desired result, dust off the dry shampoo or vacuum it properly.
- Repeat the process once every few months to keep the shag carpet in tip-top condition.
Related Posts: How To Clean A Shag Rug
Frequently Asked Questions
Do a vacuum cleaner with higher amp ratings work more effectively?
Ans: Well, the answer is no. The effectiveness of the cleaner depends on factors such as suction power, airflow rate, etc. The amp rate has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the cleaner.
How many times a week should I use the vacuum cleaner?
Ans: There’s no definite answer to this question as there are multiple factors that are linked to it. This depends on the placement of the carpet, foot traffic, air pollution rate, and multiple other factors. As shag carpets are more prone to catching dirt, we recommend placing the carpet in a place where there will be fewer visits by the children and less probability of accidental spillage.
Do I need to change the filter?
Ans: The vacuum cleaner filter requires a change of filter only when it gets excessively dirty or damaged. Usually, a filter works well for about 6-8 months even after frequent use of the cleaner. However, it may vary from brand to brand.
Final Words
Shag carpets are an excellent addition to your home décor. Their cleaning process is slightly different than the regular carpet. However, it’s totally worth the effort. Despite their distinctive cleaning process, the soft feel and the aristocratic look will give a new dimension to your home.
Vacuuming is one the most convenient way to keep the shag carpet in its best shape. It’s a lot easier and less time consuming than the other cleaning methods. In this article, we have carefully screened out the best vacuum for shag carpet available out there.
All the models that we reviewed offer excellent service and loaded with numerous features. They will come in handy not only for cleaning the shag carpet but various other tasks. So, choose the one that fits your desired features and budget the most.
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