If you’re noticing a fair amount of wear and tear on your shag rug, it could be time to give it a deep clean. Here’s how to clean a shag rug: 1. Vacuum it: Your first step will be to remove the trapped dirt, pet hair and dust from the dense fibres of your shag rug. 2. Spot-clean stains: Using a mixture of baking soda and warm water, dab at any obvious problem areas with a clean towel. 3. Consult a professional: If your rug is still looking worse for wear, consider having it professionally cleaned to extend its lifespan.