Shag carpets give any home a warm, comfortable feeling.
These rugs can add a nice touch to any room and are lovely to walk on and sometimes even nap on.
However, cleaning your shag carpet can be a nightmare if you don’t have the right vacuum cleaner.
You want your shag carpet to stay beautiful for a long time and keeping them clean is essential.
This guide will help you find the right vacuum for your home and your shag carpet.
I’ve included a buyer’s guide, with some helpful tips on how to find the right vacuum.
Next up, you’ll see reviews of my five favorite vacuums for shag carpets. Last you’ll find some Frequently Asked Questions about vacuums that will help you as you shop.
Keep reading to find a vacuum cleaner that will effectively clean your shag rugs and carpets.
In a hurry? Here is our list of the most efficient vacuums for high pile and shag carpeting.
- Best Buy – Miele Complete C3 Kona. “Electrobrush with 5 level height adjustment, HEPA filter and 6 suction power settings makes it a great choice for shag.”
- Most Versatile – iRobot Roomba i7+. “Cleans floors, high pile carpet and low pile carpet beautifully.”
- Best Budget Choice – Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner. “5 level height adjustment and a great price.”
- Ovente Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum with HEPA Filter
- Bundles Includes - Miele's AH50 GN Performance Pack - Comes With 16 Genuine Miele GN Airclean FilterBags, 1 Genuine Miele HEPA Air Clean Filter AH-50 and 4 Pre-Motor Protection Filters
- Lightweight, Quiet and Powerful Thanks to Miele's Amazing 1200-Watt Vortex Motor / Made In Germany and Made To Last, The Miele Marin has a 20-Year Average Life-Span
- AirClean Sealed System Construction - Perfect for any Allergy or Asthma Sufferer - Traps 99.9% of Lung Damaging Particles with HEPA Filter and Patented AirClean 3D Filter Bag
- Comes with Miele SEB-228 Powerhead - Great For deep cleaning and restoring crushed carpet nap on all types of carpeting. Also perfect for picking up large amounts of pet hair from carpet.
- Comes with Miele SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Brush - Designed to go flat under baseboards, low under furniture, tight up against kick jams and around chair legs. With a 90 degree twisting rotation there not many places this floor brush can't go!
Vacuums for Shag Carpet – A Buyer’s Guide
First off, I’ve written up some tips to help you select a vacuum for your shag carpet.
Shopping for a vacuum can be intimidating even if you don’t have shag carpets.
There are hundreds of brands and models out there, all promising to keep your home clean. Hopefully, this guide will make the process easier and help you narrow down the right vacuum model for you and your home.
Here are some elements you are going to want to look out for when finding the best vacuum for shag carpet.
Suction Power
If you are cleaning a shag carpet, you want to make sure your vacuum has adjustable suction power. This feature will ensure that your vacuum can clean both your shag carpets and your regular carpet and hard floors.
Pro Tip: From my experience, it’s essential to adjust the suction power of your vacuum to suit the length and thickness of your shag carpet. A higher suction might be too harsh on long and dense shags, potentially damaging the fibers. Meanwhile, a low suction might not effectively clean shorter shags. Always test the settings on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet first!
A machine with concentrated sealed suction is ideal for cleaning shag carpets, as it provides exactly the right power to get your floors clean.
Adjustable Height
When you buy a vacuum with adjustable height, it ensures the machine is comfortable for you to use. You want to make sure your vacuum is the right height for you.
The adjustable height will also help you accommodate your vacuum for your specific floors. There are even models that come with automatic height adjustment for your convenience.
Available Attachments
Most vacuums include attachments that can enhance the vacuum’s effectiveness. A shag rug rake is a very useful addition to your vacuum.
Pro Tip: Vacuum attachments can really make a huge difference in cleaning your shag carpet. The crevice tool, for instance, helped me reach those difficult corners and edges that a normal vacuum head couldn’t. This certainly saved me from the back-breaking work of moving my heavy furniture around every time I vacuum. So, I always recommend choosing a vacuum that comes with a variety of attachments!
This tool gets deep into the long fibers of your carpet or rug and makes sure it gets even the hardest-to-reach dirt. If your vacuum does not include the rake, consider purchasing one in addition to your machine.
Weight
One thing you do not want is a vacuum that is too heavy for you.
Make sure your shag vacuum is the right weight. If it isn’t, you may find it difficult to maneuver around your home. This will decrease the frequency with which you vacuum and may even result in a messier home.
Pro Tip: Never underestimate the importance of the vacuum’s weight when choosing a cleaner for your shag carpet. As someone with a large carpeted area, I’ve found lightweight models to be a lifesaver – they’re usually easier to maneuver and can make the cleaning process less tiring.
Be sure to check the weight of your vacuum and consider testing it out before you purchase.
Storage Potential
Storage potential is an often-overlooked element of your vacuum. Even if your vacuum is perfect for cleaning shag carpets, it may not be the right model for you if it’s too large to store in your home.
I recommend deciding on where you will store your vacuum before you make a purchase. This way, you’ll know exactly what size you need to fit in your closet, attic, or basement.
The Wheels – Important for Shag Rugs and Carpets
Last but not least you are going to want a vacuum with large wheels. Shag carpet is long and thick, so you’ll want to make sure the wheels can maneuver around your floors.
Double check the wheel measurements on your vacuum before you make a purchase.
The Reviews – Our 5 Top Vacuums for Shag Carpet
We’ve tested tons of vacuum models and determined our five best vacuums for cleaning your shag carpets.
Each of these vacuums includes features made specifically to get shag carpet clean. Keep reading to learn about each of these vacuums and decide which model may be the right one for you.
Electrolux Corded UltraFlex Canister Vacuum EL4335A
The Electrolux Ultra Flex Vacuum is a corded, canister vacuum model.
This vacuum is designed to perform well on shag carpets. This vacuums FlexPro Performance System includes an on/off brushroll switch and 3-level height adjustment so that you can clean any surface.
Even though this vacuum is excellent for shag carpet, it will also work well on hard-surface floors.
This vacuum includes a HEPA filter that will pick up over 99% of allergens and debris, so its excellent for allergy sufferers.
The design of the vacuum is slim, making it easy to store. The vacuum is bagless and contains a dust cup that is easy to remove and empty. This vacuum will easily twist around the furniture in your home.
The Electrolux UltraFlex Canister Vacuum includes several features that are specific for cleaning shag carpets.
Features for Vacuuming Shag and High Pile Carpets
- Large back wheels and a low center of gravity for maneuvering on shag carpet
- Adjustable suction power to gently clean shag carpets
- Removable brushroll to safely clean shag carpets
This vacuum includes a 21-foot cord and an 8-foot hose. You should be able to clean any room from top to bottom without unplugging the vacuum. It is also easy to use on stairs.
Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet
The Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet provides amazing cleaning power for almost any surface. The vacuum includes adjustable suction control, which can be turned on or off using a convenient foot pedal located directly on the canister.
This vacuum is a sturdy option and weighs in at 20 pounds.
Make sure you’re prepared for a heavier model if you select this vacuum.
This vacuum is an excellent choice for allergies sufferers. It includes a HEPA AirClean Filter as well as an AirClean Sealed system that retains almost 100% of particles that might otherwise float into the air.
The Miele Complete C3 also comes with three extra accessories. These accessories include a crevice nozzle, dusting brush, and an upholstery tool.
Of course, the Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet is excellent for cleaning shag carpet.
Features for Vacuuming Shag and High Pile Carpets
- The SEB 228 SoftCarpetElectrobrush – This includes five-level height adjustment, so it can clean any carpet from low-pile to shag
- The Parquet Twister–This provides 180 degrees of vacuum rotation that provides your floors with a thorough but gentle cleaning
- The SoftCarpet Mode – Turn the vacuum to this mode to give your shag carpet a gentle clean
This is an excellently engineered vacuum that far outperforms other soft carpet models. The Miele Complete C3 cleans hard-surfaced floors just as effectively as shag carpet.
It also has marked settings when you’re ready to switch to “soft carpet” and clean your shag floors.
Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush Vacuum 81714
The Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush is a unique vacuum because it is highly effective at cleaning shag carpet but can still pick up pet hair. It has been designed to easily clean extra plush carpets.
Like other models on this list, this vacuum includes the HEPA filtration system that is a necessity for allergy sufferers.
This vacuum uses Canister HEMPA bags which are easy to replace.
If you have a pet, then this may be your perfect vacuum. It includes a PetPowerMate attachment that will pick up even the hardest-to-reach pet hair.
Additionally, the vacuum’s double-wall design keeps the air running steadily through the vacuum. This helps the debris go straight to the bag and keeps it from getting caught in the filter.
We wouldn’t recommend this vacuum unless it worked excellently on shag carpets.
Features for Vacuuming Shag and High Pile Carpets
- Ultra-Plush Nozzle – This nozzle uses powerful airflow to clean even your deepest carpet
- Variable Power – The different power settings mean you can ensure a gentle clean on your shag carpet
- Swivel-Steering System – This system makes it easy for you to maneuver across your shag carpet and around the rest of your home
If you have stairs in your home, you can use this vacuum’s Stair Grip which allows the vacuum to rest on the stairs.
This is a long-lasting vacuum with an easy-to-use hose that will pick up debris of any size. Check this vacuum out here.
HOOVER T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind Upright Vacuum
The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind is another option for those with shag carpet who also own pets. This vacuum weighs just under 18 pounds. It includes a Folding Handle that makes it incredibly easy to store anywhere in your home. One of the best features of this vacuum is the retractable 25-foot cord.
No more walking around to pick up your vacuum cord.
If you have a pet, then you can use this vacuum’s Air-Powered Pet Hand Tool which will help you easily clean pet hair from the floor. The Pet Upholstery Tool is great for removing pet hair from your upholstered furniture.
It also has a 12-inch extension wand that’s excellent for cleaning pet hair from the hard-to-reach areas of your home.
Features for Vacuuming Shag and High Pile Carpets
- Five position Carpet Height Adjustment – This feature allows you to adjust to all floor types, including ultra-soft shag carpeting
The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind is an affordable option for those who need a multi-purpose vacuum.
Eureka AirSpeed EXACT Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner AS3001AA
This Eureka vacuum cleaners features AirSpeed technology which helps move more air and remove extra dirt for the deepest clean possible. This vacuum includes an 8-Foot Deluxe Stretch Hose, so you can easily clean your walls and ceilings.
The hose will allow you to clean pet hair from your home’s corners and crevices.
If you have pets, you can use the vacuum’s Pet Power Paw Turbo Nozzle. The nozzle will help you clean pet hair from upholstered furniture.
The Washable Dust Cup Filter is environmentally friendly and easy to remove from the vacuum machine. This vacuum is great for those who have allergies, and can efficiently clean any stairs in your home.
Features for Vacuuming Shag and High Pile Carpets
- Five-Setting Height Adjustment – This allows you to adjust the vacuum to work on everything from hardwood floors to the plushest shag carpets
- Smooth-Glide Pivoting System – This feature helps your vacuum maneuver around shag carpet and across every surface in our home
This vacuum comes with a variety of tools to help you keep your home clean. You can see the vacuum at work in this video.
The Eureka AirSpeed EXACT is another excellent option for those who have shag carpets and pets in their home.
Vacuums and Shag Rugs – Frequently Asked Questions
We know there’s a lot of information out there about vacuums.
You may still have some questions about the right vacuum for your shag carpet. Below we’ve included some of our most commonly asked questions
How do You Vacuum a Shaggy Rug?
Adjust the manual height adjustment on the power head if there is one. That might be enough to help you get by. If there is no such option try to adjust the airflow on the suction control to make sure the vacuum does not get stuck while vacuuming fluffy carpet.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Shag Carpet?
We recommend that you vacuum your shag carpet at least twice a week.
Make sure you are vacuuming your carpet with a suction-only vacuum, and avoid any vacuums that include a beater bar. If you vacuum twice a week with the right machine, your shag carpet will stay clean!
What If My Shag Carpet Is Dry Clean Only?
If your shag carpet is dry clean only, then you can still vacuum it twice a week. When you are ready to do a deeper clean, take the rug into a dry cleaning facility. Do not attempt to clean a dry-clean-only shag rug at home.
What Are Some Other Tips for Maintaining the Quality of My Shag Carpet?
To keep your shag rug as clean as possible, take it outside and shake it out at least once a week. Doing so will help loosen up and eliminate stubborn dirt.
Leaving the rug out in the sun will also help kill bacteria.
High pile carpet often has thick carpet fibers and corded canister vacuums often do the best job at cleaning these rugs.
Consider investing in a carpet cleaner. Some of them work very well with shag and thick pile carpet. See our list of the best carpet cleaners here.
We also recommend that you flip your shag rug over and vacuum the underside. Doing this once a month will help keep the rug thoroughly clean.
This guide is designed to help you find a great vacuum cleaner for shag carpet, if you still are not sure on which option is best for you, or have a question, let me know in the comment section.
Finding the Best Shag Carpet Vacuum – Final Words
Cleaning high-pile or medium-pile carpets are tricky. You may get by without a specialized vacuum if you can adjust the height adjustment on the power head, or reduce the suction power to avoid getting stuck.
If your vacuum lacks these features you may want to consider investing in a vacuum that can handle the extra thick carpet fibers of shag or frieze.
Our top pick right now is the Miele Complete C3 Kona, which is designed to handle high- and medium pile carpets.
