I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Shag carpets are a cozy and stylish addition to any home, but they can be challenging to keep clean. That’s where a specialized shag carpet vacuum comes in. To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best vacuums for shag carpet to help you maintain your fluffy, plush rugs in top-notch condition.
Vacuum | Suction Control | Pet-Friendly | Special Feature |
Yes | Yes | Ultra Plush System | |
Yes | No | Large Bag Capacity | |
Yes | No | Electro Plus Electrobrush | |
No | Yes | DuoClean Technology | |
Yes | No | Lightweight Design | |
No | Yes | Lift-Away Canister | |
No | No | Sonic Cleaning Technology | |
No | No | Ultra-Light Design | |
Yes | Yes | Radial Root Cyclone Technology | |
No | No | Shampoo and Vacuum Capabilities |
What are Vacuums for Shag Carpet?
Vacuums for shag carpet are designed with specific features that help them efficiently clean the dense, high pile of shag carpets and rugs. They typically feature adjustable or auto-adjusting suction power and brushroll speeds to prevent tangling and carpet damage. Many are equipped with a specialized powerhead or beater bar suitable for deep cleaning thick pile carpets. These appliances are the best options for anyone with a shag or fluffy carpet, ensuring thorough cleanliness without harming the integrity of your carpet.
Benefits of Shag Carpet Vacuums
Investing in a shag carpet vacuum brings several benefits. For starters, they offer deep cleaning capabilities that regular vacuums can’t match, effectively removing dust, dirt, and allergens trapped deep within the high pile. Additionally, these vacuums are designed to glide smoothly over plush carpets without pulling or snagging the long fibers. The best vacuum cleaner for shag carpet will save you time and energy, prolong the lifespan of your carpet, and improve the overall air quality in your home.
Top 10 Vacuums for Shag Carpet
Kenmore Elite 81714 Ultra Plush Canister Vacuum
The Kenmore Elite 81714 is a versatile canister vacuum with a powerful two-motor system and HEPA filtration. Designed for plush carpets, it offers an adjustable suction control and a specialized tool for cleaning under furniture.
Its Pet PowerMate attachment makes it an excellent option for pet owners.
- Excellent suction power
- Adjustable settings for different surfaces
- Pet-friendly features
SEBO Airbelt K3 with ET-1 Powerhead
The SEBO Airbelt K3 is a premium canister vacuum featuring an ET-1 powerhead, ideal for cleaning shag rugs. It boasts a long power cord and an impressive 1.5-gallon bag capacity.
The ergonomic handle reduces wrist and arm strain during use.
- Large dust bag capacity
- Ergonomic design
- Long power cord
Miele C3 Kona
The Miele C3 Kona is a powerful canister vacuum that excels on shag carpet thanks to its Electro Plus Electrobrush. It also includes a Parquet Twister for hard floors, providing versatile cleaning options.
With its HEPA filter, the C3 Kona captures and holds onto even the smallest allergens.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
- Versatile cleaning options
- High-quality Electrobrush
Shark APEX Upright2
The Shark APEX Upright2 is a robust vacuum offering DuoClean Technology for handling both carpets and hard floors. Its Zero-M technology automatically removes hair wraps from the brushroll, making it a great choice for households with pets or long-haired individuals.
The vacuum also features advanced swivel steering for easy maneuverability.
- DuoClean Technology for versatile cleaning
- Zero-M technology to prevent hair wraps
- Advanced swivel steering
Oreck LW1500RS Shag Carpet Vacuum
The Oreck LW1500RS is an upright vacuum designed specifically for shag carpets. With its adjustable brushroll, it can delicately yet effectively clean your plush rugs without causing damage.
This vacuum is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and transport around your home.
- Adjustable brushroll suitable for shag carpets
- Lightweight design
- Efficient suction power
Shark NV752 Rotator Upright Carpet Vacuum
The Shark NV752 Rotator is a versatile upright vacuum with a Lift-Away feature that allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning. With its Advanced Swivel Steering and LED lights, navigating around furniture and in dark corners is a breeze.
Its TruePet mini motorized brush and pet multi-tool make it one of the best pet vacuums for carpet.
- Detachable canister for flexible cleaning
- Advanced Swivel Steering and LED lights
- Pet-friendly features
Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Soniclean Soft Carpet vacuum uses sonic cleaning technology that vibrates to dislodge embedded dirt and debris from shag carpets. It’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver, with a large front wheel that makes it glide smoothly over plush carpets.
This vacuum includes a HEPA filtration system, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
- Sonic cleaning technology for deep cleaning
- Lightweight design
- HEPA filtration system
SharkNinja DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum
The SharkNinja DuoClean is an ultra-light vacuum cleaner that’s easy to maneuver and convert into a handheld vacuum for above-floor cleaning. Its DuoClean Technology features two brushrolls in one head, providing a thorough clean on carpets and hard floors alike.
This is arguably the best cordless vacuum for shag carpet for its versatility and portability.
- Ultra-light and convertible design
- DuoClean Technology for versatile cleaning
- Easy maneuverability
Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson DC65 is a powerful upright vacuum that uses Radial Root Cyclone technology for no loss of suction. Its self-adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across carpets and hard floors.
With its Tangle-free Turbine tool, it’s perfect for homes with pets.
- Radial Root Cyclone technology for consistent suction
- Self-adjusting cleaner head
- Tangle-free Turbine tool, perfect for pet owners
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Corded Carpet Upright Deep Cleaner
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe doubles as a shampoo vacuum cleaner, making it perfect for deep cleaning your shag carpets. Its SpinScrub Brush system gently scrubs carpet fibers for a thorough clean.
This vacuum also has a DualV Nozzle for consistent, equal suction.
- Shampoo and vacuum capabilities
- SpinScrub Brush system for deep cleaning
- DualV Nozzle for consistent suction
Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet: Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for the best vacuum for fluffy carpet, consider factors such as suction power, adjustability, weight, ease of use, and additional features like pet hair removal or multi-floor capabilities. The best vacuum for shag rug should be able to deep clean without damaging the long fibers of your carpet.
It’s also worth considering whether a robot vacuum or cordless vacuum would suit your needs. The best robot vacuum for shag carpet can offer convenience and automated cleaning, while the best cordless vacuum for shag carpet provides flexibility and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum is best for shag carpet?
The best vacuum for a shag carpet will have adjustable or automatic suction control, a brush roll that won’t snag the carpet fibers, and a design that allows it to move smoothly over high pile carpets. Both canister and upright vacuums can be suitable, depending on their features.
Can you vacuum a shag rug?
Yes, you can vacuum a shag rug, but it’s important to use the right vacuum cleaner. Some vacuums can pull and damage the long fibers of a shag rug. The best vacuum for shag rug is one designed to handle high pile carpets without causing damage.
How often should you vacuum shag carpet?
The frequency of vacuuming depends on the amount of foot traffic your shag carpet receives. Typically, you should vacuum your shag carpet at least once a week. However, in high-traffic areas, you may need to vacuum more frequently to keep your carpet looking its best.
How do you clean a shag rug without a vacuum?
To clean a shag rug without a vacuum, you can use a carpet rake or broom to loosen dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, consider using a shampoo vacuum cleaner or hiring professional carpet cleaners.
Can any vacuum be used on shag carpet?
Not all vacuums are suitable for shag carpets. Vacuums with high suction power and non-adjustable beater bars can damage the carpet fibers. The best vacuum for shag is one specifically designed to handle the high pile of these carpets.
Can robot vacuums clean shag carpet?
Some robot vacuums can clean shag carpets, but they must have the necessary features, such as adjustable suction and brush rolls that won’t snag the carpet. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the robot vacuum is suitable for high pile carpets.
What are the benefits of a vacuum with adjustable suction?
A vacuum with adjustable suction allows you to change the suction power depending on the surface you’re cleaning. For shag carpets, lower suction power is often needed to prevent damage to the long carpet fibers.
Can a vacuum damage a shag carpet?
Yes, a vacuum can damage a shag carpet if it has high suction power and a beater bar that isn’t suitable for high pile carpets. The best vacuum for plush rugs or shag carpets will have adjustable suction and a brushroll designed to handle long fibers.
Can you shampoo a shag carpet?
Yes, you can shampoo a shag carpet. In fact, shampooing can help remove deep-seated dirt and stains. Consider using a cordless shampooer or a vacuum that doubles as a shampooer, like the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe.
What vacuum cleaner features are most important for cleaning shag carpet?
The most important features for a shag carpet vacuum cleaner are adjustable suction, a suitable brushroll, a design that moves smoothly over high pile carpets, and easy maneuverability. Other beneficial features may include HEPA filtration and pet hair removal tools.