1. Vacuum your shag rug regularly. Clean it twice a week to keep it in tip-top shape.
2. Sweep area rugs that are not too large with a bristle broom. The broom bristles get down into the pile and push the dirt out.
3. Paddle your area rugs by rolling them up, shaking them outdoors and then throwing them over a clothesline. Then use a paddle to knock the dirt out of them.