fluffing up carpet,

[Zoe Girl]

I am cleaning the carpet in my small living area, some of it is pretty matted down. So I am getting the gunk out but it still looks flat and a little darkened. Is there any way to clean and vacuum to fluff up.

[Tradd]

Sounds like you need the plastic-toothed carpet rake we used after vacuuming the shag carpet when I was growing up - to fluff it up!

I just googled "carpet rake" - I'm amazed they still make them!

Seems like some are used to unmat carpet before vacuuming

[Rosemary]

By what means are you cleaning it? In my experience a heavy-duty rug cleaner (that uses water and extracts it) helps to make carpet look less matted.

[Gardenarian]

You can also use a regular garden rake - I've done that in the past.
I've had good luck with those carpet cleaners you rent from the grocery or hardware store.