Preparation
Finding the perfect area rug for your space can be a challenge—you want it to look good, but you also want to know that it can stand up to everyday wear and tear. One way to ensure that happens? By choosing a washable area rug. “A washable rug is one that can be simply pulled up and thrown directly into the washing machine to easily remove dirt and stains” explains Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, who says washable rugs are “rugs that keep on giving.” Whether you have a front-load or top-load washer, simply pour liquid detergent into your machine, place the rug inside by itself, and rinse with cold water on the delicate cycle (yes, it’s that easy!). “A washable rug is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle, whether that involves kids, pets, or parties,” Kelly notes. “Washable rugs take out the worry and allow you, your family and your guests to live and enjoy, knowing it will come out in the wash.”
If you’ve decided that a washable rug is for you, we’ve found 10 beautiful, easy-to-clean options that’ll enhance your home’s overall style while also helping you cut down on the time you spend spring cleaning. Looking for a subtle rug that will fit in seamlessly with any room? Then you’ll love the neutral-hued ones we’re sharing, especially the Ruggable Crosshatch Natural Rug ($209, ruggable.com). Designed with gently hand-drawn lines in neutral hues of dark cream, muslin, and sand dollar, it will look great no matter where it is stationed. Or perhaps a dynamic design is more your style? We found area rugs that will definitely catch your eye. From geometric designs to monochrome iterations, these washable area rugs will instantly pull any room together.
Before purchasing your own washable rug, it’s important to know what to look for. With so many options to choose from, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the best materials that stand up to high traffic areas of the home—or which patterns look best in your space. Before diving into our top picks, we’re highlighting some must-know tips from the experts about what to consider before clicking “add to cart.”
Although you can wash this type of rug whenever it gets a little worse for wear, keep in mind that it is still a furnishing in your home that is actively used. This means that its look will diminish over time. For this reason, you want to choose a durable material that can handle frequent washing. Kelly says to look for something made with synthetic fibers, like nylon, polyester, and olefin, which she says are “great for machine washing and can handle multiple washes.” She adds that if you are “looking for a more natural rug, cotton is a great choice that is inexpensive, soft, plush, and can withstand the wash.”
Washable rugs are available in every color and pattern you can think of, and while you may be tempted to reach for the loudest hue available, proceed with caution. “It doesn’t matter what pattern or color your rug is, but make sure to keep in mind that rugs will fade when you wash or scrub them,” says Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “With that being said, it is sometimes best to steer away from vibrant colors since they may not hold up as well.” Kelly confirms this, stating that people interested in keeping their washable rugs in tip-top shape long term should try to stick with more muted tones and colors. “Bold, bright colors will show fading after one too many washes and will be much more noticeable than say a soft blue or neutral rug.”
Another thing to consider before choosing which washable rug you’re going to buy is its pile, or the density of its fibers. There’s short and tall piles that range in height—low is less than a quarter-inch, medium is a quarter- to half-inch, and plush is a half- to three quarters-inch. Although Kelly notes that machine washable rugs are very durable, she recommends sticking to a lower pile. “A shag rug, for example, may take more of a beating in the washing machine than a flat rug will,” she notes. Now that you know a few key things to consider when shopping, let’s get to the good stuff—our favorite buys.
Best Plush: Ruggable Polar White Plug RugBest Stain-Resistant: Ruggable Anza RugBest Boho: West Elm Boho Washable RugBest Cotton: Safavieh Montauk Collection Handmade Fringe Cotton Area RugBest Natural Look: Ruggable Crosshatch Natural RugBest Vintage-Inspired: Ruggable Vintage Daisy Bordered RugBest Patterned Rug: My Magic Carpet Kenya Beige Medallion Washable Area RugBest Modern Design: nuLOOM Romina Machine Washable Diamond Stripes Area RugBest Organic: Willaby Hand-Loomed Rug in CitrineBest Pet-Friendly: My Magic Carpet Medina Moroccan Diamond Ivory Washable Area Rug
