Spot-cleaning doesn't always cut it. For high-traffic areas and spill-prone families, you'll want these washable rugs.
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The 11 Best Washable Rugs for Your Home
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
Rugs can really take a beating in homes with pets, kids or simply lots of people coming in and out. While the best vacuum cleaners and DIY carpet stain removers certainly come in handy, sometimes you just wish you could throw the whole thing in the washing machine. The good news? With the best washable rugs, you can do just that! Learn how to wash bath mats or rugs so they’re fresh, fluffy and free of bacteria.
Washable rugs are ideal for rooms with lots of traffic, such as living rooms, or messy places like kitchens, dining rooms and playrooms. Typically created with a lighter, flatweave design made with non-shrinking fibers, according to interior designer Kevin Francis O’Gara, they’re easy to maintain and more durable than other rugs. While most can be cleaned in a washing machine as long as they fit, some can even be hosed down outside. But no matter what type of rug you go with, it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.
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What to consider before buying a rug
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Best overall
Ruggable Sarrah Rug
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Water- and stain-resistant
- Multiple size and shape options
- Cushioned rug pad available
Cons:
- Only for indoors
Looking for a washable rug that looks way more expensive and delicate than it is? Get ready to fall in love with Ruggable’s Sarrah rug. Its classic, vintage-inspired style works well in a bedroom, living room, dining room or home office—and it’s both water- and stain-resistant, making it one of the best washable rugs for homes with pets and kids. Like all rugs from this washable-rug pioneer, this one is made from 100% recycled polyester on the top and thermoplastic rubber on the bottom. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to detach the rug from the pad before washing it.
Reviewers love it too. “I have an old dog that has lots of accidents,” writes one happy customer. “These rugs have been a lifesaver!” A Reader’s Digest editor also swears by her Ruggable rug, saying it’s “beautiful,” “easy to clean” and “100% worth it.”
Best budget
Duduta Faux Fur Sheepskin Bedside Rug
Pros:
- Affordable yet stylish
- Anti-slip suede backing
- Available in seven colors, from neutrals (like white and black) to fun colors (like pink and teal)
Cons:
- Not offered in large sizes
- Hand-wash only
Sheepskin and faux sheepskin rugs have been a major trend in recent years, but they can be expensive and often aren’t washable. Fortunately, the Duduta White Faux Fur Bedside Rug is priced within reach and can be hand-washed with gentle detergent. This fluffy little rug—which comes in 2-by-3, 2-by-6 and 3-by-5-foot options, all with a 3-inch-high pile—can also be used as a chair throw, and either way, you’re going to cuddle right up into it.
“Sheepskin has been and always will be a good look,” says artist and rug designer Elizabeth Sutton. “This extremely affordable option makes it a no-brainer, whether it gets dirty, you get bored of it or you want to swap the color. Accessibility at its finest.”
Best style
Ruggable Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Camel & Ivory Rug
Pros:
- Designer brand
- Available in six sizes, from 2-by-3 to 9-by-12 feet
Cons:
- A bit pricey
This new Jonathan Adler rug has a simple modern aesthetic that is also quite striking. With a sophisticated pattern featuring irregular line work inspired by hand-cut paper, the low-pile chenille rug from Ruggable is a great way to elevate your decor. This surprisingly well-priced designer piece is easily machine-washable—as well as stain- and water-resistant. “I envision it in a master bedroom or a luxe office,” says Sutton. It also comes in black and ivory, brown and orange, and navy and teal.
Best outdoor
nuLOOM Nelle Tribal Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Pros:
- Can use it outdoors as well as indoors
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Durable
- Sustainably made
Cons:
- Must be air- or line-dried
Available in both blue and gray, this sustainably made nuLOOM indoor/outdoor rug features a trendy yet sophisticated geometric design, making it ideal for almost any outdoor dining space, from a style perspective. It’s also an incredibly practical choice, since it’s stain- and spill-resistant, as well as machine-washable. You don’t even have to take off the back layer before throwing it in the wash. So, go ahead—enjoy your red wine and barbecued ribs without worry. If you’re looking to spruce up your entire patio, here are the best outdoor furniture brands to check out.
Best for an entryway
Safavieh Tuscon Distressed Rug
Pros:
- Distressed design hides dirt
- Timeless look
- Available in a runner, as well as round, rectangular and square shapes
- Affordable
Cons:
- Will slip without a pad
The Safavieh Tuscon rug is a great choice for your entryway for several reasons. First, it’s machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about dirty shoes, wet weather or pets with muddy paws. The cool color palette and distressed style also make it easy to hide shoe prints and everyday dirt until you’re ready to throw it into the washing machine. Plus, it also comes in a ton of entryway-friendly sizes and shapes, including a runner and a round style, that are perfect for that spot.
On Sale
Best for the kitchen
MontVoo Kitchen Runner
Pros:
- Non-slip
- Durable
- Stain-resistant and water-absorbent
Cons:
- Limited colors and sizes
If you’re looking for a rug for your kitchen, why not go with one specifically designed with that room in mind? The MontVoo runner has a sleek, neutral style that adds a warm and practical feel to any kitchen. It has great absorption for minor kitchen spills or wet shoes, it’s stain-resistant and it won’t compress or fall apart over time. Plus, it has a rubber backing that will help it stay put on kitchen floors. Reviewers rave that it is durable, still looks great after vacuuming multiple times a day and washes in the machine easily.
On Sale
Best area rug
EarthAll Buffalo Plaid Rug
Pros:
- Available in 10 sizes and three colors
- Affordable
- Easy to vacuum and wash
Cons:
- On the thin side
This EarthAll area rug looks just as good in living rooms and dining rooms as it does outside or even in your kitchen as a runner. The checkered pattern, which is available in three colors (gray and white, black and white, and red and black), adds an instant country-cottage flair to any space. And reviewers rave that this super affordable rug is “great quality” and “durable.” Handwoven from cotton and available in 10 sizes, this Amazon bestseller doesn’t bunch when vacuumed and can be popped in the machine on gentle, then tumble-dried on low.
On Sale
Best boho style
LiveBox Bohemia Cotton Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
Pros:
- Unique style
- Durable and absorbent
- Withstands abuse from pets
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the material is a bit thin
- Rug pad isn’t included
Very possibly “the cutest boho rug ever,” according to reviewers, this indoor/outdoor rug from LiveBox doesn’t just rely on its good looks. Yes, it’s got a unique design, tufting and cool side tassels, but the woven Moroccan cotton is also comfy, durable and absorbent. And pet parents will appreciate this five-star review: “This rug is GREAT for my two-cat home. They love to roll around on rugs and play on them and crumple them up, and this rug holds up to all of it. Plus, it looks stylish, and it’s easy to get the fur off of. It’s the best!”
Best for kids' rooms
Lorena Canals Washable ABC Rug
Pros:
- Good for both girls’ and boys’ rooms
- Made mostly of recycled cotton
- Durable yet soft
- Resistant to shedding
Cons:
- Limited sizes available
This plush, washable ABC rug gets an A+ for style. It’s also gender-neutral and versatile enough to be used from the baby and toddler years all the way through elementary school. “This is super adorable yet chic,” says Scanlon, “since it’s not in the usual pink, blue, bright color palette. I see it in a very chic kid’s room.” And in addition to the style, you’ll love how it’s made: Handcrafted yet eco-friendly, it’s made with natural cotton and nontoxic dyes, and yep, you can throw it right in the wash. It makes a great eco-friendly gift for families with little ones.
Best eco-friendly
Lorena Canals Bereber Washable Rug
Pros:
- Made with recycled cotton and nontoxic dyes
- Handmade
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Available only in one color in the diamond pattern
- Not ideal for pets, because their nails can get caught in the fabric
Lorena Canals proves that washable rugs can also be eco-friendly. Like the ABC children’s rug above, this grown-up Bereber rug is made of recycled cotton with non-toxic dyes. Sutton, who particularly loves the eco-friendly aspect, also adores its casually cool yet pulled-together style: “I love the neutrality of this rug. It gives off a rustic vibe.”
On Sale
Best for high-traffic areas
nuLOOM Brielle Vintage Medallion Area Rug
Pros:
- Stain-resistant
- Non-slip backing
- Classic Persian design
Cons:
- Not for outdoor use
Rugs in high-traffic areas can take a beating, but this nuLOOM Brielle rug can stand up to whatever you throw at it—whether that’s kids, pets or clumsy guests who spill things when they’re visiting. It’s spill- and stain-resistant, but when the spills and stains get to be too much, you can just throw it in the machine. Add a rug pad underneath to give it a cushier feel, though even if you don’t, it will stay put, since it has a practical non-slip backing.
What to consider before buying a rug
Before you click “add to cart,” O’Gara recommends considering the room you’re placing the rug in and keeping in mind how it’s made. “Tufted rugs will always shed the most for the first couple of months and are softer but harder to vacuum,” he explains. “Knotted rugs are easier to clean than tufted, but you’ll want to watch out for the knots getting picked up by pet feet or high traffic. Flatweave rugs are less soft but the most durable, and I’d recommend a thick rug pad for these.” As noted above, flatweave rugs are generally what you’ll find (and want) when looking for a washable rug. But no matter what you end up with, you should bookmark this information on how to clean a carpet.
How we chose the best washable rugs
We took several factors into consideration when choosing the best washable rugs. After asking several interior designers for their picks, we also considered user reviews, fan favorites, brand reputation and return policies. The picks below are stylish, durable and, best of all, most of them can be tossed right into your washing machine.
Sources:
- Kevin Francis O’Gara, interior designer
- Elizabeth Sutton, artist and rug designer
- Caitlin Scanlon, interior designer
- Shay Holland, interior designer and HGTV star
