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Traditional rugs are generally high-maintenance, requiring professional cleaners or delicate hand-washing to keep them in mint conditions. Washable rugs are a genius alternative, differing primarily in their maintenance and cleaning requirements, but not in their luxe, space-defining results. You can easily toss them in the washing machine, so if you have pets or children or are prone to spills and stains, washable rugs were made for you.
The best washable rugs on the market offer the same style and aesthetic that you love in a traditional rug but with incredible functionality and top-notch features. They are constructed with materials that can withstand multiple washes without losing their shape, color, or overall quality.
Brands like Revival and Ruggable have made washable rugs more popular than ever, offering the look and feel of traditional rugs but with easy to clean features. The range of styles that you can get is wide, with everything from whimsical prints that add style and dimension to your room to plush area rugs and runners that warm up a bedroom or living area. And they’re all, of course, machine-washable, so you don’t need to hire a cleaner every time there’s an accident.
To create this list of the best washable rugs, we chatted with Therese Germain, vice president of product at Ruggable (one of the OG washable rug brands to hit the market back in 2010); Monica Dallyn, cofounder of My Magic Carpet; and cleaning expert Logan Taylor, president of The Dazzle Cleaning Company. They gave us the lowdown on washable rugs, explaining what they are, how to care for them and the best ones that are on the market for your lifestyle.
Top Washable Rugs of 2023
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Best washable rug for style enthusiasts
Ruggable x Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Lapis Blue Rug
Size: 6′ x 9′; available in area, runners, and round.
Materials: Polyester, with a polyurethane coating to help them repel water
Color: Lapis Blue; available in five colorways
Special features: Available in two pile heights. Flatwoven: best for under doorways, beneath rolling furniture, and under a dining room table. Tufted: best for comfortable living spaces, playrooms, and bedrooms.
$327.20 $409 20% off
$399
Stylish and bold, Ruggable specializes in washable rugs and washable rugs only. Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that fit every style, these are easily Taylor’s favorite line of washable rugs. “Their extensive collection includes washable rugs in everything from seasonal prints, like skeletons and holiday lights to playful collaborations with brands such as Jonathan Adler and Disney,” he explains. “So there is something for every room’s aesthetic.”
An easy way to add character to a room is with colorful pillows and patterned rugs. This whimsically patterned washable rug in collaboration with designer Jonathan Adler instantly elevates any room. If you want a subtle statement, try this pattern as a runner in your kitchen or entryway.
Ruggable offers two different options for thickness: flat woven and tufted. The tufted is thicker and more plush which works well in living areas and bedrooms. The flatwoven is thinner and great for layering under furniture or high-trafficked areas. The rugs pair well with a Ruggable rug mat, which makes the washable rug nonslip and even more comfortable in your space.
What testers say: “This runner really elevates the style of our entryway. The blue is really lovely. It washed really well after our dog had an accident on it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $327.20
Best Washable Rug on Amazon
GLN Stain Resistant Washable Rug
Size: 4′ x 6′
Materials: Cotton
Color: Pink/Cream
Special features: No rug pad necessary; nonslip backing
No stains, no shedding, no problems. This washable rug on Amazon is truly the best gift for women and men who are looking for a low-maintenance rug in their homes. The washable, stain-resistant GLN rug has a low pile height that’s perfect for high-trafficked areas, as it can withstand constant wear without losing its color or texture and typically does not shed. The best thing about this rug is the NanoWipe technology, which means spills and liquids pool on top of the rug so you don’t have any lasting marks and stains.
What testers say: “To date, after about a week on my living room floor, this rug is quite amazing and unique. My toy poodle did baptize it ( tinkled on a corner) and liquid simply pooled on it. I was very impressed! We plan on buying a second after the holidays.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $77.99
Best washable rugs for minimalists
Revival Rugs Catlet Washable Wool Rug
Size: 6′ x 9′
Materials: 50% New Zealand wool, 50% Indian wool
Color: Bone beige, cream
Special Features: Rug pad available for purchase
If you’re in the market for a rug and haven’t been served an ad for Revival, your algorithm is off. You would have no idea from looking at it that this plush and soft rug is machine-washable. Unlike many thin washable rugs that are on the market, Revival makes fluffy and luxurious rugs that are as soft and comfortable as your favorite bath towels. They offer a wide range of neutral colors that are classic and timeless, perfect for living areas and bedrooms. Match it to your duvet cover or opt for a bolder color that stands out in your space. For added comfort, you can pair it with a pad underneath that prevents it from slipping.
What testers say: “This rug is beautiful. It is super soft and plush, especially with a pad underneath. The shedding is minimal, if at all, and any creases from shipping smoothed out almost immediately. For the price, this is an exceptional rug!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Best washable rugs for the bedroom
Cozey Olivia Washable Rug
Size: 5′ x 8′
Materials: Recycled polyester
Color: Olivia; available in six styles/colors
Special features: Rug pad included
Your bedroom should be a cozy oasis. Think luxury pillows, buttery soft bedding, and accessories like silk pillowcases, luxury candles, and a soft washable rug to round out your space. Modern furniture brand Cozey recently added washable rugs to its diverse offering of thoughtfully designed furniture and accessories for your home.
The washable rugs are available in six styles and two sizes, making it easier for you to select a washable rug that fits your style and space. Too many options can create indecisiveness, and their offerings have something for everyone. The washable rugs come in a two-part system that combines a cushioned pad and stylish top layer that is available in six designs. The cushioned pad is assembled with interlocking pieces, so you don’t have any bumps beneath the washable rug. With a low pile height and size offerings, their rugs are compatible with most home washing machines.
What testers say: “I recently ordered one of these rugs for my dining room and was very impressed with how easy it was to set up, and it passed the baby food test with flying colors. My 10-month-old son gets more food on the floor than in his mouth, and I was able to easily clean the rug after an avocado and spaghetti incident.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
Best washable rugs for the Nursery
Pillowfort Striped Kids’ Rug
Size: 5′ x 7′
Materials: 100% polyester
Color: Multicolor
Special Features: Latex backing helps prevent slipping
Beyond a day at the spa, this might be the best gift for Mom that you can get. If there’s any room in the house that needs a washable rug, it’s a nursery or playroom. Having a 10-month-old at home, I know all too well that accidents and food spills are frequently being cleaned out of my rugs. And having a rug that can easily be cleaned in the washing machine is priceless.
Spit-up and snack-covered little fingers can be easily wiped clean with this washable rug. Designed with a nonslip bottom, this washable rug doesn’t require any additional padding which makes it really easy to set up and clean. The plush washable rug is comfortable for all ages, so kids have a soft landing when playing.
What testers say: “The rug is thick and adds color to the playroom for kids. Easy to clean.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
Best Washable Rug for Living Room
Ruggable Kamran Rug
Size: 6′ x 9′ and available in area, runners, and round.
Materials: Polyester, with a polyurethane coating to help them repel water.
Color: Royal Blue; available in nine colorways
Special features: Available in two pile heights (flatwoven and tufted):
Flatwoven: best for under doorways, beneath rolling furniture, and under a dining room table. Tufted: best for comfortable living spaces, playrooms, and bedrooms.
$279.20 $349 20% off
$339
$349
One of the best-selling styles from Ruggable, everything about this washable rug from functionality to design makes it a beautiful choice for your living room. The soft pattern works well with many different tastes and comes in a variety of colors to fit your aesthetic. What makes this Ruggable rug unique is the option for a low or high pile height.
Pile height is an important factor when considering comfort and durability, explains Germain. Especially in your living room “A higher pile rug, like our tufted texture, provides a thicker, softer, and more comfortable touch underfoot and are best utilized in areas that need extra coziness, like living rooms and bedrooms.” For ultimate comfort, it’s best to add a cushioned rug pad, whether you have a high- or low-pile rug.
What testers say: “I love the look of this rug. It’s so versatile in my living room and easily fits in my washing machine when the time comes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $279.20
Best Washable Rug for the Dining Room
Loon Peak Spinnerstown Faux Cowhide Power Loom Machine-Washable Rug
Size: 5′ 9″ x 7′ 7″
Materials: Acrylic, polyester, synthetic
Color: Black/Ivory
Special features: No pad necessary
An easy way to make your room feel like it has a designer touch is by layering rugs. This washable rug, inspired by an animal hide, looks great underneath a dining room table or layered over a larger area rug. It’s thin, so it easily fits under a rectangular or round table and furniture and doesn’t interfere with chair legs.
The size of this washable rug makes it extremely manageable to fold up and put in the wash and can easily be repurposed in any room of your house. Since it doesn’t have a nonslip backing, it’s best to use this rug in low-trafficked areas of the house or under larger pieces of furniture.
What testers say: “I’ve had this rug under my dining table for three years and cleaned it countless times in the washing machine. After many dinner parties, spilled wine, and who knows what else, the rug still looks as good as new. It’s soft and I love how the abstract shape looks in the dining area of my apartment.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $146.99
Best Washable Rug for the Kitchen
My Magic Carpet Yanis Yellow Gold Washable Rug
Size: 2.5′ x 7′
Materials: 100% microfiber polyester
Color: Yellow Gold
Special features: Easy to clean and nonslip
$44.99 $79.99 44% off
$51.77 $79.99 35% off
$104.49 $159.99 35% off
When it comes to vibes in the kitchen, serveware provides the function while luxury hand soaps and a fashionable washable rug add style and ambiance. Finding a washable rug for a high-trafficked area like the kitchen should check a few boxes, and this vibrant patterned rug checks them all. Since there isn’t any furniture to hold it down, it should have a nonslip bottom to keep it in place, should be thin so that you don’t trip over it while moving around, and it should be easily cleaned in the washing machine — this one checks all those boxes.
What testers say: “Our 2-year-old husky loves chewing his bones and treats on our magic carpet located near his doggy door. We have cleaned it once a week for the past year and it still looks great. I highly recommend these rugs to all pet owners. They are durable and look great. We have them in front of the back door, front door, and in front of the kitchen sink and stove. Easy to clean.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.99
Best Washable Rug for Pets
Better Homes & and Gardens Abstract Machine-Washable Indoor Area Rug
Size: 5′ x 7′
Materials: 100% polyester
Color: Navy Blue
Special features: Rug pad not included
If you have furry friends at home, you know all too well that a washable rug in a low pile is necessary to combat accidents, dirt, and fur. Being able to toss your rug in the washing machine is essential for any unforeseen mishaps. This rug has a low pile height and is made with a digitally printed design to prevent lasting stains and fading during wear and washing.
While this rug is on the thinner side, Taylor explains that if you want a rug in a high-trafficked area and have pets or kids, a lower rug pile is more manageable than a plush rug. “Washable rugs are thinner than you probably imagine them to be,” he says. “Which is great for pets and kids. If you want additional comfort, you can put a rug pad under the rug to give it a somewhat more plush feel.”
What testers say: “I love this rug. Seriously. Of course, it isn’t plush or soft, but it does feel nice and smooth under your feet. I have white tile and was constantly spot-cleaning my kitchen floor. Not only is this rug beautiful and dark, it’s washable. It hides those little kitchen drips perfectly, and it’s easy to throw in the washer once a week. It’s been a total sanity saver, with 2 kids, 3 pets, and a husband who’s as messy as the 5 of them combined. Bonus points, I didn’t have to fight with the corners trying to roll up for weeks/months like I have some other rugs. It laid flat pretty much right away!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80.00
Best 8×10 Washable Rug
Tumble Tabriz Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad
Size: 8′ x 10′
Materials: 100% polyester
Color: Sea Blue/Ivory
Special features: Rug pad included
A piece meant for everyday living, this washable rug is high on our list of the best cozy gifts. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, an 8-by-10-foot rug is typically a good size to either stand out in the room or act as an accent and layer of comfort beneath your furniture. This Tumble rug comes with a rug pad which easily tucks into the corners of the rug so it stays put. While it isn’t plush like Revival rugs, it’s smooth to the touch and feels soft under your feet. Spills pool on the top, so it’s easy to clean without having to toss it in the washing machine all the time. If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and spill-proof rug, this is the rug for you.
What testers say: “This rug is amazing! Easy to put down, it’s comfortable to walk on, easy to wash, and comes out of dryer like new. And liquid does exactly like it says it will and sits on top. I will definitely be buying more of these!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $152.15
What to Consider When Shopping for a Washable Rug
- Material: The material of the rug is important as it determines its durability, softness, and how well it can withstand washing. Common materials for washable rugs include cotton, synthetic blends, microfiber, and certain types of polypropylene. “A polyester fabric ensures consistent shape, color, and texture throughout wash cycles,” says Dallyn. “It is also stain-resistant and can be cleaned easily just like your clothing, with detergent in your home washer and dryer.”
- Padding and Backing: A nonslip or nonskid backing is beneficial, especially if the rug will be placed in high-traffic areas or on smooth surfaces. Not all washable rugs come with a nonslip feature, explains Dallyn. “A machine-washable rug falls into one of two categories: the single-piece and the two-piece. The single-piece offers a nonslip material built into the backside of the fabric, eliminating the need for additional components. The two-piece alternative necessitates the use of both the rug top and a separate nonslip padding,” she says. Notably, this padding often comes as a separate purchase.
- Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the rug in relation to the space where you plan to use it. The majority of washable rugs are compatible with traditional washing machines, explains Germain, but with a bigger size, you may consider washing it in an industrial-sized washing machine at a laundromat. “Most Ruggable covers (and sizes) can be washed in front-loading washing machines, top-loading washing machines, and washer-dryer combos — 10-by-14 rugs (our largest size) can typically fit in washing machines at most laundromats,” she explains.
- Style: Washable rugs come in a wide variety of designs and styles to complement various decor styles. Choose a rug that not only fits your style but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space. Consider factors such as color, pattern, and texture.
- Rug Pile and Rug Weave: Rug pile refers to the visible surface of the rug that you see and feel. The pile can vary in height, thickness, and density, and greatly influences the look, feel, and durability of a rug. You might consider a higher rug pile for cozier, less trafficked areas, like a bedroom or playroom, while thinner pile heights are great for more frequented areas, like kitchens and dining rooms.
How to Care for a Washable Rug
Taking care of a washable rug involves a combination of regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques to ensure its longevity and appearance. Here are some general guidelines for caring for a washable rug:
- Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your washable rug regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This helps prevent particles from settling into the fibers, maintaining the rug’s appearance and cleanliness.
- Address Stains Promptly: Act quickly to address spills and stains — and never rub, says Germain. “Blot liquids with a clean, dry cloth,” she says, “and gently scrape solid stains with a spoon or a dull knife and avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers.”
- Machine Washing: If your rug is machine-washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for machine washing. Most manufacturers follow the same guidelines as Ruggable. Germain recommends washing on cold and using a mild, non-bleach detergent. “To maintain the vibrancy of rugs, use a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners in the washing machine to keep the texture in the best condition,” she says.
- Drying: Allow the rug to dry completely after washing. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause colors to fade. Lay the rug flat to dry, and ensure it is completely dry before placing it back in its original location.
- Rotate the Rug: To ensure even wear, rotate the rug occasionally, especially in high-traffic areas. This helps prevent one area of the rug from wearing out more quickly than others.
How We Selected the Best Washable Rugs
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To find the best washable rugs on the market, we spoke to multiple home, design, and cleaning experts for advice on key factors to seek out in top options. We conducted research into popular brands and rug styles, all while evaluating the materials and special features that make these rugs easy to clean. We also combed through tester reviews to determine if the rugs stand up to wear and tear. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Monica Dallyn is the co-founder of My Magic Carpet. As a working mom and pet owner, Dallyn was tired of spending much of her free time trying to keep her floors clean and germ-free. Maintaining most area rugs on the market is expensive and labor-intensive. After their production, Dallyn’s dreams came true. My Magic Carpet washable rugs, which are also stain resistant, nonslip, and contain a waterproof lining, gave her back some free time while keeping her floors clean.
Therese Germain is the Vice President of Product at Ruggable. Germain graduated from the University of Notre Dame and has previously held roles with Ruggable R&D.
Logan Taylor is the President of The Dazzle Cleaning Company, an eco-friendly cleaning service.
Meet the Author
Zoe Roscoe is no stranger to stains. As someone who has hosted many dinner parties in her NYC apartment and now has an infant at home, she understands how important it is to have quality furniture and washable rugs to keep her space looking organized and clean. Her work has been featured on Apartment Therapy, Living Cozy, The Spruce, and more.
This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
