Washable rugs: how to choose and wash them
A washable rug takes the stress out of spills, pets and small children. But "washable" means different things on different rugs. Here is how to choose one and how to wash it safely.
Machine washable vs hand washable
| Machine washable | Hand washable | |
|---|---|---|
| How to wash | Domestic drum, gentle cycle | Bath, shower tray or outdoors with a hose |
| Typical temperature | 30 °C or as the label says | Cool to lukewarm water |
| Detergent | A little mild liquid; no softener | Mild liquid or wool wash |
| Size limit | What fits loosely in your drum | Any, but large rugs are heavy when wet |
| Drying | Flat or over a rail, air dry | Flat or over a rail, air dry |
Always follow the care notes on the product page. On Rug Kingdom we only describe a rug as washable when its maker does, and we tell you whether it is machine or hand washable. Shop washable rugs.
Will it fit my washing machine?
A rug needs room to move in the drum. As a rough guide, a standard 7 to 9 kg domestic machine copes with a small rug such as 60 x 90 cm or 80 x 150 cm; a 120 x 170 cm rug is often too heavy once wet. Roll the rug loosely to check: if it fills more than about three-quarters of the drum, wash it by hand or use a launderette's large machine.
How to machine wash a rug
- Shake the rug outside and vacuum both sides to remove grit and hair.
- Pre-treat stains with a little diluted detergent.
- Roll the rug loosely and place it in the drum, ideally with a couple of towels to balance the load.
- Choose a gentle or delicates cycle at the temperature on the label (often 30 °C), with a low spin.
- Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent and no fabric softener, which can coat the fibres.
- Dry flat or over a clothes rail, out of direct sun and away from radiators. Turn it halfway through.
How to hand wash a rug
- Vacuum both sides.
- Fill a bath with cool water and a little mild detergent, or lay the rug on a clean patio.
- Work the water through the pile with your hands or a soft brush, following the pile direction.
- Rinse until the water runs clear; leftover detergent attracts dirt.
- Press out water (do not wring), then roll the rug in towels to absorb more.
- Dry flat or over a rail until completely dry, including the backing, before you put it back.
Do not
- Tumble dry, unless the maker says you can. Heat can damage latex backings and distort the pile.
- Use bleach or optical brighteners.
- Machine wash a rug that is not labelled machine washable.
- Put a rug back on the floor while the backing is still damp.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put any rug in the washing machine?
No. Only rugs labelled machine washable, and only if they fit loosely in your drum. Wool, viscose and jute rugs should never be machine washed unless the maker says so.
How often should I wash a washable rug?
As needed. For a kitchen or pet rug, every few weeks to every couple of months; vacuum it weekly in between.
Can you tumble dry a washable rug?
We recommend air drying flat or over a rail. Tumble drying can damage the backing unless the care label allows it.
Do washable rugs shrink?
Washing at a higher temperature than the label says can cause shrinkage or distortion. Stick to the stated temperature and dry flat.
Shop the guide
-
Amelie Lana Rug in Rust With Faded Blue Hues
from £29.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Green
from £69.98 -
Izaline Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98
Related guides
- Kitchen rugs and runners: a practical guide
- Rugs for homes with pets
- Rugs for nurseries and children's rooms
- How to remove stains from a rug
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.