Rugs add an incredible sense of style to any room in your home. The only downfall? Cleaning them. It can be a timely and grueling task to clean your rugs, but there is a solution to taking the stress out of this mundane house task.

Washable rugs make cleaning a breeze. But are they effective, or is it just a gimmick? It’s not too good to be true: you can find machine washable rugs that are not only stylish but made of quality, environmentally-friendly materials.  If you’re shopping for a rug that’s not only stylish but makes your life easier, read on to learn the truth about washable rugs. 

How It Works

Cleaning a washable rug really is as simple as it sounds. It requires very little prep work before tossing it into your washing machine and letting it do the magic for you.

Prep Your Rug for Cleaning

Prep your rug by vacuuming it to get rid of any dirt and grime. If there are any stains, you should clean those up beforehand. A water and baking soda mix is usually a great line of defense for rug stains. Depending on the stain, it may require the use of a brush as well to lift. You can choose to use a spray stain remover but you will want to let it sit for about 15 minutes before throwing it in the washing machine.

Loading Your Washing Machine

It’s always a good idea to wash your rug separately in the washing machine. Washing separately is especially necessary for large area rugs since it will likely take up a good deal of space. If you have an area rug that simply doesn’t fit in your washing machine, don’t force it. Take it to a laundromat to use an industrial size machine to maintain the quality of your rug (and prevent damage to your washing machine).

Depending on how the rug balances out inside the machine, you may need to add a clean towel to the load. For example, if you have a standard top load washer, you want to balance the rug around the center agitator. If there is an imbalance, you can add a towel to offset it.

Washing and Drying Process

Use cold water and a liquid detergent on your washable rug during the wash cycle. When it’s time to dry, avoid putting it in your dryer. Air drying your washable rug is the best method because high heat can cause your rug to shrink or become misshapen. Use a drying rack or a clothesline to dry the rug, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Any direct sunlight can cause the colors in your rug to fade. 

If you find your rug is wrinkly after drying, you can throw it in the dryer using the no-heat setting, which uses air only. Or, you can use an iron to get out the wrinkles.

No Sacrifice for Style and Quality

Contrary to what you might have experienced when shopping for a washable rug, you don’t need to sacrifice style and quality. There are plenty of washable rug choices for whatever your style: whether it’s glam, bohemian, contemporary, or what have you. 

Quality is another important factor when shopping for a washable rug. You want to find a quality rug that can actually withstand being washed in a machine. 

Environmentally-Friendly Materials

If you’re the type of home decorator who loves using environmentally-friendly materials in your home, you don’t need to sacrifice when it comes to washable rugs. There are washable rugs on the market that are eco-friendly, made with 100% organic cotton, and recycled materials.

If you love decorating your home with rugs to give it a cozier feel, you don’t have to give them up because the upkeep is too much. It’s time to shop for washable rugs! Make your life easier and your home stylish with washable rugs that are low-maintenence.