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The 6 Best Washable Rugs of 2024, According to Testing

Muddy paws and spilled wine are no match for these washable rugs.

Three washable rugs on a wood floor under a bench next to a console table.
Photo:

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Rugs are both practical and stylish, adding a statement to your home and creating a cushiony spot for your feet. They are available at different price points in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, but keeping them clean can be a challenge, especially if you have kids, pets, or a love for red wine.

However, washable rugs can save you from having to scrub stubborn stains since these low-maintenance rugs can be thrown right into your washing machine. Interior designer Taylor Bowling of Home Taylored says seeing how well the rug holds up after multiple washes is key to choosing a washable rug. You want to choose one that will maintain its quality and durability after being washed. 

To find the best washable rugs, we tested a variety of styles in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and at home for six months. We also consulted Bowling for additional insight.

What We Tested

We evaluated 28 washable rugs on their quality, texture, and durability. For more information on how we tested washable rugs, check out our testing process below.

Why You Should Get It
  • This 100% polyester rug is extremely stain-resistant and prevents any liquids from absorbing into the material.

Keep in Mind
  • We noticed the corners of the rug lifted slightly, but were easy to flatten by stepping on them.

The Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad performed well during all of our tests, which is why it earned a spot at the top of our list. We also love that the natural beige color and geometric pattern make this rug suitable for all design styles. 

This rug was used at home for six months and remained in the same spot throughout the testing period. It was placed underneath our barstools and walked on every day, so it saw plenty of crumbs and spills. Our cat also rolled around on it often and had a few accidents here and there as well.

We noted that this pick was quite stain-resistant during lab testing as we didn't see any evidence of the coffee or wine samples after using a cleaning solution and a paper towel. The potting soil was vacuumed up completely, which makes this rug a durable and low-maintenance option.

The soft, low pile, polyester surface seemed to prevent any liquids from absorbing into the material, a detail that came in handy during home testing. Despite the frequent use and messes at home, this rug continued to impress us with how well it resisted stains.

It washed easily and each time, it came out of our laundry machine looking brand new. We also liked that the rug is fairly thin, so it was easy to fold up and put into our machine.

During lab testing, we found this rug to be soft, but not plush; however, the 0.25-inch non-slip foam rug pad added just the right amount of cushion. It was very easy to assemble the rug pad, even without any instructions, since the three separate pieces fit together like a puzzle. The rug didn’t move or slide during our tests which is a plus.

We found this rug to be a great value given its supportive and stable rug pad and superb stain resistance. This low-pile rug is also hypoallergenic which makes it a great choice for homes with kids or pets. The only downside is that the corners of the rug lifted slightly, but we were able to flatten them out by stepping on them.

Product Details: Available Sizes: Seven | Material: 100% polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Why You Should Get It
  • This washable rug has a soft texture and premium feel, and stains were easily removed from the rug.

Keep in Mind
  • The rug cover must be removed from the pad before washing it, and the pad itself can only be spot treated.

The Ruggable Kamran Rug was one of the best washable rugs that we tested. We used this pick at home for six months and were impressed by how easily it could be cleaned and look brand new.

This washable rug comes with a rug pad that prevents it from moving around even when pushed. You can choose the standard pad which is ideal for high-traffic areas, or spend a little more on the cushioned pad which is thicker and more padded. Keep in mind this option could be too thick if you have doors that are low to the ground.

This rug was tested at home with a few cats. It was placed under our coffee table, so there were spills and accidents to clean up from time to time. Although we noticed that a few threads were loose after the cats scratched at it, we appreciated how well it held up after being cleaned in the washing machine. Overall, we felt that we didn't have to worry about any messes that came up.

In terms of texture and quality, this washable rug has a low pile, tightly woven fibers, and a soft and plush feel. We were impressed that it didn’t shed at all during our lab tests; however, we did notice the pile stood up a little in areas we scratched. After trying it at home, we'd still recommend it for high-traffic areas, especially since the low pile style doesn't hold much debris.

When we vacuumed the soil from the rug, all of the soil was easily picked up by the vacuum, and none of the dirt was stuck in the fibers of the rug. We also appreciated that the rug didn’t move or shift while we vacuumed. 

During our coffee and wine stain test, we didn’t see any remaining stains after performing the spot treatment test, but we did see a faint reddish-pink stain from the wine. Fortunately, the stain disappeared after we put the rug in the washing machine.

While the rug is machine washable, the pad can only be spot-treated. Although more expensive than most of the rugs on our list, its high performance, premium feel, and durability make it worth the premium price.

Product Details: Available Sizes: 13 | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; line dry

Why You Should Get It
  • This rug performed extremely well in our stain-resistance test—the coffee and wine didn’t soak into the material at all.

Keep in Mind
  • We could see fold marks in the rug even after laying it flat for two weeks.

The best washable rugs are stain-resistant, and the Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug definitely checks that box. During our spot treatment lab tests, the wine and coffee stains sat on top of the rug without any liquid absorbing into the material.

We were able to completely soak up the liquids with paper towels after letting them sit for 10 minutes and didn’t even have to use the cleaning solution. We were also able to vacuum up the soil quickly without leaving behind any dirt. This durable rug didn’t show any abrasion or loose fibers after we brushed it with a pet brush. 

This rug was used for six months at home in our entryway. Despite the frequent foot traffic, it continued to hold up well and we only had to wash it a few times. When we washed it, however, it still looked great and continued to lay flat, so we're confident in this rug's durability.

After six months of use, the only change we'd make is for this thin rug to have a bit more cushioning. Even though this rug doesn't come with a rug pad or non-skid backing, it didn’t slide around during our skid test in the lab, which is important especially if placing it in a high-traffic area like an entryway.

Product Details: Available Sizes: 5 x 7 feet | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low or hang dry

Ruggable Gradasi Sumac Rug
PHOTO: Ruggable
Why You Should Get It
  • This premium rug didn’t shed any fibers after being vacuumed or brushed

Keep in Mind
  • The rug pad is an added cost, but it’s worth the investment.

During testing, the Ruggable Gradasi Premium Rug impressed us for multiple reasons. It was comfortable to walk on and felt like something you might find in a luxury hotel. Plus, we were immediately impressed with the quality and texture of the rug.

This rug was tested in our home for six months. We originally wanted to use it outside of our mudroom, but the door didn't fit over the 0.4-inch thick padding this pick comes with. While it did cause a bit of an inconvenience, the thick padding helped the rug stay in place and offered added comfort while walking on it.

We washed this pick a few times and felt that the creamy color didn't look good as new and there was some minor wear and tear if you looked closely. That being said, we chalked it up to the color of the rug and thought that washing the rug still improved the look of it when it was dirty.

This rug didn’t shed any fibers after being vacuumed or brushed. Most of the liquid stains came out during our stain resistance test, but not all of them which is something to consider if you are looking for a low-maintenance rug. We do think that using a laundry stain remover and cleaning up any spills right away could help. 

Overall, we really liked this rug for its thickness, durability, and lack of shedding, but we wish the stains would have come out completely. This modern patterned rug comes in three different color options, all of which would look right at home in a midcentury modern bedroom or living room. 

Product Details: Available Sizes: 11 | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; line dry

Why You Should Get It
  • This washable rug is made out of 100% recycled polyester.

Keep in Mind
  • The wine stain didn’t come out completely during our stain-resistance test.

The West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug has a colorful waterfall pattern that adds an artistic element to this washable and sustainable rug. It comes with a non-skid backing that stayed in place extremely well during our tests. Despite the low pile height, we found this rug to be dense and plush with a velvety soft texture.

While testing this pick at home, we placed it at our front door for six months. Between frequent foot traffic and accidents from our dog, we had to wash this rug almost weekly and were pleased with how well it washed. It easily fit into our machine and still looked great after several washes.

In lab testing, we were impressed that no fibers came out after we brushed it with a pet brush for 10 seconds. The dirt came out completely after we vacuumed it and the coffee stain disappeared after blotting it with a paper towel. The wine stain only came out about 60% after we used the cleaning solution but it was very faint after running it through the washing machine.

Our favorite qualities were the pattern, soft and plush texture, and ability to secure it firmly to the ground without moving around. We were concerned that the coating on the back would wear off over time, but after months of testing we were pleased to find that it was still in good condition.

Product Details: Available Sizes: Five | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; hang dry

Why You Should Get It
  • We loved the super soft texture and stain-resistance of this medium-pile washable rug.

Keep in Mind
  • This rug doesn’t provide very much cushion, and doesn’t come with a pad.

Our pick for the best medium-pile rug is the World Market Iman Black and Ivory Persian Style Washable Area Rug. This medium-pile washable rug is so soft and fuzzy that it felt like we were walking on clouds. Even though it doesn’t come with a pad or non-slip backing, this rug still stayed in place well during our tests. However, it didn’t provide as much cushion as some of the other rugs we tested. 

We first placed this rug at our entryway and then moved it to our bathroom, which we thought was a better fit. Throughout the six-month testing period, we used it daily and vacuumed it regularly. The medium pile did add comfort and a layer of insulation to our feet, which we appreciated. Plus, it didn't trap hair or dirt the way a shaggier style would.

Overall, we didn't notice any changes in quality throughout the testing period. The corners continued to remain flat, which we liked since it could be a tripping hazard.

While testing this rug in our lab, the wine and coffee didn’t soak into the material and left only a few small stains to be treated which came out completely after we applied the cleaning solution and blotted them with a paper towel.

No fibers came out of this rug after we brushed it with a pet brush for 10 seconds. However, some of the fibers seemed to clump together like a cotton ball in some areas. Despite these minor cosmetic flaws, we think this rug is a great value given its comfort, durability, and stain resistance. 

Product Details: Available Sizes: Five | Material: Polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or air dry

The Bottom Line

After extensive testing, we chose the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad as our top pick overall because of its stain resistance, supportive rug pad, and durability. We also loved the neutral color and geometric pattern.

A person vacuuming and lifting up the Ophanie Machine Washable Fluffy Area Rug

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Our Testing Process

We tested 28 washable rugs and evaluated factors like material, size, and care instructions to come up with this list of the best washable rugs.

Before testing any of the rugs, they were laid out to flatten for two weeks. After that, we inspected each rug just by looking at it and examined the pile thickness, density, texture, and softness. We also recorded any loose fibers or threads before walking across each rug to evaluate the plushness and cushioning. Next, we noted the stability of each rug (and pad) by pushing it with our feet and seeing if it moved.

After making our initial observations, we tested how durable and stain resistant each rug was. We spread potting soil on each rug, and then used a vacuum cleaner to clean up the soil. We evaluated how clean the rug was afterwards and whether or not soil was stuck in the fibers of the rug.

To test the durability, we brushed each rug with a pet brush for 10 seconds. To test the stain resistance, we poured a tablespoon of red wine and coffee on each rug and let it sit for 10 minutes before blotting it with a paper towel and treating the stains with dish soap, white vinegar, and water.

Then, we washed and dried each rug according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. Overall, we examined the quality of each rug pre- and post-wash, paying special attention to the thickness, density, texture, softness, and whether or not stains came out during laundering.

What to Know About Washable Rugs Before Shopping

Size

When choosing a rug, you’ll want to figure out what size you need first, then shop accordingly. It’s important to make sure your rug is the right dimensions for your space, and not too large to fit in your washing machine. 

If you’re putting a rug under your furniture, it should be large enough for all of your furniture to fit on top of it and still keep a border around them so nothing is butting up against or hanging off the edge of the rug.

If you’re covering an empty floor space such as an entryway, consider the dimensions of the room or hallway first. You can choose a large rug to create a focal point or a small rug for a practical yet stylish accent. Just make sure there’s enough space around the rug so it doesn’t touch the wall.

Material

There are a few materials that can be machine washed, but you also want to make sure they can stand up to the level of wear you expect to give them. Most washable rugs are made of cotton or polyester. While both materials are durable, polyester tends to dry quicker than cotton.

“Selecting something durable that can moisture wick for quicker drying is essential when looking for a washable rug,” says Sarah Barnard of Sarah Barnard Design. “Machine washable rugs are often made of synthetic materials like polyester, with options now available using recycled materials for a more sustainable option.”

Care Instructions

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions as to the best way to clean your rug. Top-quality washable rugs can simply be thrown into your washing machine, no fuss needed. However, their needs vary in terms of temperature, cycle, and which laundry detergents you can use.

Many of them can also be tumble dried, but Barnard discourages that even if the manufacturer says it’s okay since it can damage the rug over time—air drying your rug is the safest option.

A woman touching the corner of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Other Washable Rugs We Tested

Willaby Hand-Loomed Rug

The Willaby Hand-Loomed Rug has a hand-woven, distressed look. It received high marks during our testing for its durability and texture, but wasn’t as soft or plush as some of the other rugs we tested. Since this rug doesn’t come with a pad or non-skid backing, we noticed it shifted around, which is another downside.

Regarding stain-resistance and ease of cleaning, the wine stain only came out 50% when we applied the cleaning solution, but disappeared completely after being fully washed. Overall, we liked the organic feel of this rug, but thought it was too expensive compared to other similar sized rugs we tested.

Rugs.com Washable Eco Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Unlike most of the other rugs we tested, the Rugs.com Washable Eco Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Rug one can be used inside or outside, which makes it a versatile option. We liked the pattern, style, and color of this eco-friendly and affordable rug, but there are a few downsides worth noting. Although it comes with a pad, we found ourselves sliding when walking on it.

At first we liked the texture of this rug, but it became frayed and snagged with loose fibers after being washed. This rug also didn’t hold up well during our pet brush test, resulting in a rougher texture. Despite the low cost and organic construction, this rug didn’t make our list for its lack of quality and durability, especially after being washed. 

NuLoom Jacquie Machine Washable Vintage Floral Area Rug

The NuLoom Jacquie Machine Washable Vintage Floral Area Rug rug had a subtle yet colorful pattern and a flat texture that was consistent throughout, but it was so thin that we could see the mesh backing just by rubbing our hands across the rug. However, it performed fairly well during our pet brush and stain resistance tests, and it maintained its look and feel after being washed.

The corners of the rug curled up and it didn’t stay in place which could be a trip hazard. Overall, we liked the affordability, design, and stain-resistance of this rug, but wished it were thicker and came with a rug pad to keep it in place.

A person scooping out oily liquid from a bowl and putting it on the Ruggable Gradasi Premium Rug

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Your Questions, Answered

What types of rugs are machine washable?

Machine washability is more about fabric than “type” of rug per se. Washable rugs are specifically designed for machine washing, either in choice of material, thickness, or both. According to Barnard, they may be either thinner or more flexible than a standard rug, or have a removable slipcover.

Keep in mind that size may also be a factor, and larger rugs may need larger machines. Just because a rug is machine-washable in general doesn’t mean your washer at home is big enough to be able to handle it.

How do I figure out what size rug I need?

Your preferred rug size will depend on your space itself, as well your furniture and your goals for the room, according to Barnard. “If in an area with furnishings, the rug should be large enough to comfortably fit all the furniture while maintaining a decent border around furnishings,” she says.

“If the goal of the rug is to cover flooring but not furniture, the rug size should relate to either the area of open floor space or the size of furnishings. For example, a runner rug at the foot of the bed should ideally run slightly larger in width than the width of the bed.”

What is the most durable rug material?

Barnard recommends recycled synthetic rugs for your highest-traffic areas, calling them a “fantastic, highly durable option.” Not only can they stand up to more traffic, they can also be scrubbed more vigorously.

“I love options made from recycled materials,” Barnard says, citing the growth in materials like recycled polyester, plastic bottles, or even fishing nets. “These create highly durable materials while offering an eco-friendly option.”

How much do washable rugs cost?

Washable rugs range in price and there are plenty of options to fit every budget. Cost depends on many factors including material and size. Typically, larger rugs cost more than smaller rugs from the same brand. 

“Like everything, [cost] can vary, but I would say they tend to be more affordable than not,” Bowling says. “Being able to wash them makes them more valuable too, because it keeps them cleaner longer, which means they typically last longer than non-washable rugs.”

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly washable rug, consider the Ophanie Machine Washable Rug. If you don’t mind splurging, we recommend the Ruggable Kamran Rug.

Who We Are

Erica Reagle is a freelance writer focusing on interior design and the home. To write this story, she spent several hours researching the best washable rugs, considering factors like size, material, and care instructions. She also gathered insights from our tests and spoke to interior designers Taylor Bowling of Home Taylored and Sarah Barnard of Sarah Barnard Design.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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