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The 8 Best Washable Rugs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Add style and easy-care materials to any room

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In This Article

Ruggable Gradasi Rug

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Washable rugs elevate your home’s look without sacrificing practicality. When life—and common messes—happen, they’re a breeze to clean. Surprisingly, they're also often more affordable than their non-washable counterparts.

We tested 59 washable rugs over the course of 56 hours to see how well they fared against household stains, putting them to the test in high-traffic, real-world setting in The Lab and in our homes. We stepped on, stained, washed, and vacuumed them, and we discovered our favorite options were pliable enough to fit into a standard washing machine and comfortable underfoot.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that many washable rugs also offered stain resistance and easy care, which can minimize the need to wash your rug so often in the first place. Our favorites come in a variety of fun patterns, prints, and color choices for every room and style.

What We Like
  • Strong fibers

  • Stains don’t seep into rug

  • Smooth and soft texture

  • Effective and grippy rug pad

What We Don't Like
  • Only one color and pattern

Of all the options we tested, our favorite is the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug. Highly durable and exceptionally comfortable, this rug performed impressively across the board. This rug is not only machine washable, but also stain-resistant and pet- and kid-friendly. In our testing, we were very impressed with its durability.

The polyester, low-pile rug has a soft and smooth texture that feels very pleasant underfoot. We also like that the rug comes with an included rug pad, which we found easy to attach without much effort. The pad proved very effective at keeping the rug in place, even when applying pressure. While the rug itself isn’t very plush (which tends to be standard for most washable rugs), the 0.25-inch pad added supportive cushioning.

The Tumble Tabor Washable Rug comes in seven sizes and is available as an area or runner rug—the latter is a great addition to any hallway or entryway. Although this design only comes in one color, we think the warm-toned beige hue works well with most spaces, whether your home leans midcentury modern or bohemian-style.

This rug has held up phenomenally—even after use in a high-traffic kitchen in a household with pets for months. It's survived numerous spills and even cat poop; most stains were easily wiped off, but some spot treatment and one round of laundering did the trick for pet accidents. 

Additionally, we didn’t have any issue laundering this rug in a standard washing machine, since the relatively thin rug was easy to fold up. The quality has not diminished, and we’re seriously impressed with how good it looks. It’s a great rug for most households, but especially mess-prone areas.

Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 7 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Color Options: 1

What We Like
  • Soft faux wool fabric

  • Effective non-slip backing

  • Highly stain-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Seams started to lift post-wash

  • Hard to vacuum

If you’re on a budget, check out the Lahome Washable Area Rug, which offers great value at its price point. This faux wool rug is one of the softest options we tested, offering an almost silky feeling underfoot. That being said, it’s not particularly dense. 

We think its texture makes for a great addition to a playroom or nursery since we found it feels inviting enough to sit and play on. In the lab, we were a bit worried the texture would be a bit too slick and pose a safety risk, but we did not find this to be the case during our long-term tests.

We like how effective the non-skid backing is, as it does a great job of preventing the rug from moving around on the floor. In the lab, we found this rug performed well in certain aspects of our durability tests—it held up well against abrasion with only a slight difference in texture and proved highly stain-resistant. 

However, we did have some trouble vacuuming the rug, as the vacuum did not pass cleanly, leaving behind residual dirt on the surface. Post-wash, the rug held up moderately well, with no changes in texture, but we did notice the seams started to gently lift around the border. Taking into account its overall performance and texture, though, we think this rug is reasonably priced and worth considering.

In terms of upkeep, it's been super easy to spot-clean, whether the stain in question was a nosebleed or marker. However, we found the rug is more trouble to shove in a washing machine than it's worth. While the material handles machine washing well, the bulky nature of the rug makes the machine unbalanced (and it's tough to get inside!)

Pile Height: 0.4 inches | Material: Faux wool | Dimensions: 16 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, round | Color Options: 5

What We Like
  • Dense and soft pile

  • Easy to clean

  • Wide variety of sizes, shapes, and plushness levels

What We Don't Like
  • Border stitching could be higher quality

An effective non-slip backing is essential for keeping any rug in place and minimizes the risk of tripping and falling. We love that the Ruggable Kamran Rug comes with a rug pad, which can be detached when it’s time to wash the cover. The rug pad worked exceptionally well, as it did not move when we pushed against it. 

The rug itself has a low, soft, and dense pile which we enjoyed. We tested the flatwoven rug cover, but flatwoven cushioned, tufted, or tufted cushioned comfort levels are also available, depending on your desired comfort level. We also tried the standard rug pad, but a cushioned rug pad is available. The cushioned version may be worth the splurge if you prefer more padding underfoot.

The Kamran Coral Rug flaunts a timeless Persian-inspired design reminiscent of traditional Heriz rugs. It's slightly faded for a vintage look and comes in nine colorways to match your existing decor. There are also eight rectangular sizes available, ranging from 2 x 3 to 10 x 14 feet, in addition to runners and round rugs in various sizes to choose from. We love the wide selection of options, a detail that allows this rug to work in any home and any size space.

This product shined in terms of durability, as the abraded area showed virtually no signs of wear. Additionally, the stains were completely removed after spot treatment, with only a faint shadow of the red wine remaining. After washing the rug, though, all stains were completely gone.

This rug has continued to impress after using it in our homes for two months. The grippy underside has kept the rug in place, even in a household with hyperactive pets. We’ve spot-treated and vacuumed the rug, and the short and dense pile makes it easy to clean. Plus, the color of the rug hides the appearance of stains nicely.

While the rug has largely held its own despite cat scratches, vomit, and zoomies, we did notice some loose threading around the borders of the rug, so you’ll want to consider this if you’re a pet owner. All things considered, its durability and overall performance are still top-notch.

Pile Height: 0.08 inches, 0.28 inches (without rug pad) | Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Dimensions: 13 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, runner, round | Color Options: 9

What We Like
  • Suitable for high-traffic areas

  • Durable and stain-resistant

  • Easy day-to-day maintenance

What We Don't Like
  • Thinner construction

  • Tight fit in the washing machine

Let’s face it: Delicate rugs don’t stand a chance against pets. You’ll need a rug that has strong fibers and stain resistance to hold up against the claws and potential accidents of your furry friends. The Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug is a great option for pet owners, proving its durability in both our lab and in our homes. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.)

This rug was thinner compared to other washable rugs we tested—but it looked and felt well-made. We liked that the cotton canvas backing kept the rug in place, without needing a rug pad.

Additionally, it proved quite stain-resistant, as both the wine and coffee remained on the surface of the rug rather than seeping into the fabric. We also found it exceptionally easy to vacuum, as all the dirt was completely removed with no residue. However, we found this rug was difficult to fit into the washing machine, which is worth considering when choosing the size of the rug.

We placed this rug in a busy entryway with high foot traffic for two months, and it has held up impressively. It has stayed really clean-looking, even in a household with multiple kids and a dog. We used both a robot vacuum and an upright vacuum to maintain the rug’s appearance, and both were able to pass over the rug with ease.

In fact, with minimal daily upkeep, we haven’t had the need to wash this rug during the two-month testing period. Plus, the pattern itself helps hide any potential stains. Our only complaint is the rug is quite thin and doesn’t provide much cushioning underfoot.

Pile Height: 0.16 inches | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 3 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Color Options: 2

Best High Pile

Ruggable Shag Rug

Ruggable Shag Rug
PHOTO: Ruggable
What We Like
  • Soft and fuzzy texture

  • Cushiony and supportive

  • Removable and grippy rug pad

What We Don't Like
  • Not the most suitable for high-traffic areas

Cozy and inviting, high-pile rugs are a great way to add warmth and texture to your space. While high-pile rugs are typically more difficult to maintain than low-pile rugs, being able to throw them into the washer can make cleaning much easier. The Egret Shag Rug is a great pick if you prefer comfort over durability, and we especially recommend it for lower-traffic areas, like bedrooms and home libraries.

In the lab, we found this rug to feel super buttery and supple, and we loved that it was comfortable enough to sit on for long periods of time. It was one of the softest options we tested. Like other Ruggable rugs, the removable rug pad is highly effective (we tested the standard rug pad.) Despite its thicker texture, this rug was quite lightweight and easy to handle.

After brushing the rug, we were impressed to find very little shedding and only a slight textural difference overall. While there was a slight frizz in the abraded area, it wasn’t anything noticeable. However, it did not repel stains, which soaked into the rug. Post-wash, it lost a bit of its softness but still felt comfortable.

We tested this rug in a higher-traffic area in a household with pets for two months, and we noticed the white shag became discolored during the testing period and trapped in some debris, including stray leaves and animal hair. While vacuuming the rug helped remove the loose debris, the discoloration and dingy-looking hue remained. We suspect this may have something to do with the smaller washing machine we used, but we’re not certain this is the case.

In general, this rug has still maintained its soft, fuzzy texture and overall quality, but it does look less attractive now. We still recommend this rug for low-traffic areas, though.

Pile Height: 2 inches | Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Dimensions: 7 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Color Options: 4

Best for Kids’ Rooms

Uphome Round Floral Rug

Uphome Pom Pom Round Floral Rug
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Cute and colorful design

  • Ultra-soft, blanket-like texture

  • Launders well

What We Don't Like
  • Pom pom fringe may be impractical

When decorating your child’s bedroom, nursery, or playroom, you’ll want to look for a rug that’s comfortable, durable, and stylish. The Uphome Round Rug ticks all of those boxes, offering a cute design and impressive performance. The rug itself isn’t overly thick, but we loved the ultra-soft, blanket-like texture. Additionally, we’re big fans of the fun and bold botanical design, which is available in five different colors.

The rug has a built-in pad that proved effective at holding the rug in place, but it did lose its grip a bit when cleaning the rug with an upright vacuum. Overall, the rug withstood both the abrasion and spill tests quite well. However, some of the soil we poured on the rug remained after vacuuming, which may be due to the rug’s soft and fine fibers. Crumbs, pet hair, and other debris may also be difficult to vacuum.

Post-wash, this rug laundered very nicely, as it looked and felt as good as new. All stains and dirt were completely removed, and there were no signs of wear besides one loose thread. While we like the visual appeal of the pom pom fringe detail, we did note it may be impractical, especially if you have a cat or use a robot vacuum.

All things considered, this rug is a great pick for kids’ rooms, and we’re confident it can hold up to everyday use and most household messes.

Easy to clean and super cozy, this rug has held up well in a child’s bedroom. While the area this rug was placed in doesn’t get much foot traffic, it has been sat on, rolled on, spilled on, and played on. The day-to-day maintenance of this rug has been quite easy. 

It held up well after one at-home wash, but the lint trap had a lot of fuzz in it. While we like the design overall, we did notice the pom pom fringe does get in the way when vacuuming. Overall, the quality and texture have not changed, and the non-slip bottom is still very effective. 

Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 4 sizes available | Shape: Round | Color Options: 5

What We Like
  • Stylish, modern art-inspired design

  • Velvety, plush texture

  • Dense pile

  • Suitable for high-traffic areas

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly warped borders post-wash

Incorporate color, dimension, and personality into your space with a stylish patterned rug like this one from West Elm. The West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug features an artistic, brushstroke-like pattern that takes inspiration from modern art.

We love the dense, plush pile of the rug which felt exceptionally comfortable underfoot. The texture felt velvety soft, and the pattern and color both looked very high-quality. This rug doesn’t technically come with a non-skid backing, however, we found the rug didn’t need one; it didn’t slide at all.

It proved highly durable, making this washable rug a great pick for busier areas like living rooms and entryways. The vacuum effectively sucked up all of the dirt without leaving anything behind. The coffee came out completely with just a paper towel, but the wine stain was not able to be spot-treated immediately. Although the stains showed through to the underside of the rug, they did not seep onto the floor below.

Post-wash, the texture still felt quite soft and dense, and the color remained vibrant. Additionally, we did not notice any stains remaining after laundering the rug. However, we did find portions of the border stitching became slightly warped and wavy, although the corners themselves laid flat.

Easy to wash and design-forward, this rug is perfect for high-traffic areas, adding both function and style. We placed this rug in an entryway for two months, and it still looks as good as new despite lots of consistent use. It's maintained its quality in a household with multiple kids and a dog. We’ve had to launder the rug multiple times throughout the testing period, but it's quite easy to wash and showed no signs of staining.

Pile Height: 0.2 inches | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 6 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Color Options: 1

World Market Iman Washable Area Rug
PHOTO: World Market
What We Like
  • Versatile, vintage-inspired design

  • Easy day-to-day maintenance

  • Exceptionally soft

What We Don't Like
  • No rug pad or non-skid backing

  • Slight rippling along the edges post-wash

Stain-resistant options like the World Market Iman Area Rug can help reduce the need to frequently deep clean your rug, saving you time and effort in the long run. We're huge fans of the incredibly soft texture. Note that this rug does not come with a rug pad or non-skid backing, so you’ll have to purchase a rug pad separately. However, because of the thin construction, it did not shift around much when walking over it.

In the lab, the rug withstood the abrasion test well, with not much change in texture. The design of the rug became less distinct, but the material itself seemed quite strong. We also found the rug very easy to clean, as the soil was easily vacuumed. It laundered well, with no changes other than some mild rippling along the border.

Not only is this rug functional, but it’s also very stylish—the black and white Persian-style area rug features medallions and geometric shapes, but despite the intricate detailing, the design is still undeniably versatile. Though it only comes in one color, the black and ivory offer a beautiful contrast that'll complement modern, traditional and eclectic design schemes alike.

Ideal for high-traffic areas, the Iman Area Rug has held up wonderfully when placed in an entryway for two months. The fluffy texture feels pleasant underfoot, even though it’s not particularly thick. It hasn’t deteriorated in quality or texture, even without laundering.

Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Color Options: 1

Final Verdict

Of all the options we tested, our best overall washable rug is the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad. Available in seven sizes, we appreciate the distressed geometric design, neutral colorway, comfortable and smooth texture, and impressive durability. We also recommend the stylish Lahome Washable Area Rug (our best budget pick), which feels delightfully soft underfoot and has a grippy rubberized backing.

How We Tested the Washable Rugs

To find the best washable rugs, we tested 59 options in The Lab and in our homes. First, we evaluated each rug’s quality by inspecting each rug brand new, after the rugs had been laid out to flatten for two weeks. We examined the thickness and density of the pile and walked across each rug to judge the plushness and cushioning of each, noting the material and softness underfoot.

Next, we evaluated each rug’s durability. We vacuumed each rug, noting any shedding, then rubbed a dog brush over the surface to see how the rugs would stand up to pet scratches and roughhousing. Across our durability tests, we looked for changes in material quality, collecting and measuring any fibers that came off. 

Then, we spilled red wine and coffee over the rug, letting both sit for 10 minutes. We spot-treated both stains with dish soap, vinegar, and water to see how stain-resistant the material was. We also rubbed potting soil into each rug and proceeded to vacuum that area. 

After this, we washed each rug according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a standard-sized, front-load washing machine. We found certain rugs were challenging to get into the washer because they were not pliable and were a bit too large, which affected the product’s ease of cleaning.

In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we conducted long-term home testing to see how the washable rugs held up in real-world scenarios over time, checking in after two months. We asked testers to observe how well the rugs could withstand constant foot traffic and everyday stains. Many of our testers even used the washable rugs in households with pets and children, which really put these rugs to the test in terms of durability. 

When Buying a Washable Rug, Look for

The Right Size for Your Space

The first thing to think about when buying a washable rug is the size. You'll want to carefully measure your space and check the dimensions before ordering anything to ensure it'll fit. "Make sure the measurements are the right size to fit in your washing machine," adds laundry and dry-cleaning expert Rechelle Balanzat of Juliette Cleaners. 

Machine-washable rugs are generally relatively thin and small enough to fit in a standard machine. However, larger sizes may not fit into your home’s washing machine and may require a trip to the laundromat or a dry cleaning service. 

Most of the rugs we tested measured 3 x 5 feet, with some slightly larger or smaller depending on what was available at the time of purchase. All of the rugs on this list fit into a standard-sized, front-load washing machine, but we did find that some were more of a tight fit compared to others.

While this didn’t necessarily impact the overall durability of the washable rugs, it did affect the ease of cleaning and should be considered when purchasing your rug.

Material

The makeup of a washable rug differs from your typical professional- or spot-clean-only alternatives—including synthetics. "The most popular material for machine-washable rugs is polyester," says Balanzat. The durable fabric stands up to the agitation and spin cycle of a washing machine. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option with a soft finish.

Although we tested rugs made from a range of materials, including cotton and wool, all of the picks on this list are made from polyester since those were the easiest to clean and could stand up to consistent use.

It's no surprise that during testing we found that washable rugs made from natural materials were harder to clean and may not last as long compared to those made from polyester, so we actually don’t include any natural fiber rugs on this list. 

This is because polyester is manufactured with durability in mind, offering increased fiber strength and stain resistance. If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, the West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug (our best patterned pick) is made from 100 percent recycled polyester.

Care and Maintenance

Washable rugs typically require a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, but you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s care instructions beforehand. Additionally, note that most of the rugs on this list are not able to be put into the dryer, so expect to line-dry. For this test, all of the rugs were machine-washed and line-dried in our lab for consistency.

If you’re looking for a washable rug with easy day-to-day maintenance, check out the Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug (our best for pet owners pick), as it’s easy to vacuum and can hold its own in high-traffic areas.

Shape

Rugs are typically available in rectangular, square, round, or runner shapes, and which shape you choose depends on the location you plan to place your rug in. For example, runner rugs may be best suited for areas like hallways and foyers; our best overall pick, the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad, is available in two runner sizes. 

On the other hand, you may want to consider a round rug, like the Uphome Round Rug (our best for kids’ rooms pick), for a playroom or library. Many come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, like our best non-slip pick, the Ruggable Kamran Rug, which is available in 13 sizes and three shapes.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab and long-term testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab and home tests. She has also worked on numerous other related roundups, including best bean bag chairs, best wallpapers, and best oil diffusers.

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