Area rugs add warmth and personality to your home, but they can also be a challenge to clean and maintain, especially if you have pets or children. If you want your rugs to last for years, they need to be maintained. And a big part of that maintenance includes regular cleaning. Luckily, The Rug District has put together the ultimate guide to buying the perfect washable area rug for your home. Read on for everything you need to know about washable rugs, what type of materials you should choose, and when and how you should wash them.
Machine Washable Area Rugs
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Curling
Curling can happen to any rug if you put it through the washing machine. Some area rugs are made of lightweight materials that can cause the corners to curl up with time, especially after washing. However, we have some solutions for you!
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Use a rug pad cover system with silicone corners to weigh down the edges of your area rug. Bonus - it also acts as a non-slip pad underneath your rug.
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Place heavy furniture over your rug to keep the edges down. However, this does require rearranging your space and is fairly time-consuming.
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Use an iron or steam mop to loosen the rug’s fibres. Make sure to keep a damp towel between the mop/iron and the rug to ensure that the rug doesn’t get too wet!
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Size and Weight
If you’re looking for an area rug that you can wash in the machine, the first step is to check if the rug will fit inside! After all, there’s no point in spending money on an exquisite area rug only to find yourself paying for professional cleaning several months later.
Be sure to check the weight limit on your washing machine and see whether your rug will fit. Some large or heavy area rugs may not fit in a standard household machine and will need to be cleaned professionally.
What Materials Are Washable?
With so many different materials out there, it can be a little confusing figuring out which type of rug you can wash in your machine. Some materials can be easily washed, while others can only be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. But don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here’s a short list of materials that are easy-maintenance and machine-washable.
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Polyester
Yuma AYU44 Taupe
Polyester area rugs are widely known for their vibrant patterns and colours, and their ability to repel moisture. Due to their synthetic properties, polyester rugs can be washed easily and then hung to dry or, in some cases, even tumble-dried. Once dry, these rugs are ready to be laid out again without worrying about fading, cracking, or discoloration.
Moderate absorbency and a tight weave make these area rugs ideal for high-traffic spaces like the kitchen, hallway, or entryway.
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Cotton
One of the most popular materials, cotton area rugs and runners are hard-wearing and easy to clean, making them the perfect machine-washable rugs. Made from natural fibres, cotton area rugs are soft to the touch and often offer more cushioning than synthetic rugs. Because cotton is an absorbent material, these rugs are best for spaces low in moisture, like bedrooms, hallways, or home offices.
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Polypropylene
RONNIE RON-04 Ivory / Natural
Polypropylene area rugs are perfect for high-traffic indoor or outdoor spaces such as decks, patios, porches, or mudrooms. Made of synthetic material similar to polyester, these rugs usually come in bright patterns and colours. If you want to upgrade your indoor/outdoor space with an affordable, attractive, and hard-wearing rug, then a washable polypropylene area rug is a great choice!
How to Clean Your Washable Area Rug?
Although you can easily wash most washable area rugs and runners at home, there are still some differences between rug materials and best cleaning practices. Here are a few steps to follow when cleaning a machine-washable rug:
Step 1: Vacuum Your Rug
Before washing your rug in a washing machine, remove any solids, such as mud or dirt from the rug’s surface. Proper vacuuming before washing will reduce the work needed from your washing machine.
Step 2: Wash Your Rug
Add a mild cleaning solution and run the rug through your washing machine’s cycle. Be sure to avoid mixing cleaning agents with any other type of solution. Do not use bleach even if your rug is washable.
Step 3: Dry Your Rug
Unless the manufacturer’s directions indicate your rug is dryer-safe, air drying is always the best way to go. Hang your rug to dry, ensuring there’s enough airflow around the top and bottom of the rug. Once your rug is completely dry, you can lay it down again and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
From size to materials to cleaning know-how, you should now feel confident to choose the right washable area rug for your needs. The Rug District offers the most exquisite, affordable, machine-washable rugs in every material and style you can imagine. For the best washable area rugs in Canada, check out our collection now!
