How to Wash a Rug in the Washing Machine (Without Ruining It)

The question we hear most often is not "does it survive the washer" but "how exactly do I do it". Here is the method we use on our own floors.

Before it goes in

Shake the rug out or vacuum it once; grit in the drum is harder on fibers than water ever is. If there is a fresh stain, blot it with a towel first. Blot, never rub: rubbing pushes the spill deeper into the weave.

The cycle that works

1
Fold loosely

A loose fold lets water move through the rug. Never force the door shut; if it fights you, the drum is too small.

2
Cold and gentle

30°C / 86°F or colder, gentle or delicate cycle, mild detergent. Skip bleach and softener entirely.

3
Spin off

Turn the spin cycle off or set it to the lowest speed. The backing thanks you.

4
Dry flat

Lay it flat or drape it over two chairs. No tumble dryer, no radiator, no direct summer sun.

Will it fit my machine?

Depends on the rug size and your drum. We keep an honest chart, from a 2x3 doormat to a 9x12 that belongs at the laundromat, in our Care Guide.

One more honest note: this applies to rugs built for the machine, like our cotton-based washable line with the woven-in non-slip base. A wool or viscose rug does not forgive the drum.

Built for wash day

Every rug in our washable line goes in as one piece; no pad to remove, nothing to disassemble.

Shop Washable Rugs