Carpets add warmth and style to living spaces but can be magnets for dirt, stains, and allergens. The hassle and expense of professional steam cleaning leave many dragging around dingy rugs. Fortunately, advancements in rug materials now allow some styles to be conveniently tossed in the washing machine. These durable and stylish washable rugs make keeping floors fresh and clean a breeze.
This article explores the benefits of choosing machine-washable area rugs over traditional carpets. You’ll learn what construction features make rugs washable, where they work best, and tips for properly cleaning them. We’ll also showcase the wide range of colours and sizes available to fit any room. Join us to discover how washable rugs can transform high-traffic spaces prone to messes into areas that always look and feel clean.
What Makes a Rug Washable?
For a rug to be considered fully machine washable, both the rug backing and fibre pile need to withstand frequent cleaning cycles without falling apart. Synthetic pile materials like polyester or nylon are more durable when wet compared to natural fibres like wool or cotton. The strongest washable rug backings feature a latex or vinyl coating reinforced with woven fabric layers.
When shopping for washable area rugs, check the manufacturer’s tag to see the recommended cleaning method. Terms like “machine washable” and “water/fade-resistant” indicate styles durable enough for frequent washing. Also, look for rugs made from synthetic pile fabrics and coated non-skid backings.
Top Benefits of Washable Rug Styles
Choosing an easy-care washable area rug comes with many advantages for busy spaces prone to spills, mud and heavy traffic.
Keep Them Fresh and Clean
Life happens especially when kids and pets are around! Washable rugs can be tossed in the machine as soon as stains occur, which saves you time scrubbing. A monthly maintenance wash also removes embedded dirt and allergens so they don’t accumulate. This helps carpets look, feel and smell fresh for years.
Safe for Sensitive Residents
For those with allergies or chemical sensitivities, machine washing rugs frequently helps provide a healthier home environment. It eliminates dust mites, pet dander and other allergy triggers that vacuums may miss. And there’s no need for harsh rug shampoos or steam cleaners.
Withstand Wear and Tear
Durable synthetic rug fibres like nylon stand up well to heavy foot traffic without showing wear. Their stain-resistant properties also let spills be wiped up quickly before setting in. Properly securing rugs in place prevents shifting, curling edges and trip hazards too. So high-quality washable rugs maintain safety and keep looking great for everyday activities.
Avoid Costly Professional Cleaning
Professionally steam cleaning large rugs is an expensive, disruptive process that needs repeating often. Choosing durable machine washable rugs instead lets you conveniently and affordably clean them at home after spills or on a regular schedule. Removing surface dirt before it becomes embedded saves you money in the long run.
Area Rug Washing Tips
While labelled “machine washable”, some specifics still help protect rug fibres, backings and your washing machine. Here’s how to best clean washable area rugs:
- Shake out loose dirt and blot any liquid or solid spills before washing. Avoid scrubbing stains first as this can drive in particles or spread the stain.
- Check the rug’s tag for special washing instructions. Water temperature, detergent choice and machine cycles vary between materials.
- Wash rugs separately from other items the first couple of times. Transfer dried lint can discolour some fabrics if washed together. You can combine similar colour fast rugs once their wash durability is proven.
- Use a gentle detergent and cold water to prevent dye transfer issues. Vinegar or colour-safe bleach tackles tougher odours and stains.
- Select a gentle cycle like a permanent press with low-speed spins. High heat settings can damage delicate rug backings and piles.
- Air dry rugs completely flat to prevent pile distortion. Direct sunlight fades colors over time so dry indoors when possible.
Following a few best practices keeps washable rugs looking fresh while maximizing their longevity. Check out the durable and stylish options for every space!
Popular Places to Use Washable Rugs
The convenience of keeping carpets fresh and clean makes washable rugs well-suited for many applications throughout your home.
Entryways
Contain messes right when you walk in the door by using washable rugs in entryways. Scrape or blot moisture from shoes before it soaks in so you can pop dirty rugs into the wash. Containment mats and runners inside collect salt, sand, oils and lawn chemicals too, helping preserve floors.
Kitchens
From cooking splatters to spills during meals, kitchens see some of the toughest rug stains. Machine washable kitchen rugs protect floors from daily wear and tear so you can conveniently clean up any accidents. Containment mats around sinks and islands also catch drips.
Bathrooms
Between splashing water, shedding towels and bottles tipping over, bathrooms need rug fabrics that stand up to moisture. Using machine-washable bath mats and accent rugs helps floors stay cleaner and less slippery while containing messes.
Laundry and Mud Rooms
High-traffic laundry and mud rooms transitioning between indoors and outdoors benefit from easy-care rugs you can toss in the wash. Durable styles withstand heavy soil, footprints and dripping jackets so floors stay nicer. Containment mats also prevent tracking dirt through the rest of your home.
Kids’ and Pet Areas
Two inevitable sources of carpet stains are curious kids and messy pets! Choosing durable, machine-washable rugs for playrooms, bedrooms and pet areas makes it easy to clean up accidents, art projects gone awry or illness incidents promptly.
Choose the Right Washable Rug
With the wide variety of colours, piles, sizes and shapes now available, finding the perfect washable rug is enjoyable. Be sure to measure your space carefully for the best fit. Kitchen mats around appliances prevent slipping while large living room styles make cozy foundations. Runners corral messes in hallways and plush bathmats soak up shower drips.
For high-traffic areas, pay special attention to quality backings and tightly secured borders that prevent curling. Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon withstand frequent cleaning too. Those wanting natural fibre benefits can look for durable wool or cotton styles specifically made for machine washing. With just basic maintenance, a good quality washable rug looks fresh for years of daily use.
Say goodbye to rug-cleaning headaches! Embrace the easy care convenience of durable and stylish washable rugs throughout your home.
