The 9 Best Washable Rugs, According to Our Tests
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Enjoy style and flexibility with these durable, easy-to-clean picks.
Food & Wine/Henry Wortock
Washable rugs are a firm non-negotiable in my home, especially when it comes to high-traffic areas like underneath the dining room table, in the living room, or in kids’ playrooms. I learned long ago that I do not want to be spending time on my hands and knees with carpet cleaning tools and handheld vacuums every few weeks and thus, a design that makes cleanup a breeze is one of the first things I look for when decorating a new space in my house. The good news? All the designs on our list of the best washable rugs will make your life infinitely easier — all without sacrificing aesthetics.
We put 28 washable rugs through rigorous testing, going head-to-head with common stain makers like spilled coffee, red wine, and potting soil. We also mimicked the damage caused by pets' nails and claws and then observed the resulting wear and tear. Here are the best washable rugs on the market that check the boxes for durability, washability, and style.
Best Overall: Ruggable Kamran Coral Rug
Pros
This rug comes in 10 different colorways and 13 different sizes and shapes, so finding the right fit for your space is impressively easy.
Cons
The stitching around the edges of this rug is very light, and we noted that that was the first place dirt and grime became visible.
For a washable design that is exceptionally stylish and durable, look no further than Ruggable’s Kamran rug. The brand has become well-known for its washable pieces, but the Kamran style quickly rose to the top of our testing pool, even when pitted against other options from the same brand. The high-quality printed pattern comes in a slew of colorways (each of which helps to distract from dirt and grime) and effortlessly mimics the look of a much more expensive design.
During our testing, we noted how soft this rug felt underfoot, especially when combined with the Ruggable rug pad, which added a bit of extra plushness. The low-pile design was able to lay flat and smooth, even after washing, making this a great option for transitional spaces. The stains lifted out easily, resulting in a rug that looked as good as new once washed. Though the rug pad itself isn’t washable, we were able to shake off any debris without having to spot clean, as none of the liquids tested seeped onto the rug pad itself. It was a bit of a squeeze to fit the 5 by 7-foot design into a standard washing machine, but it was definitely doable.
Price at time of publish: $219
Material: Polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 5 x 7 feet
Best Value: NuLoom Brielle Machine Washable Vintage Medallion Area Rug
Pros
The backing layer to this rug is attached, which makes it easy to set up, and provides a touch of non-stick grip, so the rug itself won’t slip and slide once laid out.
Cons
The pile on this rug is very thin, so it doesn’t add a lot of plushness underfoot. We recommend pairing it with a cushioned rug pad, especially if using it on hardwood floors.
There’s no denying that rugs can be a big ticket item, but opting for a more inexpensive option often means sacrificing either style or durability. Well, that’s not the case with this NuLoom design. Though the pile is rather thin, the rug is big on style, with a purposely faded antique motif that reads like a lucky vintage find. The grayscale color palette is flexible enough to complement any space, and we think it would look particularly great beneath a decorative entryway sideboard. The whipstitching around the border adds a bespoke touch.
During testing, we found it easy to fit this design into the washing machine without much wrestling. This design was one of the most durable when it came to withstanding the scratches and friction of pet wear and tear. We couldn’t even tell where we had conducted a scratch test, save for a little bit of fuzz on the surface. Stains soaked into this rug pretty quickly but were lifted almost entirely by a quick wash cycle using cold water — what little visible stain remained from the coffee was easily disguised by the pattern of the rug and barely noticeable.
Price at time of publish: $54
Material: Polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet
Best Splurge: Revival Shell Washable Rug
Pros
Even though this rug has a thicker pile, it didn’t show any wear and tear when subjected to our scratch test — the fibers didn’t even fuzz up.
Cons
The edges of this rug curled up a bit after washing and drying, so you may need to flatten them back down with a bit of extra weight after each cleaning.
If you prefer your rugs to look like they came from a high-end designer showroom, then this Revival design is for you. Looking at it, you’d never guess that it’s also washable and stain-resistant, thanks in large part to the plush and tonal pattern that makes it the perfect textured backdrop for any modern bar cart, wine rack, or other statement furniture you add to your space. The pile on this pick ranges from ¼-inch to ½-inch, making this one of the more comfortable options underfoot on our list. You can also choose from four neutral colors — including Evergreen, Bone, Camel, and Sage — and a slew of sizes, including a massive 10 by 14-foot version.
During our tests, we loved how classic and effortless this rug was style-wise, making it a great option for homeowners who don’t necessarily want their rug to grab all the attention in a space. We were impressed with how easily we were able to blot up liquid stains on the surface (even after allowing them to rest for 10 minutes), resulting in a pristine rug before even placing it in the wash. The higher pile on this piece meant it did grab onto dirt and soil more liberally than other designs on our list, but we were able to rid the rug of all debris using a carpet-specific handheld vacuum.
Our one gripe is that this piece doesn’t come with a non-stick backing, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to avoid occasional slips.
Price at time of publish: $199
Material: Recycled polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 3.11 x 6.1 feet
Best for Dining Room: West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug
Pros
This rug comes with a non-skid backing, which makes it an ideal slip-free choice for a traffic-heavy space like a dining room.
Cons
The edges of this rug did take on a bit of a wave after washing, but it wasn’t particularly noticeable or bothersome.
One area of your home that necessitates a washable rug is your dining room. Between the rogue splash of wine or fresh Marinara sauce and crumbs getting into the fiber, you want to choose a rug design that can hold its own against all your dinner parties. Our pick for this particular place? West Elm’s washable Waterfall rug. It features a unique abstract pattern that can hold court in a more formal space like a dining room while still having the durability and functionality you’d expect from a washable piece.
During testing, we loved this rug's plushness — it was velvety soft underfoot but still had a pile that was low enough to not interfere with dining room chairs or other furniture. The colorful pattern is well-incorporated into the threads of the rug and doesn’t look like a cheap picture printed atop the fibers. Despite the softness and touchability of the recycled polyester fabric, we were still able to make quick work of stains on the rug, removing coffee by blotting with a paper towel and eliminating almost all traces of spilled red wine. A bit of the liquid did leech onto the back of the rug but did not release to the floor underneath.
Dirt was also a non-issue for this design — we were able to vacuum it all up with just a few passes, and no residue was left behind on the fibers of the rug. The rug pattern stayed vibrant even after washing, and the fibers returned to their fluffy, velvety nature once dry.
Price at time of publish: $79
Material: Recycled polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet
Best Patterned: Ruggable Gradasi Premium Rug
Pros
The backing layer to this rug is attached, which makes it easy to set up, and provides a touch of non-stick grip, so the rug itself won’t slip and slide once laid out.
Cons
The pile on this rug is very thin, so it doesn’t add a lot of plushness underfoot. We recommend pairing it with a cushioned rug pad, especially if using it on hardwood floors.
Many rugs tend to take on a vintage appeal when it comes to design, so it can be tough to find a budget-friendly (not to mention, washable) version if your style tends to skew more mid-century modern or industrial. This Ruggable design aims to solve that problem, with a graphic linear pattern that’s well-suited to more minimalistic aesthetics. You can choose from three colorways, all of which are grounded in the same neutral cream background. Each comes in a range of different sizes and shapes (including round and runners) and can be paired with rug pads of varying weights for added plushness and versatility.
While testing this piece, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get the rug to attach to the coordinating rug pad and lay flat. While the process of attaching and detaching the top cover to wash can seem daunting, it only took us one or two tries to get used to it. We were also seriously impressed by the density and feel of this rug, comparing it favorably to rugs they’ve experienced at high-end hotels. While cleaning, the design held up great to both vacuuming and scratching, with the latter leaving no traceable marks or pulled threads. Stain removal was also a cinch — we noted both coffee and wine came up almost entirely with just blotting and were completely removed once the rug was machine-washed.
Price at time of publish: $219
Material: Recycled polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet
Best Wool: AllModern Machine Washable Hand-Woven Wool Ivory/Charcoal Area Rug
Pros
The border of this rug is dark gray, which stands up well to grime and dirt that often first makes an appearance around the edges of a rug.
Cons
This rug does not come with a non-slip backing, so you’ll either need to buy one separately or set it atop an additional carpet so it won’t slide.
Natural fiber rugs get high marks for beauty and durability, but they’re not always the easiest to clean. Enter this wool rug from AllModern. It bottles the best of both worlds, providing homeowners with a durable and beautiful natural wool design and the ability to be tossed in the washing machine in at a moment’s notice. The graphic white and gray color palette makes it a statement piece for any space, and the plush pile means it’s cozy enough for the bedroom or playroom, where kids are spending a lot of time on the floor.
During testing, we were impressed by how easy it was to lift coffee and wine stains from the fibers, even though they are dense wool. Both liquids could be mostly blotted out and then eliminated after washing. The scratch test did cause the wool to pill a bit, but any evidence of such was quickly disguised once we ran our hand over the fibers and patted them back down. The rug maintained its plush appearance and rectangular shape upon washing, but we did note that, because it’s made of wool, the rug had a strong smell after being washed (though it went away after it had line-dried completely).
Price at time of publish: $130
Material: Wool
Rug Weave: Flatweave
Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet
Best for Pet Owners: Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug
Pros
This rug holds up well to slipping and sliding, meaning you don’t need an additional layer underneath unless you want one.
Cons
This rug is rather thin and, in our testing, it was slow to release the fold marks it acquired while packed and shipped. Even after two weeks of laying flat, we reported still seeing faint creases.
Like many of us have learned the hard way, traditional rugs are often no match for pets. If you’re on the hunt for a design that can hold its own against a rambunctious pup or scratch-happy cat, this Better Homes and Garden pick should be on your shortlist. Made from durable polyester and designed with a dirt-disguising abstract pattern, it’s ideal for those areas that you just can’t seem to keep clean no matter how hard you try, and it would fit right in with outdoor patio furniture. This pick also has a thin, low pile, so while it may not be the most plush underfoot, it is a great option for rooms that have a lot of swinging doorways or furniture you want to ensure stays stable.
We put this rug through the paces, paying extra close attention to the scratch test to see how it held up against wear and tear similar to a pet’s claws. There was absolutely no visible damage to the rug and no snagging of the fibers. The stain results were equally impressive, and we noted that the coffee and wine didn’t sink into the fibers, let alone need to be scrubbed out. After washing, the rug dried flat and quickly, with just a bit of rippling around the edges. While it isn’t the softest pick on our list, we noted that it was the most impressive when it came to stain repelling, making this a great pick for households with pets.
Price at time of publish: $80
Material: Polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 5 x 7 feet
Best Shag: Ruggable Egret White Shag Rug
Pros
This rug is as comfortable as it gets and feels great under bare feet, making it the perfect pick for a spot designated for cozy relaxation, like a bedroom.
Cons
This rug comes only in lighter shades (like white, gray, and blush), so while it is washable, the colors may mean you’ll still see a bit of dirt in between cleanings.
Shag rugs are notorious for squirreling away dirt between their fibers, which makes the ability to wash them all the more important. The long shag fibers on this rug add considerable softness underfoot and, when paired with the rug pad, it doubles as a plush floor pillow in your space. True to form with all Ruggable designs, this rug is water- and stain-resistant, allowing it to repel liquids instead of soaking them up upon spilling. You can choose from four different neutral hues and plenty of sizes to find the version that best suits your space.
During testing, we were most impressed by two factors: this rug's non-slip nature (it even stayed put during our running leap!) and how well the shag held up. Whereas most shag rugs get matted and tangled over time, this Ruggable version stayed fluffy and plush, even after washing. The threads also held their own against vacuuming, and we were able to rid the rug of dirt remnants without damaging or pulling up any of the shag fibers. Still, dirt will get lodged in the fibers of this rug until you get a chance to shake or vacuum it out, so it’s best placed somewhere in your home where outdoor shoes aren’t allowed.
Price at time of publish: $199
Material: Polyester
Rug Weave: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet
Best Runner: My Magic Carpet Ramage Indigo Washable Rug
Pros
A waterproof inner lining built into this rug guarantees that spills (even big ones) won’t soak through onto the floor below.
Cons
This rug has a very thin, low pile, so it’s not necessarily the ideal pick for a space when comfort is top-of-mind.
At their core, runners are meant to help you transition from one space in your home to the next, so by definition, they’re going to receive a lot of foot traffic. This pretty pick from MyMagicCarpet helps bridge the gap between form and function, with plenty of perks that make it the ideal choice for the transition spaces in your home. Featuring an heirloom-worthy pattern on top and a unique non-stick backing on the reverse side, it's designed to help you decorate a hallway or breezeway worry-free — it’d even make a great option for mudrooms and entryways.
During testing, our team was blown away by this rug’s rich, warm, vintage-inspired pattern, which didn’t fade even after a round of machine-washing. The nonstick backing of this runner allowed it to mostly stay in place, though we did notice the semi-thin rug scooted around our hardwood floor a bit when placed in our entryway. While some dirt, debris, and dust did show on the carpet and collected in its fibers, especially after muddy walks with our pets, this carpet was easy to spot-clean with the soft brush head of a vacuum cleaner and then pop into the washing machine. This affordable runner gets points for its style, durability, and easy maintenance.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Polyester
Textile Type: Powerloomed
Dimensions: 2.5 x 7 feet
Our Favorite Washable Rug
While we tested a lot of rugs for this piece (28 to be exact!), our top honors unequivocally went to Ruggable’s Kamran Rug. Not only did the design hold up like a boss against our rigorous staining and scratching, but the rug itself was comfortable underfoot and stylish in the home, providing you can have it all — and wash it, too.
The Tests
For this roundup, we tested 28 of the top washable rugs on the market, putting them through a variety of tasks to see how well they held up against different types of stains, wear, and tear — and of course, how they wash. Each rug was laid flat for two weeks before being used to give the piece time to lay flat and uncoil at the edges. From there, the designs were subjected to spills of coffee and red wine, as well as a sprinkle of potting soil to see how well they cleaned up. Stains were all treated the same way — first blotted with paper towels, then treated with a cleaning solution of dish soap, white vinegar, and water, followed by cleaning in a washing machine.
Last but not least, each rug was subjected to a “scratch” test, where we used a pet brush to claw and dig at the fibers of the rug in an attempt to mimic the wear and tear of claws. All rugs were graded against the same parameters, and we rated them according to their quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and perceived value.
Factors to Consider
Material
The biggest consideration you’ll run into when shopping for a washable rug is undoubtedly the type of fiber or material the rug is made from. To ensure the rugs are washable while keeping their shape, color, and texture, many of the picks on our list are made of polyester fabric. That being said, there are some washable rugs on the market (and on our list) that are made of other types of fiber, including cotton and wool.
Rug Weave
Depending on the type of material used and how they’re made, rugs are woven using different methods. Washable rugs are almost always machine-made, meaning they’re powerloomed using durable synthetic fabrics, which allows them to hold up to more wear and tear than a hand-knotted design. Rugs made of natural fibers, like wool or cotton, are more likely to be woven differently, typically using a flat-woven or hand-loomed method of construction.
Size
For the most flexibility, you’ll want to shop for a washable rug at a big-name brand like Ruggable or Revival so you have the best shot at finding a design that comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. For our testing, we tried to keep the sizing consistent, using a 3 by 5-foot rug unless stock dictated otherwise. That being said, the larger the rug you go for, the more difficulty you may have fitting it in your washing machine to even take advantage of its washable properties.
Style
Another thing to consider when shopping for a washable rug? The pattern and style, of course! At the end of the day, your chosen rug has to function great and look good, so shop with a general color palette and aesthetic in mind. The good news is washable rugs are becoming a lot more popular, making it possible to find a design that suits pretty much any style, color palette, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a washable rug?
Nearly all the rugs on our list are made of synthetic fabric — primarily polyester. This manmade material can withstand a lot of wear and tear and can be treated to ensure its washability and stain resistance. That being said, washable rugs can also come in other materials, like cotton and wool, though those options tend to be less stain-resistant.
Can I vacuum a washable rug?
Yes — washable rugs can be vacuumed in the same way that traditional rugs can be. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions online before cleaning your rug. Occasionally, some rug manufacturers will suggest turning the beater brush off on your vacuum if it has longer or more delicate fibers (or fringe around the edges).
Can I machine-dry my washable rug?
Before cleaning any rug — even washable ones — it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's instructions for washing. All of the rugs on our list were washed in traditional machines, but all were hung to air dry. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to avoid machine-drying your rug. If you do need to, always put the dryer in the lowest and coolest setting.
How often should you wash rugs?
You should plan to put your washable rug in the machine once every few months, or whenever large stains and spills necessitate. Avoid washing your rug too frequently, as it can cause the rug to wear and age quickly.
Other Washable Rugs We Tested
We tested a lot of great rugs (28 to be exact), but our desire to bring you the best of the best means there were some decent picks left on the chopping block. The below washable rugs are still great options, with a few caveats — either they didn’t feel as comfortable or plush underfoot, held onto stains a bit too much, or showed visible signs of wear and tear post-wash.
Strong Contenders
Tumble Tabor Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad ($99 at Tumble Living)
Lahome Washable Area Rug ($44 at Amazon)
Magnolia Home x Loloi Sinclair Washable Area Rug ($69 at Wayfair)
Iman Black and Ivory Washable Area Rug ($70 at World Market)
Our Expertise
Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children.
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