We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Home Decor Keep It Clean With Our Favorite Washable Rugs for Every Room Say goodbye to scrubbing with these stylish washable rugs, backed by our testing. By Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 17, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Traditional rugs are notoriously difficult to clean, but with a washable rug, you can ditch the scrubbing and save the money you would have spent on a professional cleaner. For a quick refresh, just throw your rug into the washing machine and it's as good as new. To find the best washable rugs, we tested 28 models in our Des Moines lab and at home, assessing their quality, stain resistance, durability, and overall value. We also consulted with Rob Vera, chief product officer at Ruggable, and Ericka Catanzaro, owner and principal designer of Ericka Catanzaro Interior Design, for expert tips on shopping for washable rugs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Ruggable Kamran Rug at Amazon $349 Jump to Review Best Budget : Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug at Walmart $89 Jump to Review Most Durable : Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug at Amazon $204 Jump to Review Best for Pet Owners: Tumble Tabor Washable Rug at Tumbleliving.com Jump to Review Best Stain Resistant : World Market Iman Washable Area Rug at World Market $50 Jump to Review Best Non-Slip : SALE NuLoom Brielle Machine Washable Area Rug at Amazon $45 $25 Jump to Review Best Shag : SALE Ophanie Machine Washable Fluffy Area Rug at Amazon $30 $25 Jump to Review Best Wool : AllModern Washable Wool Area Rug at Wayfair $105 Jump to Review Best for Kids’ Rooms: SALE Lahome Washable Area Rug at Amazon $54 $44 Jump to Review Best Overall Ruggable Kamran Rug PHOTO: Ruggable $349 at Amazon View on Ruggable.com What Stands Out Red wine and coffee stains vanished from this chic rug after one wash. What Could Be Improved Doors may get caught on the rug pad. The Kamran Rug from Ruggable impressed us in more ways than one. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, its washable rugs have a two-part design: a low-pile, removable cover that you stick in the wash and a thick rug pad. In our tests, the rug pad did an excellent job keeping the cover in place and created a plush feeling underfoot. It was comfortable to walk on yet had a low enough pile to avoid clinging onto debris. The rug pad, however, is spot clean only. When it came time to wash this rug, it held up remarkably well. We followed Ruggable's care instructions and were amazed when tough stains like red wine and coffee virtually disappeared after one wash. After abrading it with a pet brush to mimic the claws of a cat or dog, no shedding occurred, which indicates that it's pet friendly. That said, our cats did pull many threads out of the rug's border over time. Aside from these loose threads, the rug held up well throughout six months of use, maintaining the same quality after washing and drying it. It's worth noting that this rug is on the thicker side, so you may have difficulty opening and closing a door over it. Other than that, we appreciated its ease of use, durability, and style. Plus, it comes in many sizes and shapes, ranging from small area rugs to longer runners, and you can choose between six vintage-inspired patterns to find a rug that's perfect for your space. Sizes: 10 sizes, ranging from 2 by 3 to 9 by 12 feet | Pile Height: 0.125 inches | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Walmart $89 at Walmart What Stands Out This remarkably soft rug repels stains to stay looking as good as new. What Could Be Improved We noticed fraying and snags in the stitching. Washable rugs have a reputation for being pricey, but with the Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Rug, you can easily stay within budget (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company Dotdash Meredith). While this rug is on the thinner side, it had one of the best performances in our stain test. The red wine and coffee didn't absorb into the fabric at all and completely disappeared after one wash. Despite its stain resistance, this rug has a couple of drawbacks. Since it's more affordable, the craftsmanship isn't on par with the pricier picks we tested—we noticed fraying in the stitching and fold lines after washing. However, it makes up for these imperfections with its remarkably soft, low-pile fabric and a grippy underside texture that doesn't budge when you step on it. We didn't notice any signs of damage during our abrasion tests, and it completely repels stains, which makes it a good choice for people living with pets or kids. After six months of use in a high-traffic entryway, the rug looks as good as new. Plus, the neutral design looks great in a variety of homes. Sizes: 2 by 7, 5 by 7, or 7.16 by 9.83 feet | Pile Height: 4 millimeters | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Most Durable Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Wayfair $204 at Amazon $35 at Wayfair View on Rugs-direct.com What Stands Out We didn’t have to wash this rug to remove stains—we could blot them out with a paper towel. What Could Be Improved The fabric's slippery feel might not be suited to every shopper. This classic rug from Magnolia Home has an irresistibly silky-soft underfoot feel and outperformed the competition during our durability tests. We didn't collect any lint after abrading it with a pet brush, and it was one of the most impressive rugs for its stain resistance—we removed spilled coffee and red wine by just blotting it with a paper towel. After six months of use and plenty of washes, the texture remained just as soft and smooth. We do worry that this rug could potentially be hazardous. While the polyester fabric is buttery soft, it's slippery, too. If you have rambunctious kids who like to run around in their socks, you might want a more textured option. The pile is low and not skid resistant, so it's not ideal for people seeking a plush rug or those who don't want to purchase a separate rug pad. Still, given this rug's impressive durability in our tests, we think it's a worthy pick for those who want to avoid pesky stains. It also comes in many sizes and is at a budget-friendly price point. Sizes: 11 sizes, ranging from 2.25 by 3.75 feet to 8.5 by 11.5 feet | Pile Height: 0.25 inches | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best for Pet Owners Tumble Tabor Washable Rug PHOTO: Tumble View on Tumbleliving.com What Stands Out The fabric is hypoallergenic and repels pet hair and liquids for easy cleaning. What Could Be Improved It may be too big for people who have smaller washing machines. The Tumble Tabor Washable Rug was one of the highest-quality rugs we tested. It has a similar construction to a Ruggable rug, consisting of a foam rug pad with a rug cover placed on top of it. We found it easy and intuitive to put the rug together, and the rug pad did its job—it didn't move or slide at all and provided just the right amount of cushion. While not plush like a high-pile rug, the rug cover had a soft and smooth texture that felt nice to stand on. Pet owners will be relieved to hear that it didn't snag or show any signs of wear throughout our testing process, even after distressing it with a pet brush. The non-toxic, hypoallergenic fabric also repels pet hair, dust, and liquids, and we were amazed that we could completely clean spills by blotting them with a paper towel. Over six months of use, it endured spills, crumbs, and cat accidents with no signs of wear—we would even go as far as to say this one of the easiest-to-clean rugs we've ever tried. While spot cleaning is a breeze, washing the rug can be trickier—it's a little hefty, so if you don't have a big enough washing machine, you may need to take a trip to the laundromat to get it clean. Overall, this rug was one of our favorites after our testing, and we think it's ideal for people looking for a durable, sleek, and spill-proof rug. Sizes: 7 sizes, ranging from 3 by 5 feet to 9 feet by 12 feet | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Stain Resistant World Market Iman Washable Area Rug PHOTO: World Market $50 at World Market What Stands Out This rug has super-soft fabric that repels stains. What Could Be Improved It’s thin and folds on its edges. Hands down, this is one of the most stain-resistant rugs we have ever tested. After spilling red wine and coffee on it, the stains lifted immediately after blotting, leaving no trace behind. While similarly performing rugs often have a tight weave or smooth texture that creates an unpleasant underfoot feeling, this one is made from a soft, cloud-like fabric, which makes it stand out from its competition. Despite the fabric's softness, the rug is pretty thin, almost more like a mat than a rug. During our abrasion tests, the material did become wispier, so we wish it were a little thicker for added comfort and durability. We also noticed rippling around the edges, which means that if you want this rug to lie flat, you may need to purchase a separate rug pad. However, we were pleased to find that the rug maintained its quality throughout six months of use. The blanket-like softness and stain resistance still make it a great choice, even if it's not as plush as other options. It provided a nice layer of insulation without trapping dirt or hair as shaggier rugs would. We also liked that it didn't bunch or slide around in our tests. As far as washable rugs go, this one is pretty inexpensive. Plus, it comes in several sizes, so you can find one that's right for your space. Sizes: 5 sizes, ranging from 2.2 by 3.7 feet to 7.5 by 9.5 feet | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Non-Slip NuLoom Brielle Machine Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon View on Target $130 at Walmart What Stands Out The non-slip backing has a powerful grip that won’t skid around your floor. What Could Be Improved The fabric absorbed liquids, which made removing stains difficult. In our testing, this rug resisted lots of wear and tear. It has a hefty, non-slip pad on the back, which keeps it glued to your floor—since it takes a lot of force to move around, you won't have to worry about kids or pets slipping. The fabric fibers did become a little wispy after distressing it with a pet brush, but no pieces of lint were collected afterward and it held up nicely after being put in the wash. Even after enduring six months of high foot traffic, this rug still looks great. Where this rug falls behind is in the stain-resistance category. While washable rugs often repel liquids, the coffee and wine stains soaked right into the material and required significant spot treatment and washing to remove. The pile is also thin, even for washable rug standards—when standing on the rug, we felt like we were on a board with a coat of fuzz. Despite this, it's not uncomfortable, and the low-pile fabric is very soft. This rug would be perfect for high-traffic areas, like an entryway. It's thin, so it won't get caught under doors, and it was almost effortless to vacuum dry dirt from its surface. Especially considering the budget-friendly price, this durable rug is a great pick. Sizes: 16 sizes, ranging from 2 feet by 3 feet to 9 feet by 12 feet | Pile Height: 0.04 inches | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Shag Ophanie Machine Washable Fluffy Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon What Stands Out This rug is plush and fuzzy, and it was a breeze to remove stains. What Could Be Improved It gets a bit misshapen and discolored after frequent washes. In terms of comfort, this fluffy plush rug from Ophanie can't be beaten. While many machine-washable rugs have a low-pile, smooth texture, this one is oh-so-soft and fuzzy—it's like petting a bunny rabbit. It's also slightly cool to the touch, which has a refreshing effect. Plus, it has nonstick dots on its reverse side that prevent slipping. We were surprised that we could blot away wine and coffee stains with a paper towel, though some of the dry dirt we poured on this rug in our testing got trapped in the fibers. Unlike other medium-pile rugs we tested, this one didn't matte or clump together in the wash, which gives it extra points in the durability department. However, it didn't hold up as well as we had hoped long term—after three washes, it got a bit discolored and misshapen. The corners also turned up a bit, so we had to put a heavy object on top to flatten them. Despite the lack of durability after washing, this rug is a great choice for a bedroom or kids' room thanks to its style, softness, and stain resistance. Truthfully, we wouldn't change much about this rug, especially at its great value. Sizes: 5 sizes, ranging from 2 by 3 feet to 6 by 9 feet | Pile Height: 1.53 inches | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Wool AllModern Washable Wool Area Rug PHOTO: Wayfair $105 at Wayfair $210 at Rugsusa.com $225 at Lowe's What Stands Out This rug is thick and plush compared to other machine-washable rugs. What Could Be Improved It has an unpleasant smell when wet. If you prefer rugs made from natural fibers, this wool option from AllModern is a great choice. Compared to other machine-washable rugs we tested, this one is thick and plush, and it has a chic, neutral design that looks great in any space. This rug holds up well in the wash, but unfortunately like most wool rugs, it smells unpleasant when wet. Removing stains was pretty simple—we removed the red wine stain by just blotting it with a towel, though the coffee stain lingered until after we put it in the wash. It had some noticeable wear after combing it with a pet brush, so it's not the most pet friendly. We also noticed some hair and small particles getting stuck in the shaggy material, which made vacuuming a bit more difficult. While plush, this rug has a slightly rough underfoot feel, and we wish it were as soft and cozy as it looks. That said, it stood out among the competition because it remained in top-notch condition after the stain treatment and washing. Even after six months of use, the rug is just as fresh and fluffy as it was on day one. Sizes: 5 sizes, ranging from 3 feet by 5 feet to 6 feet by 9 feet | Pile Height: 0.59 inches | Material: Wool Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best for Kids’ Rooms Lahome Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon What Stands Out This rug comes in lots of colorful patterns and is remarkably soft. What Could Be Improved The fabric is very slippery, which can lead to accidents. This rug has all the traits we look for in a kid's rug: It's super soft, comes in lots of fun patterns, and cleans up easily. The fabric has a silky-smooth touch and didn't shed after being abraded by a pet brush. Plus, red wine and coffee spills beaded on the surface, so it was easy to wipe them away and leave behind no evidence. However, dirt and debris were difficult to vacuum up from this rug. We were initially concerned about its slippery surface, but its grippy underside prevented it from sliding around. Due to its bulky size, throwing this rug in the washing machine was a bit awkward, and we noticed some shedding and a few loose seams after washing it. Luckily, spot cleaning was effective enough that we hardly needed to. Despite the downsides, this rug is incredibly soft and resistant to stains—we imagine it'd be great to sit on while watching a show or reading a book to your little one. We were especially impressed that it laid completely flat after washing, so it doesn't require much care to keep it looking neat. Overall, this rug is a vibrant, cozy, and easy-to-clean choice. It still looks great, even after six months of use, so we expect it will last a long time. Sizes: 9 sizes, ranging from 2 by 3 feet to 8 by 10 feet | Pile Height: 0.39 inches | Material: Polyester Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Our top pick is the Ruggable Kamran Rug, which stood out in our tests for its plush rug pad, durability, and variety of size and pattern options. For a budget-friendly pick, we recommend the Better Homes and Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Rug, which repelled liquid stains and held up to our durability tests, offering great value. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Our Testing Process To find the best washable rugs, we tested 28 models in our lab and at home. We first examined each rug, making note of the pile, density, and softness of the fabric. We also stepped on the rugs barefoot to describe how they felt under our feet. For rugs that came with a nonstick backing or rug pad, we placed them on the floor and attempted to slide them around to determine how easily they moved. Next, we evaluated the stain resistance of each rug. We poured 1 tablespoon of coffee and red wine onto the rug and let them sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, we blotted the stains to remove as much liquid as possible and applied a stain treatment of dish soap, white vinegar, and water. While the stains were sitting, we tested the durability of the rugs. We vacuumed an area of each rug to note any shedding, and we rubbed the rug with a pet brush to mimic how a dog or cat might claw at it. We recorded any changes to the rug's appearance afterward, noting how many carpet fibers were lost. We also soiled each rug with a tablespoon of potting soil, then vacuumed it to see how well we could remove dirt and dry stains. After the stain and durability tests, we assessed how well each rug performed in the washing machine. We washed them all according to the manufacturer's instructions, then inspected them to find loose threads, remnants of stains, differences in the vacuumed and non-vacuumed areas, and any changes in the thickness and density of the pile. We concluded this test by placing each rug on the ground to see if it would lay flat after being washed, then recorded our final observations on the performance and quality of each rug. For long-term insights, we took the rugs home and evaluated their durability after two and six months of use. Using our lab data and real-world experiences, we compiled a list of the best washable rugs on the market. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Washable Rugs Like a Pro Material The type of material is one of the most important things to consider before purchasing a new rug since it impacts the feel and longevity of your final pick. “While there are certain inherent limitations with washable rug materials given their need to be stain resistant and able to fit in a washing/drying machine, there is a bit more leeway with their design,” Vera says. “A washable rug manufacturer should be able to work with the fabric and create a design that works in tandem with the construction of the weave.” According to Catanzaro, machine-washable rugs are usually made of synthetic materials, like solution-dyed acrylic and polyester blends, which tend to be the most washable and stain resistant. If you prefer natural fibers, Catanzaro recommends wool because it naturally repels stains, and you can treat it with a stain-resistant coating for added protection. Natural materials are generally less durable than polyester and acrylic. Regardless of material, washable rugs tend to be thinner than traditional rugs, so you may want a thick rug pad to give them a plush feel underfoot. Pile Height Pile height, which refers to the length of the individual pieces on your rug, coincides with the rug's texture, plushness, and upkeep. In general, a low-pile rug is less than 0.25 inches, a medium pile is between 0.25 and 0.5 inches, and a high pile is over 0.5 inches. A low-pile rug isn’t as fluffy as a shaggy, high-pile rug, but it also doesn’t require as much vacuuming since it traps less dirt and debris. Furniture can also create indents in a high-pile rug, so you may have to rotate it regularly to keep it in good shape. When deciding which pile height you want, consider what kind of furniture you have in your room, how much traffic the area receives, and your commitment to regular vacuuming. Most washable rugs are in the low- to mid-pile range, though you can still find products in various pile heights and textures. “With the right materials and fabric construction, pile height actually isn’t a limitation,” Vera says. Typically, polyester rugs offer more options for pile heights, whereas natural fiber rugs will be thinner. Care “Care instructions for washable rugs vary by company—it’s best to follow the specific care instructions that come with the rug in order to maintain the look and feel," Vera says. He recommends machine washing in cold water on a delicate cycle and drying on low heat or hanging to dry. Vera also urges prospective washable rug owners to check their washers and dryers before purchasing. “Most washable rugs are made for standard washers; however, larger sizes or pile heights may require equipment with a larger drum size,” he says, so carefully look at the company website to see their listed washer specifications. Cleaning your rug can also impact its lifespan, which is another reason to pay close attention to care instructions. While polyester rugs are durable enough to withstand the day-to-day foot traffic and the wear and tear of regular washing, Vera says, rugs made with plant-based materials may degrade faster. If you're concerned about the longevity of your rug, Catanzaro recommends opting for a professional cleaner because they will be the most gentle on your rugs and help the longevity of your rug. Additionally, it’s important to note that you should still vacuum your washable rugs and shake them out as part of their maintenance routine. Real Simple / Henry Wortock More Washable Rugs to Consider MaxRugrs Machine Washable Area Rug: This rug repelled spills and showed no wear after being stain treated and scrubbed. However, its rubbery texture may be off-putting to people looking for a plush, soft rug, and the edges curled a bit. Ruggable Shag Rug: We had a hard time removing the dirt from this shag rug in our stain tests, and it lost some of its softness after washing. Despite this, we liked its thick, plush underfoot feel, and it was a breeze to remove liquid stains and assemble it. West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug: This rug has a plush, velvety-soft texture, and we were impressed by the effectiveness of the non-skid backing and stain resistance. We took off points because the edges rippled after going through the washing machine, and it wouldn't lay flat afterward. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Questions You Might Ask Do you have to use a commercial washer when cleaning a washable rug? You can throw most washable rugs in a standard washing machine. If you live in a small apartment with a small washer, or if your rug is thicker or larger than most, you may need to head to the laundromat for access to a commercial washing machine. Are washable rugs worth it? “If you have small children, pets, or just tend to be clumsy with spills, a washable rug can be a great option,” Catanzaro says. Traditionally, rugs stain easily and take a lot of effort to clean, so a washable option will save you time and energy. Washable rugs are also ideal for high-traffic areas of the home like your entryway or mudroom, which collect a lot of dirt and debris. Are washable rugs more expensive than regular rugs? According to Catanzaro, washable rugs can be less expensive than a natural rug, but like many home decor items, both washable rugs and traditional rugs come in a wide price range and can potentially cost thousands of dollars. A washable rug can cost up to a couple of hundred dollars, though you can still find budget-friendly options under $100, like the Better Homes and Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Rug. Even so, we think paying a little extra for an easy-to-clean rug is a worthy trade off. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To write this article, we put 28 washable rugs to the test in our lab and at home, evaluating their quality, stain resistance, durability, and overall value. For expert advice on how to shop for washable rugs, Jen spoke to Rob Vera, chief product officer at Ruggable, and Ericka Catanzaro, owner and principal designer of Ericka Catanzaro Interior Design. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.