Washing & Care Instructions for Your Washable Rugs (Step-by-Step)

Love your new rug but worried about the inevitable mess? Don't panic. Our washable rugs are specifically designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life—kids, pets, and spills included. They make keeping your home beautiful surprisingly simple.

This ultimate guide will walk you through the proper washing and drying process to ensure your easy-to-clean rug stays vibrant, soft, and looking brand new for years to come.

Before You Wash: Preparation is Key

A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your rug and your washing machine. These simple steps will maximize the effectiveness of your wash cycle.Rugs, especially those in high-traffic areas, can accumulate a surprising amount of debris without you realizing it. Never skip the pre-cleaning step to avoid clogging your machine's filter and to ensure the washing water can penetrate the fibers more effectively. This also helps in dissipating any odors that may have become deeply embedded.

1. Give It a Good Shake

Take your washable area rug outside and give it a thorough shake. This is the fastest way to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and embedded pet hair. For larger rugs, a quick pass with a vacuum cleaner (without the beater bar) is also effective.

2. Spot Treat Any Deep Stains

Don't let deep stains go straight into the machine. For tough marks, you can pre-treat the area:

• Apply a small amount of mild, non-bleach detergent or a gentle stain remover directly to the spot.

• Gently blot the area with a damp cloth—do not rub as this can set the stain deeper into the fibers.

How To Washing Machine Settings?

This is the most critical stage. Using the correct settings ensures your rug is cleaned effectively without damaging the fibers or the non-slip backing.

The delicate cycle on your washing machine is specifically designed to minimize agitation, utilizing low-speed, short-duration tumbling motions to prevent stretching or excessive wear on the fabric. Sticking to this setting is vital for prolonging the life of not just the fabric, but also the crucial under-layer that keeps your rug flat and prevents slipping. When choosing detergent, opt for products labeled for "color protection" or "delicate fabrics."

1. Load the Rug Properly

For an even wash and to prevent tangling, ensure the design side of the machine washable rug is facing out when you place it into the machine drum.

2. Choose Your Detergent Wisely

Use only a mild, non-bleach detergent. Harsh chemicals or bleach can fade the colors and weaken the rug's fabric structure.

⚠️ WARNING: Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softeners can flatten the soft texture of your rug and, more importantly, can compromise the integrity of the non-slip backing, making it less effective.

3. Set the Temperature and Cycle

To prevent shrinking and damage to the non-slip backing, always adhere to the following settings:

Drying Instructions

The dryer is where most washable rugs meet their downfall. High heat is the enemy. The damage high heat causes to a washable rug's non-slip backing is permanent. It can cause the rubber or silicone-based backing to stiffen, crack, or even melt inside the machine. 

Air drying is the gentlest method, allowing the rug to naturally relax and regain its shape. When hanging, opt for a well-ventilated, shaded area rather than direct sunlight, as excessive UV exposure can cause color fading over time. You have two safe options for drying your rug;

1. Air Dry is Best (Recommended)

Hanging your rug to dry is the safest and most reliable method to prolong its life and maintain its original shape. Simply drape it over a railing or line outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

2. Machine Dry (Use Caution)

If you must use a dryer, you must use the absolute lowest settings possible:

• Select the Low Heat or Air Fluff setting only.

• Tumble dry until almost dry, then let it finish air drying outside the machine.

🛑 Never use High Heat. High heat will cause the fibers to break down and can permanently damage or melt the rubberized non-slip backing.

 

✨ Pro Tip: Dealing with Wrinkles

After washing and drying, your rug may have slight wrinkles or folds. This is completely normal! Simply lay the rug flat on the floor for 24-48 hours. The slight tension from the backing and the weight of the rug itself will allow the wrinkles to naturally disappear.

Quick Tips for Common Stains

Being ready for common household accidents will save you time and stress. Here is how to handle the most frequent spills quickly and effectively:

These wrinkles are simply a result of the rug's flexible and soft construction. Once you lay the rug back on the floor, the fibers will gradually relax as the rug absorbs the room's temperature and humidity. If you want to speed up the process, placing a few heavy books on the wrinkled areas or using a low-heat steam iron (avoiding direct contact) can also help. Patience is key at this stage; your rug will quickly return to its smooth appearance.

The golden rule of stain treatment is speed of action. The longer a stain sits, the deeper it sets into the fibers, making it harder to remove. Always blot (press and absorb) from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. For tannin stains like coffee and wine, using cold water is mandatory, as hot water will "cook" the stain and make it permanent.

"Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not use fabric softener."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I wash my rug in a regular home washing machine?
Yes, as long as your rug fits comfortably in the drum without being tightly packed. If it feels crammed, use a larger-capacity washer or go to a laundromat to avoid damaging the rug or the machine.

2. What water temperature should I use?
Always use cold water only. Hot water can shrink fibers, fade colors, and permanently damage the non-slip backing.

3. Which wash cycle is safest for washable rugs?
Use the Delicate or Gentle cycle. This low-agitation setting protects the weave and helps the backing stay intact over time.

4. Can I use bleach to remove stains?
No. Bleach is too harsh and may discolor the rug and weaken the fabric. Use a mild, non-bleach detergent or a gentle stain remover instead.

5. Is fabric softener okay to use?
Avoid fabric softener completely. It can flatten the softness of the rug and reduce the effectiveness of the non-slip backing.

6. How often should I wash my rug?
For high-traffic areas, washing every 4–6 weeks is ideal. For low-traffic rooms, every 2–3 months is enough unless there’s a spill.

7. Can I put my washable rug in the dryer?
Yes, but only on Low Heat or Air Fluff. High heat can melt, stiffen, or crack the backing, causing permanent damage.

8. Why does my rug look wrinkled after washing?
Wrinkles are normal after washing. Lay the rug flat for 24–48 hours, and it will relax back into shape naturally. You can also place heavy objects on curled areas to speed it up.

9. What should I do if my rug has a strong odor?
Pre-cleaning helps a lot. Shake out debris, vacuum it, and spot treat any problem areas. If odors remain, washing on cold with mild detergent usually removes them.

10. What’s the best way to handle stains before washing?
Act fast. Blot—don’t rub the stain. For tougher spots, apply a small amount of mild detergent, gently blot with a damp cloth, and then wash on a cold gentle cycle.