Washable rugs are an absolute must-have, especially in busy areas such as beneath the dining table, in the living room, or in kids’ playrooms. To avoid the hassle of scrubbing carpets and using handheld vacuums every few weeks, it is essential to prioritize designs that simplify cleaning when decorating a room.
Every rug on this curated list of top washable options will significantly ease upkeep efforts without compromising on style. All 28 washable rugs from this list were meticulously tested against common culprits of stains, including spilled coffee, red wine, and potting soil.
These rugs were also subjected to simulated damage caused by pet claws to assess the resulting wear. Here’s a roundup of the finest washable rugs that excel in durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.
Best Overall
The dining room is one area that truly benefits from having a washable rug. With the occasional splash of wine or marinara sauce and crumbs strewn about, you need a 15×15 area rug that can withstand the chaos of dinner gatherings.
A top recommendation for this space is West Elm’s washable Waterfall rug. It boasts a striking abstract design that complements a more formal dining environment while offering the durability and practicality expected from a washable product.
You will be impressed by the rug’s plush feel—luxuriously soft underfoot while low-pile enough to accommodate dining chairs without hindrance. The vibrant pattern is seamlessly woven into the fabric, avoiding the appearance of a cheap print.
Despite its soft texture, stains are easily managed, coffee gets blotted away with a paper towel, and red wine gets nearly entirely removed. During a test, although a small amount of liquid did seep through to the back, it didn’t transfer to the floor.
Dirt posed no challenge for this design either—we vacuumed it up with just a few sweeps, leaving no residue behind. The colors remained bright after washing, and the fibers regained their fluffy softness once dry.
Best Versatile
If you’re in search of a washable rug that combines style and durability, Ruggable’s Kamran rug should be at the top of your list. This brand is renowned for its washable options, but the Kamran design stood out during our testing, even against other offerings from Ruggable.
The high-quality print comes in various color options (each adept at hiding dirt and grime) and gives the impression of a much pricier piece.
During the test was noted how delightful this rug felt underfoot, especially when paired with the Ruggable rug pad for added cushioning. Its low-pile construction remains flat and smooth after washing, making it an adaptable choice for different spaces.
Stains lifted out effortlessly, restoring the rug to its original condition post-wash. While the rug pad isn’t machine washable, any debris could be shaken off without needing spot cleaning, as none of the liquids penetrated the pad underneath.
Although it was a tight fit for a standard washing machine, it managed to wash the 5 by 7-foot design without issue.
“I’ve owned my flatwoven 9-by-12-foot Ruggable rug for around six months,” shares Commerce Editor Mary Claire Lagroue.
“It was simple to unpack and set up. It hasn’t pilled or shown wear, and the smooth texture prevents pet hair from sticking. Spot cleaning has been a breeze—I’ve easily dabbed out coffee spills and even a stain from my dog’s dental treat.”
Best Value
Rugs can indeed be pricey, but opting for a budget-friendly choice doesn’t have to mean losing out on style or toughness.
That’s where NuLoom’s design shines.
Though it features a relatively thin pile, it is rich with its intentionally faded antique design that resembles a fortunate vintage find. Its grayscale palette is versatile enough to enhance any room, making it an ideal addition below an entryway console.
The whipstitching along the edges adds a custom touch.
This rug is easy to toss into the washing machine without much fuss. It proved to be exceptionally durable against scratches and wear from pets; you could hardly see any evidence of scratch tests aside from minor fuzziness on the surface.
During the test, while stains did absorb quickly into this rug, they were almost entirely removed with a simple cold wash cycle—the remaining coffee stain blended seamlessly with the rug’s pattern, rendering it barely noticeable.
How to Evaluated Washable Rugs
This washable 14×14 rug was examined to assess its performance against various stains, wear, overall durability, and washing capabilities. Each rug was allowed to settle flat for two weeks before testing to ensure it could lay properly and eliminate any curling at the edges.
The rug was tested by spilling coffee, red wine, and a dash of potting soil to evaluate its cleanup efficiency. Each stain was treated uniformly—first blotted with paper towels, then cleaned with a mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and water, followed by a machine wash.
Scratch evaluation. Each rug also underwent a “scratch” evaluation, where a pet brush was used to mimic the effects of clawing on the fibers, replicating typical wear and tear.
All rugs were assessed using identical criteria and were ranked based on quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Key Considerations
Material
When hunting for a washable rug, the fiber or material is undoubtedly your primary concern.
To maintain their shape, color, and texture while being washable, many rugs on our list are crafted from polyester fabric. However, there are also washable options available (including those featured here) made from other fibers like cotton and wool.
Rug Weave
The weaving method varies depending on the material and manufacturing process. Most washable rugs are machine-made—using power looms with sturdy synthetic materials—which makes them more resistant to wear compared to hand-knotted styles.
In contrast, rugs made from natural fibers like wool or cotton typically utilize different weaving techniques such as flat-woven or hand-loomed construction.
Size
For maximum versatility, it’s advisable to shop for washable rugs from well-known brands like Ruggable or Revival, which offer a broad range of sizes and shapes. In our testing, we maintained consistency by using a 3 by 5-foot rug unless otherwise dictated by stock availability.
Keep in mind that larger rugs may pose challenges when trying to fit them into your washing machine for cleaning.
Style
When selecting a washable rug, don’t forget about the design and style! Ultimately, your chosen rug should not only perform well but also enhance your space aesthetically, so keep a coherent color scheme and style in mind.
Fortunately, washable rugs are increasingly popular, making it easier to find designs that fit virtually any style, color theme, and budget.