How To Wash a Ruggable Rug — It’s So Easy!

There’s nothing that pulls a room together better than a beautiful area rug. Whether you go big with a room-sized rug or place a few coordinating rugs in key places, a rug lends that cozy sense of home, and completes the aesthetic you’re going for. But what could be more frustrating than laying down that perfect rug and watching it get dingy and dirty?

That’s why Ruggable, the editor-loved brand behind the innovative, two-layer rug that features a machine washable top layer, has become so popular. However, a Ruggable rug can be an investment — especially if you purchase a large size. And that means you probably want to extend its life as long as possible. 

Below you’ll learn everything about how to wash a Ruggable rug, with tips and steps from Muffetta Krueger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Housekeeping. 

Ruggable is a unique brand of indoor and outdoor rugs, bathmats, and doormats that are all completely washable in a washing machine. While other rugs offer limited cleaning options, often having to be spot cleaned or even professionally cleaned for larger messes, Ruggable rugs offer the convenience of tossing them right in your washing machine when a refresh is required. 

Ruggable has rugs in a handful of textures, including tufted, flatwoven, shag, faux hide, and more. You’ll also find a huge variety of colors and patterns in an array of shapes and sizes from round, runner-style, and rectangular rugs ranging from 2×3 to 10×14. The brand also has collaborations with celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, and TV shows like Bridgerton.

The convenience of a washable rug, coupled with the wide variety of styles, textures, shapes, and sizes has made Ruggable beloved among Apartment Therapy editors. The brand is so popular that it’s even carried in Costco warehouses now, too.

The secret to Ruggable rugs is their unique, two-layer design. Each rug features a rug that attaches to a pad underneath for added comfort and easy cleaning. The top layer is easily removable, which allows you to give it a thorough cleaning in a washing machine or at a laundromat.

Cleaning a Ruggable rug differs ever so slightly depending on the style you have, but generally, you’ve got two choices: You can either spot clean it or toss it in the washing machine.

Regardless of whichever cleaning method you follow, you should always be gentle with your rug. Use the most gentle cleaning method that’s appropriate for the mess you’re dealing with, avoid using very hot water or high heat, which can lead to shrinking, and never use a harsh tool like a wire brush on your rug, as it can damage the fibers. 

Ruggable rugs are meant to be washed in a washing machine: That’s their main selling point! But for the best results, you’ve got to make sure your machine is large enough to comfortably fit your specific rug size. The Ruggable website has a comprehensive chart that helps determine whether your rug will fit into your washing machine based on its capacity. 

Below, Krueger also shares some high-level guidance for determining whether your Ruggable can be washed in your washing machine.

• 5×7 or smaller: Standard residential washing machines can typically handle these sizes.
• 6×9 and larger: For larger rugs, you may need a high-capacity washing machine, typically available at laundromats.

Once you determine whether you can wash your Ruggable rug at home or at a laundromat, you can follow Krueger’s simple step-by-step instructions to get the job done. 

1. Separate the rug cover and pad. Carefully peel the rug cover off the rug pad.
2. Place the rug in the washing machine. Place the rug cover in your washing machine. For best results, use a cold water setting and mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, as these can damage the rug’s material. However, Ruggable does indicate that it’s OK to use a 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the wash cycle for particularly tough stains or messes. 
3. Select a gentle cycle. Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle to protect the fibers.
4. Dry properly. Once washed, follow the drying instructions (see below) to maintain the rug’s integrity and color.

Depending on the rug style you have, the steps might differ slightly so be sure to check out Ruggable’s instructions here. 

If there’s a tiny spot on your rug, it’s fine to just spot-clean your rug instead of throwing the entire thing in the washing machine. This will also help extend the rug’s lifespan. Krueger shares how to do this.

1. Blot the stain. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot as much of the spill as possible.
2. Apply a mild detergent. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, then dab the mixture onto the stain using a soft cloth.
3. Gently scrub. Lightly scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth in circular motions. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage the fibers.
4. Rinse and blot dry. Dampen a cloth with clean water to remove soap residue, then blot dry with a towel. Avoid soaking the rug cover to prevent excess moisture from reaching the rug pad.

According to the Ruggable website, the rug pad is made of “a partially recycled polyester surface and a thermoplastic rubber bottom.” This latex-free pad is available in both standard and cushioned widths, and is similar to the material used in yoga mats. 

“The rug pad requires less frequent cleaning, as it typically doesn’t come into contact with direct spills or dirt,” says Krueger. “However, you can spot-clean it if necessary.” Here’s how to spot-clean your Ruggable rug pad in order to keep it in top condition. 

• Use a mild detergent. Using a damp cloth and a mild soap or detergent, gently scrub the affected area. Use the smallest amount of product possible, in order to facilitate thorough drying.
• Air dry. Allow the pad to air dry completely before placing the rug cover back on top. This prevents moisture buildup that could lead to mildew or odors.
• Don’t machine wash. Avoid putting the rug pad in the washing machine, as it could lose its shape and effectiveness.

After washing, it’s time to dry your Ruggable rug. Here’s where you’ll need a dose of patience. The absolute best way to dry a Ruggable rug is to air dry it, either by hanging or laying flat. This is the gentlest method of drying, and the best way to prevent shrinking, curling or damage to rug fibers. In fact, the Ruggable website clearly states that “hang drying is strongly recommended,” especially for certain types of Ruggable rugs. 

But many types of Ruggable rugs can be dried in the dryer, using the following tips: 

• Use the lowest heat setting or the air fluff setting. 
• Remove the rug immediately when the dry cycle is complete in order to avoid creasing. 
• Be sure the rug is completely dry before reattaching it to the pad, to avoid moisture buildup between the rug’s layers.