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10 Best Rugs You Can Throw in the Washing Machine

Spills and stains are no match for these machine-washable floor coverings.

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best washable rugs

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Whether you have kids, pets, messy hobbies or you simply like to entertain, washable rugs make clean-up so much easier — especially in high-traffic areas where spills and stains are practically unavoidable. Thanks to the fact that you can put these miracle floor coverings straight into your washing machine, you can say goodbye to the hassle and cost of professional deep cleaning that typically comes with traditional rugs.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate home goods of all kinds including rugs and mats for all areas of your home — from outdoor rugs to bath mats. As more and more brands are adding washable rugs to their collections, we put them to the test to determine which ones are worth buying. We researched dozens of washable rugs from popular and up-and-coming brands and ultimately chose 15 styles to evaluate in the Lab and in real-users' homes. The following are our 10 top-tested picks with prices listed for 5' x 7' sizes.

    1
    Best Overall

    Ruggable Sarrah Washable Rug

    Sarrah Washable Rug
    Credit: Ruggable

    Pros

    • Removable top layer for easy cleaning
    • Tons of size, color and thickness options to choose from
    • No shrinkage in our tests

    Cons

    • Can be difficult to align upper rug and pad

    Ruggable is the most popular machine-washable rug brand on the market, and it's easy to understand why — we especially love the brand's unbeatable variety and easy-to-use features. For starters, there are tons of options to choose from on Ruggable's website: You can shop by size, shape, color scheme, texture, and style preferences. Plus, you can choose between two pile heights and two rug pad thicknesses, depending on what you're looking for. The featured rug is one of the brand's best-sellers, but we also love Ruggable's top-tested bath mats, door mats and outdoor rugs, so you can decorate your entire home — inside and out.

    The rugs are simple to launder: They come as two-piece sets, including a non-slip rug pad and a lightweight top layer that attaches with a Velcro-like grip. When it's time to clean your rug, just peel the top layer off and put it in your washing machine. Because it's a separate layer, it's thinner than a standard rug, and the majority of the available sizes fit nicely into a standard-size machine. You can even tumble dry it on low heat, unlike most other washable rugs. When it's time to connect the two layers, you may want an extra pair of hands for help because aligning them correctly can be tricky based on our experience.

    WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers who have Ruggable rugs in their homes said they look great after years of being walked on, spilled on and washed. One tester shared, "I have the flatwoven standard design, which works great for a hallway where there is a lot of foot traffic. It's easy to clean when it gets stained from dirt or doggie accidents — it hasn't changed color or texture at all."

    In our Textiles Lab evaluations, the rugs did not shrink or show changes in appearance after multiple wash cycles, either, although the rug edges may curl up a bit after washing.

    READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Ruggable Washable Rug

    Available sizes13 options
    MaterialPolyester cover with polyurethane lining and separate polyester and rubber pad
    Care instructionsMachine wash upper in cold water, tumble air dry
    a gh analyst piecing together two layers of a light blue and white ruggable rug
    Philip Friendman
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    2
    Best Value

    Soalmost Area Rug

    Area Rug
    Credit: Soalmost

    Pros

    • Brand claims it's stain-resistant
    • Gripped backing
    • Loved by online reviewers who say it's soft underfoot

    Cons

    • Thin pile and comes without a rug pad

    You don't need to spend a fortune to upgrade your space, thanks to Soalmost's collection of washable rugs like this one, which costs under $50 for a 5' x 7' size. Like many machine-washable styles—especially affordable ones—this rug is on the thinner side with a pile height of just .24 inches. But because it's so thin, it's that much easier to put in the washing machine when it gets dirty.

    The rug doesn't come with a pad, but it does have a gripped backing to keep it secure on your floor. Plus, the brand says the pile is stain-resistant, so spills and surface-level messes should be a breeze to clean.

    WHAT USERS SAY: This rug is loved by Amazon reviewers who say it's soft and cozy underfoot, even without plush pile. Users say it works well in a variety of spaces—from a cozy living room to a messy laundry room to under the dining room table, where accidents are sure to happen.

    One reviewer commented, "It stays in place, has been really easy to clean, and added a lot of brightness to a normally dark [room]." A pet owner shared that right after she laid the rug down, her dog urinated on it right away, but it proved to be no problem. "The amazing part is, it was just a puddle sitting there on top of the fabric. It did not absorb into the rug. Very easy to clean up with paper towels," shared the reviewer. Users also agree that the rug may have some creases upon opening, but it flattens out quickly for a smooth look.

    Image no longer available

    Features at a Glance

    MaterialPolyester upper with TPR backing
    Available sizes27 options
    Care instructionsMachine wash cold, tumble air dry
    3
    Best Wool

    Revival Gearhart Washable Wool Rug

    Gearhart Washable Wool Rug

    Pros

    • Thicker pile than other styles
    • Feels softer with each wash
    • Option to order in a custom size

    Cons

    • A lot of fiber shed in the wash

    While most washable rugs are made of synthetic materials, Revival's latest collection of washable rugs are made of natural wool fibers, and they're hand-tufted. The rugs have a plusher look and feel than other washable rugs with an impressive 3/4-inch-thick pile, and the yarn only becomes fuller and fluffier with each wash. They're available in earthy tones like taupe, moss and poppy and simple geometric patterns are woven into each rug for an elevated look.

    You're able to choose from Revival's standard rug sizes starting at 3' x 5' but you also have the opportunity to create a custom rug for your space up to 12' x 16'. Whichever size you choose, we and the brand highly recommend purchasing one of Revival's separate rug pads for extra cushion and a non-slip backing.

    While the rugs are dryer safe, it's important to note that when we laundered the rug in the Textiles Lab, it took a couple of standard cycles for our 5' x 7' rug to fully dry, and there was significant fiber shed. Revival says that this is common of its wool rugs, but you'll want to be sure to check your dryer's lint trap after laundering to remove the fiber buildup.

    WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "I like the thicker pile — I was surprised that a washable rug could be this thick." And while the wool pile is a bit itchier than synthetic options, our tester noted that the pros outweigh the cons. She said the neutral color, geometric design and full appearance "bring some warmth" to her space.

    We're also fans of the brand's other washable rugs including its recycled polyester styles. A GH analyst who owns one of these polyester washable rugs shared that the rug has the same soft feel as "a fuzzy blanket."

    RELATED: The Best Doormats

    Care instructionsWash cold gentle, tumble dry low
    Available sizes7 options (customizable sizes available)
    MaterialWool
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    a tan washable wool rug from revival
    Philip Friedman
    4
    Softest

    Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug

    Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug
    Now 44% Off
    Credit: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines X Loloi

    Pros

    • Velvety smooth pile
    • Cushioned feel
    • No notable changes in wash tests

    Cons

    • Edges curled upon opening

    HGTV star Joanna Gaines's brand Magnolia Home partnered with Loloi to create a collection of the coziest, comfiest washable rugs we've found. There are a variety of designs to choose from, but all of them have a weathered, lived-in style that's sure to look at home in many living rooms or bedrooms. We particularly like this style for a living room area, thanks to its plush design that feels great under feet, according to testers—not the slightest bit itchy or scratchy.

    WHAT TESTERS SAY: Upon removing the rug from its packaging, we noticed that the sides were curling under and there was some rippling along the edges, so it didn't lie completely flat on the floor, but it started to settle in with time.

    We were pleasantly surprised by how velvety soft and cozy it felt, and we gave it the highest ratings for softness out of any of the rugs we evaluated. One tester shared, "It's similar to a soft and squishy foam bath mat. I love how plush the material feels under my feet."

    We were impressed by the rug's performance during our washability tests. It looked brand new after pulling it from the dryer, and there was no notable shrinkage. There is no gripped or non-slip backing, which means you'll need to purchase a separate rug pad, but we found it to stay securely in place when we added a gripped pad underneath.

    RELATED: How to Choose the Perfect Rug Size for Your Living Room

    MaterialPolyester
    Care instructionsWash in cold water on a delicate cycle, hang or lay flat to dry
    Available sizes10 options
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    a grey and green patterned washable rug
    Philip Friedman
    5
    Best Basic

    Made By Design Solid Washable Rug

    Solid Washable Rug
    Credit: Target Made by Design

    Pros

    • Skid-resistant latex backing
    • Soft and tufted pile
    • Laid flat upon opening

    Cons

    • Backing flaked some after laundering

    This rug from Made By Design at Target may seem simple, but it stood out in our Textiles Lab tests. We were impressed by the quality construction for the low price tag: It's just $70 for a 5' x 7' size. The rug pile is low, but it's tufted for a fuller and softer feel, and it felt even softer after being laundered in our evaluations. Plus, it resisted shrinkage in the dryer.

    A tester described the rug as "functional" and said it works well near the door or in the kitchen. She shared, "Even though it's thin, it provides a nice pad for standing while washing the dishes or using the stove."

    During our Lab evaluations, the rug immediately laid flat on the floor after opening without curling or rippling at the edges, and there were no noticeable dents either. Thanks to the latex backing along the entire rug, it's skid-resistant and stayed in place on our tile floor without sliding around during our evaluations. Like with other rugs and bath mats we've tested, the latex backing did flake some after we laundered it. The rug comes in three neutral solids — the featured gray, navy blue and a light tan — and is available in six standard sizes, including a runner option.

    Material: Polyester with latex backing | Pile height: Not listed | Available sizes: 6 options | Shape: Rectangle and runner

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    a grey washable rug from threshold folded at the corner
    Philip Friedman
    6
    Best for Pets

    My Magic Carpet Washable Rug

    Washable Rug

    Pros

    • Webbed backing for grip
    • Short pile is easier to clean
    • Built-in waterproof lining

    Cons

    • Thinner than other styles

    The short pile on this rug from My Magic Carpet is ideal for pets because it makes it simpler to clean up messes or wipe away muddy paw prints. Beneath the surface is a built-in waterproof liner to prevent spills from seeping through the rug to the floor below. Because the rug is lightweight and thinner than other styles, it's easy to launder and fits into a standard washing machine when an accident inevitably happens.

    When we washed the rug in the Textiles Lab, we didn't notice any signs of wear or shrinkage, and it only needed one cycle in the dryer to feel completely dry. According to one GH analyst, the microfiber rug has a "velvety, almost suede-like feel" that was just as soft after being laundered. One tester with cats put the rug in his living room and said the rug offers a nice balance of practicality and comfort, sharing that while it's not plush, it's still cozy under his feet.

    The rug features a webbed backing that the brand says is non-slip, so you won't need to purchase an additional rug pad. We love the variety of styles available on the brand's site and appreciate that they come in rectangular and round options to perfectly fit your space.

    Material: Polyester | Pile height: 0.25 in. | Available sizes: 6 options | Shape: Rectangle, runner and round

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    a light grey and cream rug with folded corner from my magic carpet
    Philip Friedman
    7
    Best Runner

    Boutique Rugs Rosman Distressed Washable Rug

    Rosman Distressed Washable Rug
    Now 55% Off
    Credit: Boutique Rugs

    Pros

    • Soft chenille fabric
    • Lower pile is good for high-traffic areas
    • Quality binding around edges

    Cons

    • Can't be machine dried

    This pick from Boutique Rugs comes in five different runner sizes (more options than any other rug we evaluated!), ranging from 2'7" x 8' to 2'7" x 20", so it's sure to span even the longest hallways. The flatter pile is better for high-traffic areas like a hallway or kitchen, and it's made of a soft polyester chenille, a synthetic fiber that should be able to withstand regular use and a lot of footsteps.

    When we assessed the rug in the Textiles Lab, we noted that the material felt soft yet sturdy and were impressed by the quality of the binding at the edges. However, the rug didn't lie completely flat upon opening with some curling at the edges. The rug is machine washable but can't be machine dried. When we tested it, we found that it hang-dried nicely overnight. According to a representative of the brand, the washable rug doesn't require a separate rug pad, but we found that it was more secure with the addition of one. Boutique Rug carries a variety of sizes and options if you'd like to add a pad for some stability.

    Material: Polyester | Pile height: 0.04 in. | Available sizes: 10 options | Shape: Rectangle and runner

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    a close up shot of a red and blue patterned rug from boutique rugs
    Philip Friedman
    8
    Easy Assembly

    Tumble Amara Ash & Natural

    Amara Ash & Natural

    Pros

    • Brand claims to use a stain-resistant finish
    • Unique puzzle-like rug pad
    • Pocketed corners to secure rug in place

    Cons

    • Some online reviewers said colors don't match online images

    Tumble is a newer washable rug brand that recently expanded its collection of rug styles and sizes. The rug comes folded in a flat, compact box, so it's easy to carry inside and to your desired location for setup. The unique rug pad is split into large puzzle pieces, and they easily lock into place to create one large, comfortable surface. The rug upper has pocketed corners that slide right over the pad, so you don't have to worry about perfectly aligning the two layers like with other popular washable rugs.

    On the thinner side, the rug has a pile height of just 0.13 inches, but that makes the rug easier to clean. According to the brand, the rug is covered in a stain-resistant treatment that causes water and other liquid messes to bead up on the surface. One online reviewer whose pet had an accident on the rug shared, "It just puddled up!! All I had to do was wipe it up with a paper towel... It did not soak through to the back of the rug or rubber pad underneath at all."

    The machine washable rug can also be tumble dried on low heat, making the entire cleaning process much more time-efficient. The biggest complaint according to online reviewers is that the colors of the rug aren't exactly the same as they appear online, with several buyers sharing that the rug is beautiful, but the color-match is off.

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    tumble rug folded on its grey rug pad
    Tumble
    9
    Best Indoor/Outdoor

    Rugs.com Hand Woven Eco Verse Indoor Washable Indoor/Outdoor Rug

    Hand Woven Eco Verse Indoor Washable Indoor/Outdoor Rug
    Now 56% Off
    Credit: Rugs.com

    Pros

    • No signs of shrinkage
    • Flat braided design
    • Colors didn't bleed in the wash

    Cons

    • Some fraying around edges

    Handwoven from recycled materials, this rug from Rugs.com is able to be used either indoors or outdoors. You can place it under a dining room table to combat spills and messes or put it on your patio to extend the cozy feel of your home outside. The flat rug is braided, so there's no fluffy pile, which makes cleaning the surface a breeze, and the brand says it's stain-resistant. One tester placed this rug directly inside her entryway for feet wiping and found it to fit right under the door, thanks to the lower pile height.

    When it comes to the construction, we did find some of the clear filament yarns that hold the rug together to be frayed, especially around the bottom edges of the rug. However the rug stayed intact during our wash tests without any additional fraying or notable fiber shed. During our Textiles Lab evaluations, we were impressed by the sturdy yet comfortable feel of the rug and noted that it felt softer after being laundered. Plus, the bold contrasting black and white design showed no signs of bleeding in the wash, and the rug maintained its shape without rippling at the edges or shrinking.

    Material: Polyester | Pile height: 0.5 in. | Available sizes: 12 options with customized sizes available | Shape: Rectangle and runner

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    a black and white rug from rugsdotcom
    Philip Friedman
    10
    Best for Nurseries

    West Elm Kids Washable Flower Garden Rug

    Washable Flower Garden Rug
    Credit: West Elm Kids

    Pros

    • Whimsical prints and patterns
    • More traditional pile
    • Gel-foam backing for comfort

    Cons

    • This style is only available in two sizes

    West Elm Kids offers a variety of washable rugs to elevate your nursery or playroom with whimsical designs like this darling floral pattern or a classic road mat to encourage play. It has a short profile with a total height of just 0.3 inches, which makes it easier to clean and easier to fold and fit into your washing machine. The polyester yarns also feel soft and plush and have more of a traditional look than many of the other washable rugs we've evaluated. A tester who placed this rug in her children's room said it's "seriously soft" and that it elevated her kids' room. She added, "It's a very pretty rug! The pops of pink in it are fun."

    This particular style is only available in two sizes — 3' x 5' and 5' x 8' — which can be limiting, but some of the brand's other washable options come in additional sizes. The rug has a gel-foam backing for comfort, but it's still recommended to purchase a separate pad to prevent slippage and secure the rug in place. The quality backing allowed for a slight sinking-in feeling when we stood on it in our evaluations.

    Material: Polyester | Pile height: 0.3 in. | Available sizes: 2 options | Shape: Rectangle

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    a green and pink floral rug from west elm
    Philip Friedman

    How we test the best washable rugs

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    In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test and review rugs and mats including styles for your bathroom, kitchen, living room and outdoor spaces — we have tested more than 50 rug models in the past year. During our most recent rug test, we first reviewed dozens of machine-washable rugs online, using our textiles backgrounds to analyze fiber content, variety of sizes and colors available and the listed care instructions.

    We selected 15 washable rugs to evaluate in the Textiles Lab and with consumer testers who shared their thoughts on the look and feel of the rugs, as well as how easy it was to clean spills and messes.

    Headshot of Amanda Constantine
    Amanda Constantine
    Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst

    Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

    Headshot of Lexie Sachs
    Lexie Sachs
    Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

    Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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    a gh analyst placing a washable wool rug in the washer
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