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6 best washable rugs for busy homes and pet owners, tried and tested
Are they the low-maintenance answer to spills, messes and muddy paws?
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
A good rug brings a room together, adding a touch of character to your décor. But if you’re a pet owner or have young children, you’ll know that leaving your fancy beige rug out when muddy paws and mucky hands are around can be pretty nerve-wracking.
It’s not just felt tip pens that are a threat though. If your new rug is dry clean only or too delicate to be vacuumed, then it can quickly become a harbour for dirt, hair and other particles – especially if it's placed in a high-traffic area around your home, such as the hallway or living room.
Enter the washable rug.
The best washable rugs 2025
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What are washable rugs?
We hear you – it’s hard to imagine machine washable rugs can be a stylish or luxurious addition to your home but trust us, the best washable rugs have levelled up in the past few years.
They’re still a relatively new concept but these rugs are a game-changer for keeping your floors fresh and stain-free. They often come in two parts: a decorative and washable cover (this is the bit that goes in the washing machine) and a non-slip pad that’s like a yoga mat and goes underneath so the rug is comfortable underfoot.
To clean them, all you need to do is separate the layers and pop the cover in the wash before drying and reattaching – it's as simple as that. Each rug will come with instructions on the best settings, too.
To find the very best washable rugs for your home, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts put a range of brands to the test, including options from viral favourite Ruggable, as well as ones from classic home stores such as Dunelm.
How we test washable rugs
Testing washable rugs at the Good Housekeeping Institute is a messy business.
In the lab, our experts smear and spill wine, tea, coffee, mustard, curry sauce, lipstick, foundation, and – for all you pet-lovers – mud on every rug. Then they treat each one with a carpet stain remover to see how easy it is to clean marks immediately. Finally, they put it in the washing machine to make sure any lingering dirt disappears.
Testers then repeat this test but leave the stains to set in for 24 hours before washing and analysing the results. We also check for shrinkage and colour fastness, putting every rug through the machine five times before measuring it and scanning the material with a special software that accurately assesses any colour changes. We even test a light and dark version of each rug to give you peace of mind, whichever design fits in with your interiors.
But we don’t just leave it to our lab experts. The best washable rugs have to look good in our homes while still cleaning up nicely. So, we sent them out to a panel of testers who lived with their rug for two weeks, judging whether it stains easily, if it’s simple to clean, and if it looks good and feels comfy underfoot. They also check if the rug stays in place without slipping, and if washing affects its quality.
We then combine the lab results and panel feedback and give each rug a score so we can bring you the very best for your home.
These are the brands we rated.
Pros
- Minimal liquid seeped through the rug
- Soft and comfortable underfoot
Cons
- An investment compared to other washable rugs
Score: 92/100
Excellent quality and high levels of stain resistance propelled Ruggable to the top-spot in our tests – proving there's substance behind its viral popularity. Wine, tea and coffee lifted easily after an immediate spot clean and wash, as well as after being left for 24-hours. It was a slightly different story for tricky mustard and curry sauce stains – a good scrub banished most of the dirt, but it was a little discoloured if you looked closely.
Despite this, Ruggable’s products received rave reviews from our panel of testers. The rug pads and covers are sold separately, so you can switch up the designs and colours when you fancy. We tested the standard and cushioned pads, and testers said there was no slipping or sliding around. They didn’t notice any damage when the rugs were placed in high-traffic areas either, and everyone found it easy to pop in the washing machine. A clean dream.
Price shown is for a 120 x 185 cm flatwoven rug with a standard pad.
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | Yes |
| Washing instructions | Wash on low temperature (30C) and hang to dry |
Pros
- No tea or coffee odours remained after a wash
- Easy to remove pet hair
Cons
- Some liquid seeped through during our spill test
Score: 91/100
This rug's quality fabric earned high praise from our panel of testers – there was no loose stitching or damage throughout the trial period. And even after many washes, there was limited shrinkage.
Cleaning wine, tea and coffee stains was a breeze, while all it took to banish the majority of tougher stains such as lipstick and mud, was a quick and immediate spot clean. Even after they'd been left for 24 hours, this rug cleaned up impressively with just stubborn lipstick marks remaining.
Our experts would have liked a slightly better non-slip backing; however, our panel of testers had no issues, all agreeing the rug stayed securely in place, so that’s a niggle we can forgive – especially if you’re a fan of the classic design.
Price shown is for a 120 x 170 cm rug.
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | No |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | Yes |
| Washing instructions | Wash on low temperature (30C) and dry flat. Tumble drying not recommended. |
My Rug Machine Washable Shaggy Stain Resistant Rug
Pros
- Air-dried more quickly than expected
- Still soft after washing
Cons
- Difficult to spot clean because of the shaggy pile
Score: 86/100
Pet owners, this rug is one for you – our panel found quick vacuums and sweeps in between washes were all it took to remove pet hair. When it came to stain removal in the lab, it coped well with tea and coffee, but testers struggled to lift sauces and lipstick stains – extra elbow grease was needed!
The rug kept its colour well though, even after plenty of washes, and there were no loose stitches or threads. The main niggle was with the rubber backing. It can’t be removed for washing, so testers found parts became damaged, chipping off in places. But if you don’t think you’ll need to wash the rug too often, then it’s a reliable buy at a great price.
Price shown is for a 100 x 150 cm rug.
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | Yes |
| Washing instructions | Wash on low temperature (40C) and hang to dry |
Larissa Washable Plain Shaggy Rug
Pros
- Well constructed with no loose stitching
- Maintained its colour vibrancy after washing
Cons
- Tricky to remove pet hair from shaggy pile
Score: 85/100
With its soft, shaggy texture, it’s no surprise this rug was a hit with our panel who found it a comfortable and premium addition to their home. There was minimal damage after using it during the trial period and the majority found it easy to unpack, use and clean – a people-pleaser from start to finish.
The rug dealt with stains such as tea and coffee well but, like our winner, it struggled with mustard and curry sauce. Panellists also found it tricky to remove pet hair, so keep that in mind if you live with any furry friends.
Overall, though, it’s a great choice for handling common, everyday messes around the home – simply wash on a low temperature and hang to dry for a stain-free finish.
Price shown is for a 100 x 150 cm rug.
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | Yes |
| Washing instructions | Wash separately at 30C on a delicate setting. Do not tumble dry. |
Pros
- Adds plenty of warmth and cosiness to a room
- The anti-slip backing worked well and the corners remained flat throughout testing
Cons
- Expensive
- Trickier to wash than others due to weight
Score: 83/100
This new design from Ruggable is more of an investment piece than the other rugs in this list, but it’s worth splashing the cash if you can.
It features a brand-new all-in-one design – so no need for a separate non-slip pad and decorative cover. Instead, this plush, luxurious rug has a built-in nonslip backing and the whole thing can be popped in a washing machine.
It’s important to note though, that you’ll need a large capacity washing machine or you’ll have to make a trip to a laundrette for washing (especially for the larger sizes) as the plush material makes the rug weighty. It vacuumed well though, and occasional cleans with a spot cleaner will help keep it looking fresh.
After multiple washes in the lab, the rug showed no signs of shrinkage and the colours remained vibrant – particularly on lighter coloured designs. As expected though, these options were less resistant to staining and spills. Both mustard and curry sauce left behind marks even after scrubbing. Opt for a darker colour if you have kids or pets at home.
Price shown is for a 150 x 215cm rug
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | Yes |
| Washing instructions | Spot clean or machine wash in cold water using a mild, bleach-free detergent. For medium to large rugs, use a commercial washing machine for best results |
Pros
- Easy to remove wine and coffee stains without excessive scrubbing
- Rug didn’t slip or slide
Cons
- Testers noticed a few loose stitches after our wash tests
Score: 79/100
Crafted from a soft-touch cotton blend, this rug has a super cosy feel that makes it ideal for any bedroom, home office or living space. Testers had no trouble fitting it in the washing machine and found it just as easy to remove – something that proved difficult for other rugs due to their weight. It took a full 24 hours to dry though, which was longer than the others tested, so keep this in mind when cleaning.
Our experts were able to blitz most stains effectively but some, like makeup and curry sauce, left the rug looking slightly discoloured. This was mainly on the lighter rug, so consider a darker design if you often face challenging stains. Testers also noted the rug shrank a little after multiple washes but that’s to be expected with a cotton design.
Price shown is for a 120 x 170 cm rug.
Key specifications
| Non-slip backing | No |
|---|---|
| Stain resistance | No |
| Washing instructions | Place into the washing machine on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees and air-dry flat. |
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products for your home at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, passing down expertise over the decades, so we know we're very experienced at reviewing products against their claims. Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, designed the rigorous protocols for our washable rug test, making sure we used them (and messed them up) exactly as you would at home.
Our homes writer, Megan Geall, collated the results and turned them into easy-to-read reviews, making sure all your questions were answered. She has written about hundreds of products, from the best blackout blinds to the top-rated coverless duvets, so she knows what makes a practical, reliable buy.
What to consider when buying a washable rug
Not all washable rugs are created on a level playing field, so there are a few things you need to consider when shopping.
First, look for an option with a non-slip backing – especially if you’re planning on placing it on laminate or wood flooring. This will help prevent your rug from moving about and sliding underneath you – vital if you have little legs running around!
Then check the care instructions – washing one of these rugs is meant to be easy and fuss-free, so they should be straightforward to follow.
And, as with any rug in your home, it has to look and feel good. Consider the colour, texture and thickness you’d like – and look for ones with interchangeable covers, as offered by brands like Ruggable, allowing you to switch up the design whenever you redecorate or just feel like a change.
Are washable rugs worth it?
If you're looking to keep your rug clean and stain-free and have a busy household, they are worth it. After testing various models, we found them a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, low-maintenance option.
However, if stains aren't as much as an issue in your home, or you're placing it in a room that doesn't have a big footfall, it’s not an essential purchase.
The verdict: The best washable rug to buy
Ruggable's Washable Rug topped our charts thanks to high levels of stain resistance and easy-to-wash styles. We also loved the way you can swap different designs onto the rug base, making it easy to update your interiors.
Our runner-up, the Origins Washable Garda Rug, was only one mark behind, however, and is more affordable.
Or if you have a furry friend in your home, we recommend My Rug’s Machine Washable Shaggy Rug, which was easy to vacuum and washed well.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
