9 Machine Washable Rugs That Really Are Worth the Hype

If there are any home products more convenient than machine washable area rugs, we'd like to know. After all, cleaning a regular area rug is no easy feat, and did you know that you can track potentially fatal bacteria into your home by way of your shoes? It's about time washable floor coverings made it onto the scene because spending hours on our hands and knees scrubbing away with a homemade elixir that, at the end of the day, doesn't really work just wasn't cutting it anymore. So we scoured the market for the best washable area rugs and did not come up empty-handed.

That said, choosing the right one that best serves you and your space is no easy feat, so we tapped Kelsey Fischer, one of Havenly's talented interior designers, who offered her expert opinion on the matter. "Even beyond the most obvious reasons (red wine spills, muddy dog footprints, messy kids, etc.), having a washable rug is ideal in many ways that may not initially strike you," she offers. "They work better for high-traffic areas than traditional rugs, allowing you to keep the same runner in your kitchen for years. They're also better for people with allergies."

How to Choose the Right Washable Area Rug

Like choosing a traditional rug, there are a few key elements to consider before investing in a floor covering because you'll have it for a while, so we recommend getting one that will hold up. Ahead, Fischer offers her expertise to help find the perfect washable area rug that works smarter, not harder.

Focus on Material

"Most washable rugs are polyester, which holds up well to everyday wear and tear," Fischer says. "You may also be able to find some washable options in cotton or wool, but these tend to be at a higher price point." A few materials she suggests shying away from? "Jute rugs, shag-styles, and even fringe. The more you wash these, the more likely they are to get matted or tangled."

Max Out at a Specific Size

With a regular rug, you can go as big as you want, but when it comes to washable area rugs, it can't be so big that it doesn't fit in your washing machine. "Most, if not all, washable rug companies will have a recommended washer/dryer rug guide with measurements," Fischer reassures. "If you end up with a too-large rug for your too-small washing machine, you'll never end up hauling it to the dry cleaners. When in doubt, and without compromising your style, smaller is probably safer."

Consider Pile Height

Pile height is often the element people ignore or forget about when they're buying a new rug, but it's just as important as material and size. She explains, "For those of us who aren't regularly researching rugs (no shame), pile height is, in the simplest terms, the height and density of a rug." She suggests going low-pile for high-traffic areas, like the living room or playroom. "Plus, low-pile washable rugs are much easier to come by, giving you more style options," she adds.