Can You Wash a Rug in the Washing Machine? What a Rug Care Pro Recommends

Area rugs add comfort and style to any room but they also take a lot of wear and tear, especially small rugs in high traffic entrance areas and work areas like the kitchen.

So, how can these rugs be safely and easily cleaned in a washing machine? It depends on the materials used to manufacture the rug, its size, and the load capacity of your washer.

We talked to a rug care expert to help you decide if you can wash a rug in the washing machine.

Can Rugs Be Washed in a Washing Machine?

The safest way to determine if a rug is washable is to consult the care tag or visit the manufacturer’s website for cleaning tips.

“Yes, many rugs can be washed in a washing machine, especially those made from synthetic or cotton fibers”, says Deepak Maurya. “By using cold water, the gentle cycle with a slower final spin cycle, and a good detergent, you can remove soil and refresh the rug.”

Here are some guidelines recommended by Maurya for washing rugs.

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What Types of Rugs Can Be Cleaned in a Washing Machine?

Rugs made from cotton, polyester, nylon, olefin, and microfiber can be washed safely.

“If the rug has a rubber backing, you should not use chlorine bleach or place the rug in a dryer,” warns Maurya. “Both can cause the backing to deteriorate.”

Maurya shares that wool, silk, jute, sisal, and antique hand-knotted rugs should not be machine-washed. These rugs are more delicate and require more specialized care.

Machine washing can cause irreparable damage. Sheepskin rugs, whether natural or synthetic, are too dense and heavy for machine washing and should be cleaned by hand.

What Size Rugs Can Be Machine Washed?

To safely wash a rug, you must consider the size of the rug and the capacity of your washing machine. Small rugs like doormats and bathmats can be safely washed in a standard washer.

Larger area rugs like a 5 x 7-foot require a large capacity washer that can handle the weight of the rug during the spin cycle. If you do not have a large-capacity washer, visit a laundromat that offers larger machines.

A front-load washer or a top-load washer without a center agitator is the best type of washer to use when washing rugs. The tumbling action is more gentle on the fibers and the drum capacity is larger. To help balance the machine if you are washing a single rug, add some old towels to the washer drum.

How to Wash a Rug in a Washing Machine

Remove Loose Soil

Always shake or vacuum a rug before putting it in the washer. Leaving excess sand, grit, or hair in the rug can clog the washer’s drain lines.

Pretreat Stains

Use a stain remover or a dab of laundry detergent to pretreat visible stains. Work the product into the stained area using a soft-bristled brush and set the rug aside for 10 to 15 minutes. This will give the stain remover time to break apart stain molecules from the rug fibers.

Select the Detergent and Washer Settings

Use a regular laundry detergent that contains enough enzymes to remove soil and stains. Do not add chlorine bleach or fabric softeners when washing rugs. Rugs should be washed using cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. These cycles have a slower final spin to help prevent rug distortion.

How to Dry a Machine-Washed Rug

When the washing machine cycle is complete, remove the rug and give it a shake to help release wrinkles. The rug should not be placed in an automatic dryer. Hang the rug from a clothesline or drying rack away from direct heat to air-dry. To help speed drying, add a rotating fan to the area.

Additional Tips for Machine-Washing a Rug

• Do not attempt to machine-wash leather or natural animal hide rugs.
• Do not use hot water when washing a rug. It can cause dyes to run and damage non-skid backings.
• Spot clean rugs as soon as possible when stains occur. Machine washing a rug too often can cause excessive stress and wear to the fibers.