Rugs pull a room together, but they also act as magnets for dirt. Muddy paws, spilled wine, and daily foot traffic take a toll. Eventually, running the vacuum over it just won’t cut it.
When your rug looks dingy, you need a plan. Can you toss it in the washer, or do you need to scrub it by hand?
We are here to break down exactly how to wash a rug in the washing machine without ruining the fibers (or your appliance). If your rug is too massive or delicate for the machine, we have a simple hand-washing method for you, too.
Key Takeaways
- Always check the care label first; materials like wool, jute, and sisal are rarely machine-washable.
- Wash suitable rugs on a cold, delicate cycle with gentle detergent to prevent fading or shrinking.
- Never put rugs in the dryer; air dry them flat to maintain their shape and backing.
- Deep clean rugs every 12 to 18 months, but treat stains immediately and vacuum weekly.
Can You Put Rugs In the Washer?
Before you stuff that rug into the drum, stop and check the care label. You will usually find this sewn into the corner on the underside of the rug. It is the ultimate authority on whether you are about to get a clean rug or a destroyed mess.
If the label is missing, use the material as your guide. generally, these synthetic and durable fibers are machine-washable:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Olefin
- Viscose
- Polypropylene
- Small braided rugs
- Chenille (check backing)
- Faux fur
Rugs that are almost never machine-washable include:
- Wool
- Silk
- Jute
- Sisal
- Seagrass
- Animal hides
Can You Put Rugs In the Dryer?
No, you really shouldn’t. The high heat and tumbling action are a recipe for disaster. Heat can melt the rubber backing, causing it to crumble or stick to the inside of your dryer. It can also shrink natural fibers like cotton, leaving you with a warped, wavy rug that won’t lay flat.
Always air dry your rugs. Lay them flat on a drying rack, a clean patio, or a tarp. Avoid hanging heavy wet rugs vertically over a thin line, as the weight of the water can stretch the fibers permanently.
How Often to Wash a Rug
Aim for a deep clean every 12 to 18 months. However, this depends on your household. If you have pets or kids, you might need to wash high-traffic rugs every six months.
For maintenance, vacuum weekly to pick up crumbs and dust. Spot clean spills the second they happen. If you have a steam mop and your rug material allows it, a quick steam every few weeks keeps bacteria at bay.
How to Wash a Rug In the Washing Machine
If your label gives you the green light, machine washing is the easiest route. Follow this five-step process to get your rug fresh without damaging your appliance.
- Time: 1.5, 2 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Handy Advice
If your rug is machine-washable but too large for your home unit (usually anything larger than 5×7), head to a laundromat. Their industrial-sized front loaders can handle the bulk and weight much better than residential machines.
What You’ll Need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Soft-bristled brush
- Two to four old towels
- Drying rack or outdoor tarp
1. Test for Colorfastness
If this is the first time you are washing the rug, you need to ensure the dye won’t bleed. A red rug bleeding onto your white towels is a laundry tragedy.
Dampen a white cloth or cotton swab with warm water and press it firmly onto the rug’s fibers. If any color transfers to the cloth, the rug is not colorfast. You should wash these rugs separately or by hand to avoid ruining other items.
2. Shake and Vacuum
Never put a debris-filled rug directly into the washer. The dirt can clog your drain pump.
Take the rug outside and shake it vigorously to dislodge loose dust and crumbs. If it is a larger rug, hang it over a railing and whack it with a broom handle or carpet beater. Once the loose stuff is gone, lay it flat and vacuum it thoroughly to capture fine dust and pet hair.
3. Pre-Treat Stains
Inspect the rug for specific stains like coffee, pet accidents, or mud. Apply your stain remover directly to these spots. Gently work the product in with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This gives the enzymes time to break down the grime before the wash cycle starts.
4. Load the Washer Correctly
Balance is key here. A heavy, wet rug can throw a washing machine drum off-balance, causing loud banging or even damage.
For front loaders: Place the rug in the drum and add two wet towels to help balance the weight during the spin cycle.
For top loaders: Arrange the rug evenly around the central agitator. Place towels on opposite sides to maintain equilibrium.
Use a mild detergent and select a cold water setting. Choose the “Delicate,” “Gentle,” or “Hand Wash” cycle. Hot water can shrink fibers and dissolve the glue holding the backing together.
5. Air Dry Flat
Once the cycle ends, remove the rug immediately. It will be heavy.
Lay the rug flat on a drying rack or a clean tarp outside. If drying it indoors, place towels underneath it to protect your floors. You can speed up the process by rolling the rug up in dry towels to squeeze out excess moisture before laying it out flat again.
Allow at least 24 hours for it to dry completely. Ensure the backing is 100% dry before placing it back on your floor to prevent mold growth.
How to Wash a Rug By Hand
If your rug is made of delicate natural fibers or is simply too fragile for a machine, hand washing is the safest bet. This method focuses on surface cleaning to avoid soaking the backing or warping sensitive fibers.
- Time: 30, 60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Remember
If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” listen to it. Viscose and silk rugs are easily ruined by water. For those, vacuum regularly and consult a professional cleaner for deep cleaning.
What You’ll Need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Bucket or mixing bowl
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Distilled white vinegar
- Warm water
- Clean white cloths or sponge
- Towels
1. Remove Loose Dirt
Just like machine washing, start with a clean slate. Shake the rug outside to remove crumbs and dust. Follow up with a thorough vacuuming on both sides of the rug.
2. Mix Your Solution
In a bucket, combine two quarts of warm water, one teaspoon of mild detergent, and one teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. The vinegar helps cut through odors and brightens the colors without harsh chemicals.
3. Sponge and Blot
Dip a sponge or clean white cloth into your solution and wring it out until it is damp, not dripping. You want to clean the fibers, not soak the backing.
Gently scrub the rug in sections. Rinse your sponge frequently. Once you have cleaned the whole surface, wipe it down again with a cloth dampened only with plain water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry Thoroughly
Blot the rug with dry towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Lay the rug flat in a well-ventilated area. If possible, elevate it on a rack so air can circulate underneath, speeding up the drying process.
How to Wash Different Types of Rugs
Not all rugs are created equal. Here is how to handle specific materials and styles to avoid accidental damage.
Rubber-Backed Rugs
Rubber backing is great for non-slip safety, but it is the first thing to fail in the wash. Always wash these on cold. Heat and bleach will cause the rubber to flake off. If the rubber is already cracking or peeling, do not put it in the washing machine. The loose rubber bits can clog your pump and filter. Hand wash these instead.
To brighten dingy rubber-backed bath mats, add a scoop of oxygen bleach to the drum. It is safer than chlorine bleach.
Shaggy and High-Pile Rugs
Shag rugs love to trap dirt deep in their fibers. Before washing, shake them out longer than you think is necessary.
We recommend using a carpet shampooer or hand washing for shag rugs rather than a washing machine, as the long fibers can get tangled or matted in the spin cycle. Use a rake or your fingers to fluff the fibers while the rug is drying to keep it looking full.
Large Area Rugs
If you have a massive 8×10 or 9×12 rug, forget about your home washer. You have two main options:
- The Outdoor Wash: Lay the rug on a clean concrete patio or driveway (on a tarp). Wet it with a garden hose, apply diluted detergent, and scrub with a long-handled soft brush. Rinse until the water runs clear and squeegee the excess water out. Let it dry in the sun.
- Commercial Laundromat: Take it to a laundromat with extra-large capacity machines. Make sure the rug isn’t stiff; it needs to be pliable enough to fit into the drum without force.
How to Spot Clean Rugs
Accidents happen. When they do, speed is your best friend. Here is the best way to tackle a fresh stain manually:
- Blot Immediately: Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the spill. Press down firmly to absorb liquid. Never rub or scrub, as this pushes the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Dilute: Splash a small amount of cold water on the stain to dilute it. Blot again to lift more of the substance.
- Apply Cleaner: Spray a commercial stain remover (like Tide Rescue) or a DIY mix of vinegar and baking soda onto the spot.
- Wait and Wipe: Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the cleaner and the stain.
- Dry: Press a dry towel over the spot to soak up moisture.
Top Tip
For stubborn organic stains (like pet urine or blood), try 3% hydrogen peroxide. Test it in a hidden corner first, as it has a mild bleaching effect.
Tips For Washing Rugs
Keep your rugs, and your home, in top shape with these final pro tips.
- Protect Your Machine: After washing a particularly dirty rug, run an empty “clean washer” cycle with hot water and vinegar to flush out any grit or bacteria left behind.
- Summer Cleaning: Plan your deep cleaning for warm, sunny days. Rugs dry much faster outdoors in the heat, reducing the risk of that damp, musty smell.
- Don’t Overdo Chemicals: Start with water. If that fails, try vinegar. Use harsh commercial solvents only as a last resort. This preserves the lifespan of the rug fibers.
- Rotate Regularly: Rotate your rugs 180 degrees every six months. This ensures foot traffic wears down the rug evenly, rather than creating one distinct “path” through the middle.
FAQs
How Do You Hose Down a Rug?
Place the rug on a slanted surface, like a driveway, or drape it over some plastic patio chairs. Wet it thoroughly with a hose, apply diluted detergent, and scrub gently. Rinse from the top down until the water runs clear. Use a squeegee to push out water, then let it dry flat in the sun.
Can You Wash a Rug In the Bathtub?
Yes, the bathtub is a great alternative for rugs that fit. Fill the tub with cool water and mild detergent. Submerge the rug and agitate it with your hands or feet. Drain the dirty water, refill with clean water to rinse, and repeat until soap-free. Squeeze out excess water before air drying.
Can a Doormat Go in the Washing Machine?
It depends on the material. Synthetic, rubber-backed, or cotton doormats are usually machine washable on a gentle cycle. Coir (coconut fiber) doormats should never go in the machine; simply shake or vacuum those instead.
Can You Shampoo an Area Rug On a Hardwood Floor?
You can, but you must be careful. Moisture can seep through the rug and damage the hardwood finish, causing warping or staining. It is safer to place a waterproof tarp under the rug while shampooing, or move the rug to a tiled area or garage.
What is the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner?
A mixture of white vinegar and baking soda is effective and affordable. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then spray with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Let it fizz, wait 15 minutes, and blot clean.
Will an 8×10 Rug Fit in a Washing Machine?
Likely not in a standard residential machine. An 8×10 rug is too heavy and bulky for a typical 3.5 to 5.0 cubic foot drum. You should take a rug of this size to a laundromat that offers high-capacity (40lb+) commercial washers.
What Temperature Should You Wash Rugs?
Always wash rugs in cold water. Hot water can melt the glue that holds the backing together, degrade rubber backings, and shrink natural fibers like cotton. Cold water is gentle enough to clean without causing structural damage.
Refine Your Rugs
Deep cleaning your rugs doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you toss them in the machine on a delicate cycle or spend an hour giving them a gentle hand wash, the result is a home that feels fresher and cleaner.
Just remember the golden rule: skip the dryer. With a little patience and the right technique, your rugs will look brand new for years to come.
