Area rugs add comfort and style to any room but they also take a lot of wear and tear, especially smaller rugs in high-traffic entry areas and work areas like the kitchen.
So, how can these rugs be cleaned safely and easily in the washing machine? This depends on the material used to make 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 a washing machine.
Can rugs be washed in a washing machine?
The safest way to determine whether 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 slow final spin cycle, and a good detergent, you can remove soil and refresh the rug.”
Here are some guidelines recommended by Maura for washing rugs.
Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up our free daily newspaper For the latest hacks, expert advice and more!
What types of rugs can be cleaned in a washing machine?
Rugs made of cotton, polyester, nylon, olefin and microfiber can be washed safely.
“If the rug has a rubber backing, you should not use chlorine bleach or put the rug in the dryer,” cautions Maura. “Both can impair support.”
Maurya says 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 may cause irreparable damage. Sheepskin rugs, whether natural or synthetic, are too dense and heavy to machine wash and must be cleaned by hand.
What size rugs are machine washable?
To wash rugs safelyYou should consider the size of the rug and Capacity of your washing machinelike small rugs Doormats and Bathmats Can be washed safely in a standard washer.
Larger area rugs, such as 5 x 7 feet, require a larger capacity washer that can handle the weight of the rug during the spin cycle. If you do not have a large capacity washer, go to the laundromat Which provides big machines.
The best washer to use when washing rugs is a front-load washer or a top-load washer without a center agitator. The tumbling action on the fibers is more gentle and the drum capacity is larger. If you’re washing a rug, put a few old towels in the washer drum to help balance the machine.
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, soil or hair in the rug can clog the washer’s drain lines.
pre-treat stains
Use stain remover or a drop of laundry detergent to pre-treat visible stains. Using a soft-bristle brush, apply the product to the stained area and set the rug aside for 10 to 15 minutes. This will give the stain remover time to separate the stain molecules from the carpet fibers.
Select detergent and washer settings
Use regular laundry detergent that contains enough enzymes to remove soil and stains. Do not use chlorine bleach or fabric softener when washing rugs. Rugs should be washed in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. These cycles have a slower final spin to help prevent rug warping.
How to Dry a Machine Washed Rug
When the washing machine cycle is complete, remove the rug and shake it out to help remove wrinkles. Rugs should not be placed in an automatic dryer. Hang the rug on a clothesline or drying rack to air dry away from direct heat. To help dry faster, set up a circulating fan in the area.
Additional Tips for Machine Washing Rugs
- Do not attempt to machine wash leather or natural animal skin rugs.
- Do not use hot water when washing the rug. This may cause paint spills and damage to the non-skid backing.
- Remove clean rugs as soon as possible after stains occur. Repeatedly machine washing a rug can cause excessive stress and wear out the fibers.