Washable Rugs: Are They Worth It?

Washable rugs are usually more expensive compared to their non-washable counterparts.

Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash

But despite being priced relatively higher, they can be a really profitable investment. Let’s find out whether this type of rug is worth spending on, and also the factors that call for their use. 

What is a Washable Rug?

As its name suggests, a washable rug is a floor covering that can be regularly washed and reused. This type of rug is available in different designs, textures, patterns, and piles. Some washable area rugs can be resource intensive since they require handwashing. 

The best type of washable area rugs are the ones that can be conveniently washed in a washing machine the way you would wash your blankets or towels. This rug can be made from synthetic materials like nylon, but there are wool and cotton options available as well, albeit a bit more expensive. 

When Do You Need Washable Rugs?

There are certain situations where investing on a washable rug is necessary and they are as follows:

1. When you have children –there have been stories of people who have long abandoned the idea of purchasing rugs for their home after having children. Some families even create spaces in their home that are “off-limits” to children. 

However, it’s not all the time that parents should sacrifice style over being practical. It’s possible to be both stylish and practical at the same time. You can place washable area rugs in spaces where your kids usually spill or stain something. Simply wipe the stains or spills with your rug and, et voila! No more mess! Simply wash your rug and put it back in place once it dries up.

2. When you have pets –if you own pets, you are definitely aware of the different pet odors that penetrate in your rug. Pets can also leave their marks everywhere they go, which means they’ll eventually leave stains on your rugs. 

Although this is all normal, this should not stop you or anyone from placing rugs in the house. If you have a washable rug, you no longer have to worry about pet smell and stain because you can just wash the rug if it gets soiled. 

3. When you have allergies –here’s a harsh truth: carpets and rugs can be breeding grounds for allergens. Because they trap in dust, pollens, dirt from pets, pet dander, minute insect parts, and other things, it’s not surprising for them to trigger some allergy of sorts. Although some people are quite tolerant of these types of environmental irritants, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, it’s probably better if you buy rugs that you can wash again and again as needed. 
4. When you have high-traffic spaces at home –a washable rug is ideal for high-traffic areas at home since they are prone to getting dirty. Whether it is the kid’s rooms, kitchen, living room, hallway, or mudroom or entryway leading to the patio or outdoor area, we all have areas in our home that are high-traffic and accumulate dirt faster than others. For these areas, you might want to consider using washable rugs, since they are more resistant to paws and muddy shoes. 
5. When your decorating style involves light or white accents –the trend on decorative items nowadays seems to lean towards an all-white motif. But even though light-colored rugs such as cream, ivory, beige, or white may appear stunning, they are quite challenging to clean and maintain. Fortunately, you have the option to opt for a washable rug. You’ll be able to enjoy these trendy colors without worrying too much because you can easily wash them once they get dirty.

Benefits of Buying a Washable Rug

Below are some benefits you can get from buying a washable rug:

• It can protect your flooring in high-traffic areas
• You can easily wash it and maintain its appearance
• You can save money by washing it in a washing machine instead of sending it to the cleaners. 

Disadvantages of Buying a Washable Rug

• It costs more than a regular, non-washable rug
• It requires weekly, or twice a week cleaning and drying if placed in high-traffic areas
• If you buy a large rug, it may not fit into your washing machine, which means you’ll have to send it to the cleaners to get cleaned. 

Things to Remember Before You Buy a Washable Rug

Before you decide to invest in washable rugs, use the checklist below to make sure you’ll be satisfied in your purchase:

• Make sure it fits in your washing machine
• Check its tag to see if it can be machine-washed
• Check if the rug needs to be handwashed
• Check if the rug needs a cold machine wash or needs to be air-dried on a clothesline
• Check if you can wash, dry and vacuum the rug easily
• Is it priced within your budget?
• Do you like the appearance and texture of the rug?
• Does it add to or complement the aesthetics of your home?
• Did you have other options before considering that rug?

The preferences you have, as well as circumstances, will tell whether a washable rug is worth an investment. 

How to Keep Your Washable Rug Look Clean All the Time?

While you may own a washable rug, you shouldn’t always choose the washing machine as your go-to mode for cleaning it. It is possible to do spot cleaning in between washes when it comes to minor mess or spills. It might wise to wash it in the washing machine once every month or two, or every time you feel it needs a complete refresh. 

You may check the care instructions on the tag or package, and you’ll see that they’ll vary. Some rugs must be machine-washed, while some must be handwashed. But generally washing your rug in cold water and detergent is safe. It is also recommended that you air-dry your rugs instead of having them machine-dried. This is because high temperatures tend to cause damage to synthetic materials. 

Now that you’ve gone through all you need to know about washable area rugs, it’s up to you to decide whether they’re worth splurging your money on or not.