When you’re purchasing a new washable rug for your home, there are a few questions you might ask before making a selection: What even is a washable rug? How do I know one’s washable? How much does one cost? Well, we’ve got you covered! This article answers all those questions and more.
Many homeowners purchase a rug because they like the way it looks, but they never consider the maintenance of it. With that said, cleaning and maintenance may be the most important aspect of your new rug. After all, life brings plenty of “oops!” moments!
Your well-loved rug will come into contact with dirty shoes. Your children may spill something on it. Your pets may roll on it after a long day outside. Before you know it, your brand-new rug is a luxury resort for allergens and a breeding ground for bacteria.
Rugs can get dirty very quickly and frequently, and cleaning isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s often expensive and time-consuming. That is why so many homeowners are choosing washable rugs for their homes. Check out eight of the most common questions about washable rugs below:
1. What are washable rugs?
If you’ve never heard of a washable rug, don’t worry. While most rugs can be cleaned in one way or another, most of them aren’t designed to be put into the washing machine.
Most rugs are very heavy and made of certain materials that need to be washed with carpet cleaners or by a cleaning service to avoid color bleeding and increase the rug’s lifespan. Washable rugs are more lightweight. You can pick these rugs up and toss them right into your washing machine. The rugs from Rugs USA can even be put in the drier or hung out to dry. Since everyone is concerned about germs, you won’t believe how convenient an easy-to-clean rug can be!
It’s this convenience that makes washable rugs perfect for so many homeowners. Whether you have a busy work schedule or a hectic family life, you can rest assured that cleaning the living room rug won’t add to your worries.
2. Which rugs are washable?
So how can you tell the difference between a traditional rug and a washable one? For starters, washable rugs are typically marketed as such. It may be right in the name, or else somewhere on the label or packaging, it will say, “machine washable.”
For instance, at Rugs USA, we have a whole line of machine washable rugs that are unmatched on the market. With a single-piece design that’s easy to set up and clean, you won’t have to deal with traditional two-piece systems that our competitors offer!
Most rugs will come with a tag that clarifies their cleaning instructions. If your rug does not explicitly say “machine washable,” you can assume it’s not. If you put the wrong rug in your washing machine, you can face some issues, such as color fading or bleeding (especially if you use warm water), fabric destruction, and disintegration (if you’re washing an old rug). The latter can leave your rug looking uneven or bumpy.
You can also look at the materials a rug is made of to see if it’s washable or not. Washable rugs are often very lightweight and made with specific materials that can withstand the abrasiveness of going through a wash cycle. That is most often the synthetic material polyester. There are also washable rugs made from natural materials like cotton and wool, but these don’t withstand as many washes as rugs made from synthetic materials.
3. How much are washable rugs?
The price of a washable rug depends mainly on two factors. First, you need to consider the size of the rug. A large rug for your living room is going to cost significantly more than a small one you’re going to put inside your doorway. Why is that? Well, large rugs require more material and more work to create. Most rugs are priced by square foot or square meter.
The second key factor is the material. For example, washable rugs made with natural materials like wool are much more costly. A medium-sized wool washable rug can be upwards of $600, while a washable nylon rug of the same size may cost anywhere from $150 to $200. Rugs USA even offers a line of high-quality, durable, and affordable washable wool and shag rugs!
4. Are sheepskin rugs washable?
Many people love the look and feel of a sheepskin rug, but are these washable? The answer is yes and no. Some solid white sheepskin rugs are washable and can be tossed right into your machine. On the other hand, dyed sheepskin rugs are not washable. If you have a sheepskin rug dyed another color, we recommend you take it to a dry cleaner to prevent fading.
In any case, it’s a good idea to check the care instructions on your sheepskin rug before putting it through the washer, especially if you’re not sure whether the material is truly sheepskin or a faux version.
5. Can you wash jute rugs?
Some homeowners love the natural look and feel of a jute rug. These rugs consist of plant fiber woven into particular shapes and sizes to create a rug. They look fantastic, and they’re very durable when it comes to heavy foot traffic. However, unfortunately, they are not washable. The wash cycle can ruin the weaving and material of a jute rug, so it is recommended you actually clean these by hand and allow them to air dry.
6. Are polypropylene rugs washable?
Polypropylene rugs are one of the most popular rugs for several reasons. They are made from a synthetic blend, but can mimic the look of a number of different textiles. They’re highly durable, lasting years if well-cared-for. They can be made into endless shapes, styles, and designs, giving homeowners many options.
Polypropylene rugs are not truly washable, but they are easy to spot clean because of their durable construction.
7. Where can you buy washable rugs?
Washable rugs are currently available at many retailers, depending on the size, shape, and material you are looking for. Rugs USA currently has a large number of washable rugs made from premium recycled synthetic fibers. With a one-piece design, durable construction, and an array of styles, there will undoubtedly be a rug that is perfect for your home’s unique style at Rugs USA!
