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13 Washable Area Rugs That Are Stylish Yet Durable

These rugs are easy to clean, making them ideal for rooms with heavy foot traffic.

Composite of budget-friendly washable rugs
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon, Revival Rugs

Serving as décor while protecting floors from foot traffic, area rugs are a great addition to any room of the house. The only downside is that these statement pieces can get dirty quickly and are often difficult to clean. An easy workaround? Washable rugs.

A washable rug is one that can be thrown directly into the washing machine to remove dirt, stains, and other grime. Simply add detergent to your machine, place the rug inside by itself, and wash with cold water on the delicate cycle. "A washable rug is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle, whether that involves kids, pets, or parties," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "Washable rugs take out the worry and allow you, your family, and your guests to live and enjoy, knowing it will come out in the wash."

What to Look for When Buying Washable Area Rugs

Before purchasing your own washable area rug, it's important to know what to look for.

Material

Since area rugs often experience heavy foot traffic, you want to choose a durable material that can handle frequent washing. Look for something made with synthetic fibers, like nylon, polyester, and olefin, which are great for machine washing and can handle multiple washes, says Kelly. Cotton is another great choice that is soft, plush, and can withstand the wash.

Color

Washable rugs are available in every color and pattern you can think of, and while you may be tempted to reach for the loudest hue available, proceed with caution. "Bold, bright colors will show fading after one too many washes and will be much more noticeable than, say, a soft blue or neutral rug," says Kelly.

Pile

Another thing to consider is pile, which is the density of the rug's fibers. There are short and tall piles that range in height—low is less than 1/4 inch, medium is a 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and plush is 1/2 to 3/4 inch. While machine-washable rugs are very durable, a low pile is ideal. "A shag rug, for example, may take more of a beating in the washing machine than a flat rug will," says Kelly.

If you've decided that a washable area rug is for you, we've curated a few beautiful options that'll enhance your home's overall style while also helping you cut down on time spent cleaning.

Padoor Geometric Washable Rug

Padoor Geometric Washable Rug
Courtesy of Amazon

This washable area rug features an eye-catching geometric design—a mix of stripes and diamond motifs, plus a Moroccan quatrefoil pattern on the backing—that's sure to make a statement anywhere from your living room to bedroom. This rug is woven from yarns, not a print, so the pattern won't fade, even after you toss it in the washing machine time and time again.

Revival "Maru" Rug

Revival "Maru" Rug
Courtesy of Revival Rugs

Rugs are a great way to bring a unique design element to your home. Think outside of the box with a round washable area rug, like this iteration from Revival's washable Rake Collection. Named for the Japanese word for circle, the tonal and thick "Maru" rug features interior circles along with sharp radial lines that look like a rake moving through sand. While this piece is on the smaller side for an area rug, it's perfect for defining a breakfast nook or anchoring an office desk.

Ruggable Polar White Plug Rug

Ruggable Polar White Plug Rug
Courtesy of Ruggable

Washable rugs from Ruggable are highly sought after. "They have a patented two-rug system that comes with a non-slip rug pad and a lightweight rug cover," says Kelly. This plush option has velvety fibers that feel cozy and warm while still being able to stand up to frequent washing. While it may not be a great option for people with rambunctious pets or children who frequently spill due to its off-white color, you'll still be able to get rid of spots and messes with a simple spin in the washer.

Ruggable Anza Rug

Ruggable Anza Rug
Courtesy of Ruggable

Ideal for anyone who wants to add intrigue to their space, this rug is available in four different colorways, including turquoise, polychrome, slate blue, and warm gray. The stain-resistant area rug has a low pile (it is only 1/8 of an inch thick), so it will stand the test of time in high-traffic areas of your home. What's more, it is made from polyester—a durable material that is great for washable rugs.

West Elm Boho Washable Rug

West Elm Boho Washable Rug
Courtesy of West Elm

Offered in a muted pink, so you don't have to worry about its hue fading over time, this rug is an ideal option for anyone hoping to add a pop of soft color to their space. The low-pile rug is crafted from polyester and has a boho design that will instantly bring personality into your home. When it's time to clean it, simply put the carpet into the washer, wash it on cold, and let it tumble dry on low. It'll be good as new.

Safavieh Montauk Collection Handmade Fringe Cotton Area Rug

Safavieh Montauk Collection Handmade Fringe Cotton Area Rug
Courtesy of Amazon

If you want something soft but durable, opt for a washable rug that's made of cotton, like the one featured here. Its sleek, flat-weave pile makes it easy to wash without diminishing the cotton's softness. It's important to note that this product isn't thick, which is convenient for cleaning—but may not necessarily make it the coziest option for spaces like the living room. We love it underneath furniture and in entryways, but you can roll it out anywhere in the home you see fit, as its casual style makes it extremely versatile.

Ruggable Crosshatch Natural Rug

Ruggable Crosshatch Natural Rug
Courtesy of Ruggable

If you want your area rug to tie existing design details together without drawing too much attention, go for a neutral option. We love the subtle crosshatch pattern on this rug, which has a jute-like aesthetic; the sandy hue will complement just about any room's color scheme. The rug fits in any regular-sized washing machine, front-load or top-load, and boasts a low-pile and polyester material—two attributes Kelly prefers in a washable rug.

Ruggable Daisy Bordered Blue Rug

Ruggable Daisy Bordered Blue Rug
Courtesy of Ruggable

The soft, calming blue hues of this beautiful vintage-inspired area rug make it a fit for nearly any space. It comes in nine sizes, with the option to add a cushioned pad to make it even more plush. While it will add a touch of color to your space thanks to its blue shade, the dulled tones mean it won't lose quality during frequent washing like other brightly-colored options might.

My Magic Carpet Kenya Beige Medallion Washable

My Magic Carpet Kenya Beige Medallion Washable
Courtesy of Home Depot

Despite this washable area rug's neutral color palette, it's a standout piece that will become the focal point of whichever room you put it in. The ornate design features a medallion pattern that brings charm and intrigue to your home. Plus, it features a non-slip backing and is made from 100 percent microfiber polyester, making it highly stain-resistant. Clean it as you would any washable rug—by sticking it in your washer on the delicate cycle with detergent and drying on low.

nuLOOM Romina Machine Washable Diamond Stripes Area Rug

nuLOOM Romina Machine Washable Diamond Stripes Area Rug
Courtesy of Amazon

Unlike some washable rugs, which have a detachable backing that can't go into your machine, this area rug is made of only one piece, making it even easier to clean. The spill- and stain-resistant carpet has a sleek look and flat pile that allows for convenient placement in doorways, hallways, and underneath furniture. If you prefer the look and feel of a thicker piece, simply layer a pad underneath for extra cushioning.

My Magic Carpet Medina Moroccan Diamond Ivory Washable Area Rug

My Magic Carpet Medina Moroccan Diamond Ivory Washable Area Rug
Courtesy of Home Depot

If your pets are wreaking havoc on your floors, adding a washable area rug is the perfect solution. This one's diamond design and black-and-white palette lends itself to any living room. It's made from polyester, making it even more pet-friendly as the material is stain-resistant.

Willaby Hand-Loomed Rug in Citrine

Willaby Hand-Loomed Rug in Citrine
Courtesy of Willaby

An organically-made, hand-loomed rug that's also machine washable? It exists, and this one's simple look makes it extremely versatile. The rug is crafted by a family of Amish weavers, who use zero electricity from start to finish as they create their sustainable home furnishings. All of Willaby's rugs, including this washable design, are made from layers of gauze—a lightweight, loosely woven cotton fabric that's breathable and durable. Like other designs, the organic rug can be cleaned by washing with cold water on the delicate cycle, but it should be air dried, as gauze shrinks in the dryer.

Martha Stewart Rugs Flatweave Performance Blue/Ivory Rug

pale blue flatweave Martha Stewart rug on orange background

Courtesy of Wayfair

This washable rug from Martha has a soft blue-and-ivory color palette that will brighten any room in your home. It is skillfully machine-made from durable synthetic fibers, so it is highly stain resistant and non-shedding, making it a great addition for areas with heavy foot traffic.

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