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Whether you have kids, pets, a messy hobby, or just love to entertain, washable carpeting makes cleaning a breeze, especially in high-traffic areas where stains and spills are almost inevitable. Since these amazing floor coverings are machine washable, you can say goodbye to the hassle and expense of professional cleaning that typically comes with traditional carpeting.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textile Lab, we evaluate a variety of home furnishings, including rugs and carpets for every area of ​​your home, from outdoor rugs to bath mats. As more brands add washable rugs to their collections, we put them to the test to find out which ones are worth buying. We reviewed dozens of washable rugs from popular and new brands, ultimately selecting 15 models to evaluate in our lab and in the homes of real users. Here are the top 10 items we tested, with prices per 5’ x 7’ size.
Ruggable is the brand’s most popular machine-washable rug, and it’s easy to see why: We especially love the brand’s unrivaled variety and easy-to-use features. For starters, Ruggable’s website has a huge selection: You can choose by size (9’ x 12’ rugs), shape (including round), color, texture, and style preference. Plus, you can choose between two pile heights and two carpet thicknesses to suit your needs. The brand’s Accent rugs are one of its best-selling items, but we also love Ruggable’s top-rated bath rugs, doormats, and outdoor rugs, which you can use to decorate your entire home, both inside and out.
These rugs are easy to clean: They come in two pieces: a non-slip backing and a lightweight top layer that attaches with Velcro fasteners. To clean the rug, simply peel off the top layer and throw it in the washing machine. Since it’s a separate layer, it’s thinner than standard carpet, and most of the available sizes will fit a standard-sized machine. Unlike most other washable rugs, you can even tumble dry it on low heat. Note that you may need an extra pair of hands to help when it’s time to join the two layers together, as getting them to line up properly can be tricky.
Testers who have Ruggable rugs in their homes say they still look great even after years of walking on them, spills, and washing. One tester shared, “I have the standard flat-weave design, which is perfect for a high-traffic hallway. When the rug gets dirty from dust or dogs, it’s easy to clean — it doesn’t change color or texture at all.” In our textile lab evaluation, the rug also didn’t shrink or change appearance after multiple washes, though the edges may curl a little after washing.
Materials: Polyester cover, polyurethane lining, separate polyester and rubber pads | Pile heights: 0.08″ and 0.28″. Available sizes: 13 | Shapes: Rectangular, Runner, and Round
This Adiva Rugs 5 x 7 foot machine washable rug is on sale on Amazon for $70 and is a real find. Like many other machine washable rugs, this one is fairly thin, but it does make it easier to lift and place in the washing machine. The manufacturer claims that the rug is tumble dryable without heat, but they also recommend hanging it to dry, which is what we did when we had it cleaned at the Textile Lab. While the rug looked and felt great after washing, we did notice some wear on the binding around the edges.
Online reviewers say they are impressed with how easy this rug is to clean, as well as how easily it removes stains from pets, spilled drinks, and dirty shoes. One reviewer shared, “Not only is this rug beautiful and stylish, but it’s also very practical and easy to maintain.” Others noted that they liked that it’s thin so they don’t trip over it, and that it lays flat on the floor.
The rug has a non-slip backing that the manufacturer claims provides slip resistance. When we tested the rug in our textile lab, we found that it stayed in place better than similar rugs without a non-slip backing, but it still moved a little on our tile floor. If you plan to use the rug in high-traffic areas, we recommend adding a separate non-slip backing underneath for added stability.
Material: Polyester fleece with cotton lining | Pile height: not specified Available sizes: 12 | Shapes: Rectangular, elongated and round
While most washable rugs are made from synthetic materials, the newest collection of washable rugs, Revival, are made from natural wool fibers and hand-woven. These rugs look and feel softer than other washable rugs, with piles up to 3/4 inches thick and yarn that gets fuller and fluffier with each wash. They come in earthy tones like taupe, moss, and poppy, and each rug is woven with simple geometric patterns for a sophisticated look.
You can choose from standard Revival rug sizes starting at 3′ x 5′, but you can also order a custom rug for your space up to 12′ x 16′. No matter what size you choose, we and the brand highly recommend that you purchase a separate Revival rug pad for added cushioning and a non-slip backing.
“I like the thicker pile — I’m surprised a washable rug can be that thick,” said one tester. While wool pile is a little more scratchy than synthetic, our testers said the pros outweigh the cons. She said the neutral colors, geometric patterns, and overall look “bring warmth to her space.”
While rugs are safe to put in the dryer, it is important to note that when cleaning rugs in our textile lab, it takes several standard cycles to completely dry a 5 x 7 foot rug, and there is a lot of shedding. Revival says this is typical for wool rugs, but be sure to check your dryer’s lint filter after washing to remove any built-up fibers.
We also like the brand’s other washable rugs, including models made from recycled polyester. One GH reviewer who owns a polyester rug said it feels as soft as a “plush blanket.”
Material: Wool | Pile Height: 0.75″ | Available Sizes: 7, Custom Sizes Available | Shape: Rectangle & Striped
HGTV star Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Home brand has teamed up with Loloi to create a line of the coziest, most comfortable washable rugs around. There are a variety of designs to choose from, but they all have a lived-in, lived-in style that’s sure to look cozy in many living rooms and bedrooms. We’re especially fond of this living room-style rug because its plush pattern feels so soft to the touch, and testers say it’s not at all scratchy or itchy.
When we tested this rug in our textile lab, we were pleasantly surprised by how soft and comfortable it felt, and our analysts gave it the highest softness rating of any rug we evaluated. It feels like a plush bath mat, but looks more expensive.
When we took the rug out of the package, we noticed that it was curled at the sides and had some folds around the edges, which prevented it from laying flat on the floor, but over time it did begin to shrink. We were impressed with how the rug held up in our wash tests. After I took it out of the dryer, it looked like new, with no noticeable shrinkage. It doesn’t have a non-slip backing, so you’ll have to buy a separate pad to go underneath it, but we found that it stayed in place securely when we placed a non-slip mat underneath.
Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.25″ | Available Sizes: 10 | Shapes: Rectangle, Square, and Striped
The Made By Design rug from Target may look simple, but it stood out in our textile lab tests. We were impressed by the low price: A 5-by-7-foot rug cost just $70. The pile is lower, but it’s tufted, which gives it a fuller, softer feel, and we found it got even softer after washing. It also didn’t shrink in the dryer.
One tester described the rug as “practical,” and said it would be ideal for a doorway or kitchen. “Although it’s thin, it’s comfortable to sit on while washing dishes or using the stove,” she shared.
In our lab tests, the rug lay flat on the floor immediately after being unrolled, with no curl or waviness around the edges and no noticeable indentations. Because the entire rug has a latex backing, it’s slip-resistant, and during our evaluation, it stayed in place on our tile floor without sliding. Like other rugs and bath mats we’ve tested, the latex backing did come off a little after washing. The rugs come in three neutral colors—gray, navy, and tan—and are available in six standard sizes, including a runner option.
Materials: Polyester, latex lining | Pile height: Not specified | Available sizes: 6 | Shapes: Rectangular and striped
This rug from My Magic Carpet has a short pile, which is ideal for pets because it’s easier to clean up messes or wipe away dirty paw prints. There’s a built-in waterproof lining underneath the surface of the rug, which prevents stains from seeping through the rug to the floor. Because this rug is lighter and thinner than other models, it’s easy to clean, and if the inevitable breakage occurs, it’s machine washable.
When we cleaned the rug in our textile lab, we saw no signs of wear or shrinkage, and it only took one run in the dryer to dry completely. According to a GH analyst, this microfiber rug has a “velvety, almost suede-like feel,” and remains just as soft after washing. One tester, who has a cat and put this rug in her living room, said it struck a good balance between practicality and comfort, and that while it’s not plush, it’s still pleasant to walk on.
This rug has a mesh backing that the manufacturer says provides anti-slip properties, so you won’t have to buy an additional pad underneath. We love the variety of styles featured on the brand’s website, and that they come in both rectangular and round shapes to fit your space perfectly.
Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.25″ | Available Sizes: 6 | Shapes: Rectangle, Streamline, and Round
This rug from Boutique Rugs comes in five different sizes (more than any other rug we reviewed!), ranging from 2’7″ x 8′ to 2’7″ x 20″, so it’s definitely a good fit for even the longest hallways. The flatter pile is better suited for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, and is made from soft polyester chenille, a synthetic fiber that should stand up to daily use and lots of foot traffic.
When we evaluated the rug in our textile lab, we found the material to be soft yet durable, and were impressed by the quality of the binding around the edges. However, when unfolded, the rug was not completely flat and had some curl around the edges. The rugs are machine washable, but not tumble dryable. When we tested it, we found that it dried well when hung overnight. According to a representative for the brand, washable rugs do not require a separate pad, but we found it safer to add one. If you want to add a cushion for added stability, Boutique Rug offers a variety of sizes and options.
Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.04 in | Available Sizes: 10 | Shapes: Rectangle and Striped
Tumble is a new brand of washable rugs that has recently expanded their line of rug styles and sizes. This rug folds flat and compact, making it easy to carry around indoors or anywhere else you want to place it. The unique rug is divided into large puzzle pieces that snap together easily, creating a large, comfortable surface. The top of the rug has pockets that slide right onto the backing, so you don’t have to worry about lining up the two layers perfectly like other popular washable rugs.
This rug is relatively thin, with a pile height of just 0.13 inches, but that makes it easy to clean. According to the brand, the surface of the rug is treated with a stain-resistant coating, which means that water and other liquid stains will collect on the surface of the rug. One online reviewer whose pet got on the rug shared, “It just piled up! I had to just wipe it off with a paper towel… it didn’t soak into the back of the rug or the rubber pad underneath at all.”
This rug is machine washable and can be tumble dried on low heat, which cuts down on cleaning time considerably. The biggest complaint from online reviewers was that the color of the rug didn’t quite match the image on the website: several buyers noted that the rug was beautiful, but the color combination was wrong.
This rug from Rugs.com, hand-woven from recycled materials, can be used indoors or out. You can place it under your dining table to prevent spills and messes, or place it on your patio to add coziness and warmth to your outdoor space. This flat rug is lint-free thanks to its woven construction, so the surface is easy to clean, and the manufacturer claims it’s stain-resistant. One tester placed this rug right at the entrance to her home to wipe her feet, and found that it fits perfectly under doors thanks to its low pile.
In terms of construction, we found that some of the clear fibers that hold the rug together had unraveled, especially near the bottom edge of the rug. However, during our wash test, the rug remained intact, with no additional wear or noticeable shedding of fibers. In our textile lab evaluation, we were impressed with the rug’s durability and comfort, and found that it felt softer after washing. Additionally, the bright, contrasting black and white pattern showed no signs of fading after washing, and the rug retained its shape without wrinkling or creasing at the edges.
Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Available Sizes: 12, Custom Sizes Available | Shape: Rectangle & Striped
West Elm Kids offers a wide variety of washable rugs that will brighten up your nursery or playroom with whimsical patterns like this adorable floral design or classic travel rugs that encourage play. It has a short profile with an overall height of just 0.3 inches, making it easy to clean, fold, and throw in the washing machine. The polyester yarns are soft and plush to the touch, giving it a more traditional look than many of the other washable rugs we evaluated. One tester put this rug in her child’s room and said it was “so soft” and that it elevated the decor of her child’s room. She added, “This is a really pretty rug! The pink is so fun.”
This particular model is only available in two sizes — 3′ x 5′ and 5′ x 8′ — which may limit your options, but some of the brand’s other washables are available in other sizes. The mat has a gel backing for added comfort, but it’s still recommended to purchase a separate pad to prevent slipping and keep the mat in place. During our evaluation, the premium pad gave us a slight sinking sensation when we stood on it.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products ranging from apparel and accessories to home furnishings in the Textiles, Paper, and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development, Advertising, and Marketing Communications, and a Master of Science degree in Consumer Science from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a faculty member in the Fashion and Retail Studies Program at The Ohio State University, where she taught courses in fashion and textiles.
Lexi Sachs (she/her) is the Executive Director of Strategy and Operations for the Good Housekeeping Institute and a leading product expert in the bedding, travel, home, home goods, and apparel categories. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer goods industry and holds a PhD in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexi is an expert for Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, and frequently appears on national radio and television programs. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexi worked in marketing and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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