We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping People Tested The 14 Best Washable Rugs of 2024, According to Our Tests Our top pick is the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 15, 2024 04:51PM EDT In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsOur Verdict What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Dera Burreson Regardless of your flooring type, area rugs can add texture and a cozy touch to bring a space to life. The only problem is that some rugs require professional cleaning, which can be costly and time-consuming. As a result, many — especially those with young kids or pets — might opt to forgo a rug. However, thanks to washable rugs (a.k.a. rugs you can throw in the washing machine), you can indulge in a nice rug without the stress of a mess. “Washable rugs are so great because they open doors to busy families looking to have a beautiful home even though they have children and pets in a space,” says Jennifer Lynn, a design expert and CEO of Jennifer Lynn Interiors. Our PEOPLE Tested team researched 28 of the best washable area rugs, runners, and mats, ranging in size, style, and purpose, then took them into our lab to get a better idea of their performance. We then tested them in real homes with kids and pets for an additional six months to see how our favorites fared with daily traffic and regular washes. These are our top picks for the best washable rugs that PEOPLE tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tumble Tabor Washable Rug at Tumbleliving.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Threshold Vintage Distressed Rug at Target ($200) Jump to Review Best Wool: AllModern Washable Wool Area Rug at Wayfair ($149) Jump to Review Best Stain Resistant: Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug at Walmart ($89) Jump to Review Best Indoor/Outdoor: Iohouze Boho Area Rug at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best for Kids: Lahome Washable Area Rug at Amazon ($44) Jump to Review Best for Pets: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug at Amazon ($247) Jump to Review Best Pattern: Ruggable Gradasi Rug at Ruggable.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Vintage Look: Ruggable Kamran Rug at Amazon ($349) Jump to Review Best Non-Slip: Ruggable Shag Rug at Ruggable.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Tumble Tabor Washable Rug PHOTO: Tumble View on Tumbleliving.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Doesn’t snag when brushed Easy to clean spills and vacuum up dirt Includes cushioned rug pad for added comfort and security Red Flags Not available in round or square After testing several washable rugs for durability, we found that the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug is the best washable rug overall. This rug is constructed from a washable polyester material with a low pile — so it’s great for high-traffic areas of the home — and comes in several popular sizes ranging from a smaller 3x5 size to a larger 9x12 size. And, while it’s not the cheapest option on our list, the price range is fair for a high-quality, durable, and washable rug option. When testing the rug in our Lab, we found that it didn’t snag when brushed, and cleaning up wine and coffee stains was a total breeze. We were particularly impressed with how easy it was to soak up spills with just a paper towel and, once we applied a cleaning solution to the spill, the rug looked good as new. In addition to its washable technology, the rug also comes with a rug pad that helps keep it in place, providing additional cushioned comfort for your soles. How It's Held Up After six months, this rug continues to impress with how well it resists stains and washes as easily as a blanket. It has been placed under barstools, where it receives plenty of traffic and lots of crumbs. It’s also a favorite spot for a cat, who rolls on it constantly and has had a couple of accidents on the rug. It has been washed in a front-load machine a couple of times without any issues or texture changes, and it still looks brand new. It’s an incredibly durable rug that we expect will last a long time. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 3x5, 5x7, 2.5x10, 2.5x7, 6x9, 8x10, 9x12 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Budget Threshold Vintage Distressed Rug PHOTO: Target $30 at Target Star Qualities Ultra-grippy without a rug pad Highly durable High-quality design Red Flags Thorough wash needed to clean dark stains When it comes to high-quality rugs on a budget, Target is one of our go-to places to shop — and the Threshold Vintage Distressed Rug did not disappoint. This washable rug features a vintage-inspired design with intentional distressing and a gorgeous neutral pattern throughout. It’s constructed from nylon and olefin with a latex backing and features a grippy back that keeps it in place without the additional need for a rug pad or rug tape. Aside from its lower-end price tag, we were most impressed by this washable Target rug for its durability and high-quality design. The rug never snagged with the brush test, and it was easy to vacuum dirt up for a clean surface. Stains are a little tough to remove by just spot-cleaning, though, so we recommend giving this rug a thorough wash if you happen to spill dark liquids on top. Material: Nylon, olefin, latex | Size Options: 2.4x7, 2.6x3.10, 5x7, 7x10, 10x12 feet | Pile: Low Best Wool AllModern Washable Wool Area Rug PHOTO: Wayfair $149 at Wayfair $259 at rugsusa.com $238 at Lowe's Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Eco-friendly Medium pile works for high-traffic areas Most spills removed by blotting with a paper towel Red Flags Some slight snagging when brushed If you’re looking for the best washable wool rug, consider the AllModern Machine-Washable Hand-Woven Wool/Ivory Charcoal Rug. This washable rug is made from 100 percent wool and features a flatweave design with a medium to high pile. Despite its height, the rug is durable enough to use in high-traffic areas, so it’s a great choice for those who love the plush texture of a high-pile rug but need something durable enough for high-traffic areas. When conducting the brush test, we found that it snags slightly, so it might not be the best option for those with dogs or cats. However, it held up well with the spill test and we found that all you need is a paper towel to effectively blot away coffee and wine spills. How It's Held Up This rug was placed under a desk in a home office to protect the floors from desk legs and a rolling chair. The medium-sized rug fits the space perfectly and is just right to toss in the washer. After several washes, the shag material still looks fluffy and fresh. One thing to note is that hair and other small particles get stuck in the shag and can be hard to remove with a vacuum. However, the quality of this functional and stylish rug has remained unchanged. Material: Wool | Size Options: 2x8, 3x5, 4x6, 5x8, 6x9 feet | Pile: Medium People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Henry Wortock People / Dera Burreson Best Stain Resistant Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Walmart $89 at Walmart Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Doesn't absorb spills Doesn’t snag or shed Stays in place without rug pad Red Flags Thinner material may require padding For the best stain-resistant washable rug, consider the Better Homes & Gardens Abstract Machine-Washable Rug. The rug is constructed from a durable polyester material with a low-pile texture and comes in two sizes and a runner option as well. After spilling wine and coffee on this rug, we noticed that the spills never soaked in and instead sat right on top of the surface of the rug, making cleanup super easy. Additionally, the rug doesn’t snag or shed when brushed so it's also a great option for pet owners — simply run a pet hair remover over it. Although the rug is thin and doesn’t come with a rug pad or backing, we still found that it stays in place well, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping on top of hardwood or tile flooring (but you might want to purchase a pad for extra comfort). How It's Held Up This rug has been in an entryway for six months, and it still looks brand new. The area gets a lot of foot traffic, but it has only needed to be washed a couple of times. After washing, the rug lays flat and looks great. This versatile rug looks great, and there have been no changes in the texture of this durable rug after running it in the washing machine. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2x7, 5x7, 7.2x9.10 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Indoor/Outdoor Iohouze Boho Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Excellent for utility purposes Stands up to foot traffic Great value Red Flags No anti-slip backing With its durable cotton construction, the Iohouze Indoor/Outdoor Washable Rug is our top pick for the best indoor/outdoor option. This budget-friendly option comes in a 3x5 size for less than $40 — a nice option if you're shopping for area rugs at Amazon — and features a low-pile texture that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. Additionally, it doesn’t snag or shed when brushed and you can easily blot away spills without any leftover residue. While the rug itself is durable and makes for a great utility option, it doesn’t have an anti-slip backing, so we recommend purchasing one separately if you want a little more security for high-traffic areas. Additionally, the corners tend to curl up after unpacking, so the use of rug tape is required to flatten it out. Material: Cotton | Size Options: 3x5 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best for Kids Lahome Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Easy to blot clean Non-skid backing prevents slipping Material is durable Red Flags Slightly slippery, silky texture The best washable rug for kids is the Lahome Washable Rug. Available in area, runner, and round shapes, this low-pile washable rug is constructed from a durable polyester material and features a non-skid backing that keeps it in place on hardwood and tile floors. We were most impressed with this rug during the spill test as the coffee and wine beaded to the surface instead of absorbing into the rug, so it was easy to blot away with a paper towel. The rug has an anti-slip backing but it’s worth noting that the surface isn’t anti-slip. It has a silky texture that could feel slippery if you're wearing a pair of slippers or socks on top. How It's Held Up This rug was placed in a child’s bedroom six months ago, and it’s their favorite spot for crafting. We love the rug’s appearance, the softness of the material, and how easy it is to spot-clean. As far as maintenance, this rug can't handle the power of an upright vacuum, so the tester has had to use a handheld. Also, machine-washing the rug isn't ideal, as it unbalances the washing machine. However, it is easy to remove stains by spot cleaning, and the light, creamy rug shows no signs of wear. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x7, 2x8, 2x10, 3 (round), 3x5, 4 (round), 4x6, 5 (round) 5x7, 6 (round), 6x9, 8x10 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best for Pets Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine Washable Area Rug PHOTO: Wayfair $247 at Amazon $37 at Wayfair View on Rugs-direct.com Our Ratings Quality 4.3/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Easy to clean liquid stains Durable choice for pet owners Super soft, comfortable surface Red Flags Took a few passes with a vacuum to fully clean When shopping for the best rug for pets, you want something that can withstand wear and tear caused by claws as well as accidents, hairballs, and more. Our top pick for this category is the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Machine-Washable Rug because, in addition to its chic style, it’s highly durable and easy to clean. When testing for spills, we noticed that liquid sits on top of the carpet without absorbing, making it easy to blot away stains. And, when brushed, the rug doesn’t shed or snag. With its super soft, plush surface, it’s an excellent option for high-traffic lounge areas such as the living room or bedroom. The rug is easy to fully clean and durable enough for daily interaction, although you will have to pass a vacuum over it a few times to get dirt and crumbs up — not a problem with a hand-held or cordless vacuum. How It's Held Up After six months in a high-traffic entryway, the Magnolia Home rug has held up well. It has been washed a few times, and the edges remained flat and it held its shape. The small size fits well in a standard washing machine, the texture has remained consistent, and the rug still looks nice. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2.3x3x9, 3.6x5.6, 5x7, 7.6x9.6, 8.6x11.6, 2x5, 2.3x7.6, 2.3x9.6, 2.3x11.6, 1x6 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson The 11 Best Pet Hair Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Pattern Ruggable Gradasi Rug PHOTO: Ruggable View on Ruggable.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Modern design pairs well with most decor Sturdy, functional material Versatile sizes and shapes Red Flags Requires washing machine for deeper clean Finding a rug with a chic pattern that won’t clash with your home decor isn’t always easy. But, we love the subtle and timeless striped detailing on this Ruggable rug. In addition to its stylish design, the rug is also highly functional and a great option for those with pets or kids as it’s easy to clean and doesn’t snag or shed. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find an option that works for your specific needs and space. Albeit easy to clean, it’s worth noting that removing stains and spills with blotting alone isn’t as effective as some of the other options on our list. Instead, we recommend using a carpet cleaner or rinsing the rug in a washing machine for a deep clean. How It's Held Up After six months, the Ruggable Gradasi has held up pretty well. Our tester has noticed some pilling of the fabric, and the light cream color is not as clean as it was at first, but the rug looks significantly better after a wash cycle. While the rug fit where it was originally placed, due to the thick pad, it does not work as well near a door that can not open and close over the thick rug. On the other hand, the thickness of the pad makes the rug comfortable to stand and sit on. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2x3, 2.5x7, 2.5x10, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 6 (round), 6x9, 8 (round), 8x10, 9x12 feet| Pile: Medium and low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best Vintage Look Ruggable Kamran Rug PHOTO: Ruggable $349 at Amazon View on Ruggable.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Vintage-inspired Persian design Available in medium and low pile Easy to blot away spills and stains Red Flags May not fit under some doors Vintage rugs are notoriously tricky to clean — but not this vintage-inspired Ruggable rug. The Kamran Rug features a subtle Persian design and comes in a variety of colors (including neutral tones) so you can find an option that works best for your aesthetic. Available in medium and low pile, the rug boasts a thicker consistency that looks and feels luxurious while remaining highly functional. The rug might be machine washable, but you don’t need to throw it in the wash to get stains out. When testing, we found that liquid spills don’t absorb easily into the fiber, making it easy to blot away spills and protect against potential stains. How It's Held Up Our tester has been mostly pleased with this rug and would recommend it to anyone who wants a washable rug for a high-traffic area. The rug is comfortable to walk on, but low-pile enough so that it doesn’t catch and hold onto much debris. The rug has been washed and tumble-dried several times, and it came out looking as good as new. There was even a pet stain that came out without a trace after washing. Unfortunately, cats have pulled a lot of threads out of the border, so we wish the border could hold up better to pet scratches. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2x3, 2.5x7, 2.5x10, 2.5x12, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 6 (round), 6x9, 8 (round), 8x10, 9x12, 10x14 feet | Pile: Medium and low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Non-Slip Ruggable Shag Rug PHOTO: Ruggable View on Ruggable.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Star Qualities Detachable non-slip pad Runner options available Adds cozy vibes to bedroom or reading nook Red Flags Less functional in high-traffic areas After testing several options, we found that the best non-slip rug is the Ruggable Shag Rug. This washable rug features a detachable non-slip pad designed with Cling Effect™ technology so it doesn’t lose its stickiness and stays put on hardwood and tile floors. In addition to its non-slip backing, the rug features a soft shag surface, making it a great option for the bedroom or a cozy reading nook setup. Since it is a higher pile, the rug isn’t as ideal for high-traffic areas as it can start to look flat over time. The thicker surface also makes it harder to open and close doors over it, so keep that in mind, too. With that said, the rug comes in lots of different sizes and shapes, so you can find one that feels more custom to your needs. How It's Held Up After six months of use, we have found that the Ruggable Shag rug has maintained its structure well, but it’s difficult to get clean. We like the non-slip pad that stays attached to the rug with Velcro. We also find it easy to vacuum. However, the originally white rug has turned to a grayish, dingy tint that does not improve after going through the washing machine. The rug also feels less soft to the touch after washing. Overall, we like the style but are disappointed by the discoloration of the rug and the change in texture after washing. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2x3, 2.5x7, 2.5x10, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 6x9 feet | Pile: High People / Dera Burreson People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock People / Henry Wortock Best for Kitchens Rugs.com Washable Indoor/Outdoor Rug PHOTO: Rugs.com View on Rugs.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 3.8/5 Value 5/5 Star Qualities Rougher look but super soft on soles Subtle but stylish pattern Red Flags Fibers absorb spills Washable rugs are a must-have for kitchens, and this one from Rugs.com is our top pick for kitchen and dining areas. Available in 11 different sizes, the Washable Eco Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Rug features a low pile and is constructed from recycled plastic water bottles for a sustainable touch. While the texture appears rough, we love how soft it feels on the soles of your feet. We also love the subtle striped pattern which helps add some personality to your space without being too overpowering. When testing this rug for spills, we noticed that the material is a little more absorbent than others on our list. However, the rug is super easy to clean in a washing machine, so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing out stains. How It's Held Up We placed this rug near a front door six months ago, and it has become a cat's prime napping spot. Although it gets a lot of foot traffic (and scratching from the cats), it shows minimal signs of wear. The rug definitely has more of an outdoor feel but is thick and plush. It’s very easy to clean and maintain. The rug quality has remained unchanged even with regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and washing. Material: Recycled plastic water bottles | Size Options: 2.2x3, 4x6, 5.3x8, 6x9, 7x10, 7.10x10, 9x12, 10x14, 2x6, 2x8, 2.7x10 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Bathrooms Uphome Round Floral Rug PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.3/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Shape fits perfectly in bathrooms Doesn't absorb moisture Red Flags Only one shape available With its round design and durable material, the Uphome Round Rug is the best choice for bathrooms. When testing this rug out for spills, we noticed that it’s not very absorbent, so it’s ideal for areas with a little more moisture. Additionally, the rug is highly durable and doesn’t snag or shed, so it can withstand regular wear and tear. And, since it’s machine washable, you can always ensure it remains hygienic when used in the bathroom. We love the round shape for bathrooms, however, it’s important to note that this washable rug is not available in square, rectangle, or runner shapes so its design isn’t as versatile as some of the other options on our list. How It's Held Up After six months of use, this rug is still up to our standards. It was placed in a child’s room as a reading rug. The colorful rug looks cute and is soft to sit or stand on. It has been washed a few times, and the quality has remained unchanged. Our tester doesn't love the ball tassels on the edges because they collect dust and hair. Overall, the rug is easy to maintain and has held up incredibly well. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2, 3, 4, 5.3 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson The 16 Best Bath Towels of 2024, According to Our Testing Best Plush West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug PHOTO: West Elm $32 at West Elm Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Dense and feels ultra-plush Non-slip backing feels secure Red Flags Pattern too bold for some preferences For a low-pile rug, the West Elm Waterfall Washable Rug features the softest surface. This plush rug is constructed from durable recycled polyester and features a bold and colorful modern design that anchors a dining table, couch, bed, or desk. Aside from its plush texture, the rug also features a non-slip backing so it stays put on hardwood and tile surfaces. When testing for spills, we found it easy to blot up about 60 percent with a paper towel, so rinsing it in a washing machine is ideal. How It's Held Up After placing this rug near a front door six months ago, it has been washed weekly and still looks great. Portions of the rug are lighter, and it gets a lot of traffic (and pet stains), but it cleans up well and doesn’t allow liquid to soak through to the floors. It fits in the washing machine easily, and the rubber backing keeps it in place so it doesn’t slip and the floors are protected. The quality has remained unchanged, including the protective backing on the underside of the rug. Material: Recycled polyester | Size Options: 2.5x7, 3x5, 5x8, 6x9, 8x10 feet | Pile: Low People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Textured World Market Iman Washable Area Rug PHOTO: World Market $50 at World Market Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 4.5/5 Star Qualities Low-pile design with soft texture Spills wipe up with a paper towel Red Flags Design might be too busy for some Texture is important to consider in a rug and, if you want something super soft, the World Market Iman Black and Ivory Persian-Style Washable Rug is our top recommendation. Despite its low-pile style, this rug feels super soft on the soles, so it’s a great option for high-traffic areas that require a cozy rug. Additionally, the rug is easy to clean and spills can be blotted away with a paper towel or a quick rinse in the washing machine. How It's Held Up This rug has held up beautifully during the past six months. It was originally placed near an entry and later moved to a bathroom with a tile floor, where it’s well-suited. So far, it has only needed to be vacuumed for maintenance. It doesn’t trap dirt and hair the way a rug with a deeper pile would, and our tester appreciates that the corners are still lying flat. Material: Polyester | Size Options: 2.6x8, 3x5, 5x7, 7.6x9.6, 2.2x3.7 feet | Pile: Low Having a rug under or by your bed adds comfort underfoot, and we love this textured Persian-style rug from World Market for any bedroom design. People / Dera Burreson This low-pile area rug features a black and ivory vintage-inspired motif that is perfect for modern homes and those with kids and pets. People / Dera Burreson It is recommended that you add a rug pad underneath to hold the rug in place and to prevent slipping. Plus, having a good rug pad will increase the longevity of your area rug. People / Dera Burreson When you vacuum your washable World Market rug, use a low setting without the beater brush. People / Henry Wortock If you have pets, a brush is a great way to pick up any lingering pet hair after vacuuming. People / Henry Wortock With its low-pile style, this area rug is easy to toss in the washing machine to quickly clean up any spills or messes. People / Henry Wortock Our Verdict After testing our top-performing washable rugs at home for six months, we re-evaluated our picks. Our Best Overall remains unchanged. We still stand by the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug for its durability and easy maintenance. What to Know About Washable Rugs Pile Pile is one of the most important things to consider with any rug, as this can make or break its functionality. For high-traffic areas, low pile — and, in some cases, medium pile — tend to work best as you don’t have to worry about the plush material flattening and looking worn. Low-pile options are also great for rooms where a door needs to open and close on top, making it easier for robot vacuums to maneuver around. These types of rugs are also good for kitchens and dining areas, as it’s easier to lift away crumbs from low-pile vs. high-pile rugs. High-pile rugs tend to be a little cozier and might work best for bedrooms or reading nooks where you don’t see as much traffic. These rugs typically have a shag style and feel ultra-plush to the touch. Material When shopping for rugs you can wash, one of the key factors to consider is material. “Washable rugs require materials that are stain-resistant to prevent stains from setting in when messes are made,” says Rob Vera, the Chief Product Officer at Ruggable. He recommends materials such as polyester fabrics and polyurethane linings, which are “durable enough to withstand the day-to-day foot traffic and the wear and tear of regular washing while preventing any spills from reaching your floor.” Lynn also says to be mindful of materials. “The materials you select will first and foremost determine if it can go in the washer,” she explains, noting that synthetic materials tend to be more durable than cotton and chenille materials. Size Tied with material for the most important factor, size is another important thing to think about when purchasing a rug, be it washable or not. Choosing the right-size rug for your space can make or break decor, so thinking about how big or small of a rug you need is a must. If you aren’t sure what size rug you need, use painter’s tape and measure out the outline of the rug. This will give you a better visual of what size will look best. Washer and Dryer Setup If you’re considering a washable rug, Vera says to examine your washer and dryer setup. “Most washable rugs are made for standard washers; however, larger sizes or higher pile heights may require equipment with a larger drum size,” he explains, adding that this information can be found on a company’s website. If you don't want to throw it in your washing machine, you can always use an electric scrubber to spot clean, but check the care instructions first. Style When adding a rug to your space, you also want it to look good, of course. When purchasing a rug, consider rug styles and your aesthetic. “There are gorgeous styles available, ranging from traditional to vintage-inspired to contemporary,” says Lynn. “Infuse your space with what works with your decor and furnishings — you’ll be so much happier with the end result,” she adds. Speaking of style, if your washable rug is a bigger investment, consider a more neutral style that can be easily accessorized with a variety of different furnishings and decor, such as a leather sofa or sculptural coffee table. This will extend the design lifespan a bit more, allowing you to make updates here and there without having to get a whole new rug each time. People / Henry Wortock Behind the Scenes To find the best washable rugs, we tested 28 different options in our PEOPLE Tested lab, conducting several experiments to see how well the rugs hold up against wear and tear. Inspection: We began our test by first inspecting the rugs out of the packaging to get an idea of their overall quality and what they look like before rinsing. During this inspection, we made note of the texture, design, and thickness of the rug. We also looked for any indication of low-quality construction, such as loose threads, and tested the rugs for non-slip capabilities by pushing them along the floor. Maintenance: Next, we considered how well the rugs held up against the toughest spills and stains. We measured one tablespoon each of coffee and wine and poured them onto the rugs to simulate a spill situation. After that, we let the spills sit for 10 minutes and monitored if and how the spills transformed into stains. We then used a paper towel to blot away the spill and a cleaning solution to finish up the cleaning process. To get an idea of snagging and shedding, we used a pet brush to aggressively claw at a section of the rug and made note of how this impacted the rug and, as a result, whether or not it could withstand the effects of pet claws. After testing against spills and pets, we also made note of how the rugs take to dirt by spilling soil on top of their surfaces and using a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris. Durability: Throughout testing, we took thorough notes on the rugs’ durability. We then compiled all of our notes together and compared each experiment to get an idea of the overall testing experience. Real-World Testing: Our testers took the top-performing rugs into their homes for six months. The testers reported back on how the rugs held up to kids, pets, high-traffic zones, regular care and maintenance, and more. We have updated this article with these long-term testing insights. People / Dera Burreson Frequently Asked Questions What kind of rugs are machine washable? “Typically, smaller rugs with a tight weave can be washed in a home machine,” says Wayne Edelman, the CEO of Meurice Garment Care and CLEAN by Meurice. “There are also rugs with detachable backing that can be washed,” he adds. Additionally, Lynn says rugs made from cotton and synthetics like polypropylene, polyester, chenille, and nylon are washable. “Wool is a natural material that is easy to clean but not so easy to dry,” she adds. Whether your rug is machine washable or not, Edelman recommends always referring to the rug’s label and manufacturer’s recommended care instructions to ensure proper care and prevent any unwanted distortion due to washing. Do you put washable rugs in the dryer? “Most washable rugs can go in the dryer on a low tumble drying cycle or even an air-dry cycle,” says Lynn. With that said, she says to watch out for rugs with a rubber backing, as those are best air-dried on a drying rack. She also recommends staying clear of any high heat as it could cause shrinkage or curled corners. If curled corners do occur, she says to use a steam mop or steam iron with a towel in between to smooth them out. What color carpet hides dirt best? While darker colors tend to hide dirt, Lynn says this is somewhat of a myth. “If choosing the correct materials, color doesn’t matter,” she explains. “When your focus is to find a washable rug, you will look at the materials that support your goal,” she adds, noting that the color fibers in a washable rug will be stain-resistant. “This is why, in a family- and pet-friendly home, a washable rug opens the door to opulence, as you are not tied down to a certain color and you can revel in the style and aesthetic you love,” Lynn adds. People / Dera Burreson Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best washable rugs, Jessie spoke with Jennifer Lynn, Rob Vera, and Wayne Edelman for expert insights and advice on washable rugs. From there, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s notes, carefully considering the rugs’ functionality as well as design details like material, pile, and sizes available. After consulting with experts and reviewing the testing experiences, she created this list of the best washable rugs. Our Expert Panel Jennifer Lynn is a design expert and CEO of Jennifer Lynn Interiors. Rob Vera is the Chief Product Officer at Ruggable. Wayne Edelman is the CEO of Meurice Garment Care and CLEAN by Meurice. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.