Who doesn’t love a cozy rug? Rugs can totally make a room feel warmer and homier. But keeping them clean? That’s another story. Rugs see a lot of wear and tear. From muddy shoes to spills and pets, they really take a beating. And that begs the question: can you put rugs in the washing machine? Let’s take a look.
At some point, every rug owner wonders: can I just toss this in the washing machine? It would make life so much easier! But is it really that simple? Let’s take a little journey together and explore whether that’s a good idea or a recipe for disaster.
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, you can wash some rugs in a washing machine, but you gotta be careful. Not all rugs are created equal when it comes to surviving the spinning and swishing of a washing machine. Do it wrong and you could end up with a rug that’s wrecked.
Evaluating Your Rug
Before you even think about throwing that rug in the wash, take a close inspection of what you’re working with. Some key questions to ask are as follows:
What’s It Made Of?
The material your rug is made from determines if it’s washable. Delicate materials like silk, wool or braided fabric are a no-go. But sturdy cotton, polyester or synthetic blends can make it. Check the tag to guide you.
How’s It Constructed?
A rug’s construction matters too. Hand-knotted or canvas-backing means don’t wash. But tightly woven rugs without fringe can work.
What Size Is It?
Overstuffing a too-big rug in the machine is risky business. When wet, it gets really heavy and could make the machine unbalanced. For safety, stick to rugs that fit comfortably in your washer.
Will the Colors Bleed?
Some dyes will bleed all over when they get wet. Do a spot test by spraying water and dabbing with a white towel. If you see color transfer – abort mission!
Read My Full Guide On: How To Wash Your Rug in The Washing machine
Preparing Your Rug for The Machine
Once you’ve deemed your rug suitable for the washing machine, proper prep is key. Here are some tips:
Shake It Out
Take that rug outside first and shake it out or give it a vacuum. This removes all loose dirt so your machine doesn’t get clogged.
Mend Snags
Inspect closely and mend any loose threads, small holes or frayed edges so they don’t get worse in the wash.
Spot Clean Stains
Pretreat any ooky smooky stains with a targeted cleaner so they actually come out in the wash.
Wash Separately
Tossing your rug in with other stuff risks dye transfer. And adding bulky rugs can make your load unbalanced.
Washing Machine Settings
Choosing the right settings helps ensure a successful rug wash. Here’s what to do:
Cycle Selection
Go for the gentle/delicate cycle – it swishes and swoshes without tons of harsh tumbling. Some machines have specialty handwash or gentle rug cycles even.
Water Temperature
Cold water is best to avoid shrinkage or bleeding. Hot water can damage delicates.
Detergent
Gentle HE formula without bleach or softener is ideal. Harsh detergents strip fibers.
Load Size
Wash just one small rug at a time. Overcrowding leads to ineffective cleaning and tangling.
Drying Your Washed Rug
After washing, it’s equally important to properly dry your rug:
Extract Excess Water
After rinsing, run an extra spin or transfer to the dryer on low briefly. This removes the bulk of the moisture.
Lay Flat to Air Dry
Lay that rug out flat on towels or a rack. Smooth the edges nicely so it dries flat.
Air Dry Only
Don’t put a washed rug in the dryer, even on low. The heat can totally wreck it. Strictly air dry only.
Rotate Periodically
Flip your rug over every few hours while drying so it doesn’t get waterlogged on one side.
Inspect the Back
Check for dampness on the underside as it dries. If needed, lift and place fresh towels underneath.
Signs of Washing Machine Damage
Unfortunately, machine washing sometimes takes a toll on rugs. Here’s what to look out for:
Fuzzy Edges
If the edges get all loose and frayed, the washing motion was too rough on your rug. Consider handwashing finished edges next go ’round.
Color Loss
Did your bright colors fade or look washed out? The detergent or agitation was too harsh for the dye. Stick to cold water and gentle cycles in the future.
Shrinkage!
Heat from hot water or the dryer can make rugs shrink like a sweater. For natural fibers, strictly wash cold and air dry.
Knots and Snarls
If your rug looks like a bird’s nest, improper loading or overcrowding caused fibers to tangle and knot. Wash solo next time.
Mildew Smell
A musty odor means the rug didn’t fully dry after washing. Ensure thorough drying before putting back in use.
When To Get Professional Help
While you can DIY wash some rugs, others require professional cleaning:
Antique or Oriental Rugs
Too delicate for home machines! Leave these beauties to the experts and their specialty techniques.
Large or Oversized Rugs
Anything bigger than 3 x 5 feet is too bulky for most home washers to handle. Let the pros tackle these monsters.
Pet Stains and Odors
Old urine stains and that doggie smell need more than DIY can do. The pros have hardcore cleaners that sanitize and deodorize.
Heavily Soiled Traffic Areas
Rugs under kitchen tables or hallways get grimy over time. For really dirty high-traffic rugs, hire professional rug cleaning.
Visible Damage
Holes, torn patches or missing fringe need repairs before any washing. The experts can fix these up and then handle cleaning.
The Bottom Line
While some basic rugs can go in the washing machine safely, take care. Not all are suited to machine washing, and improper technique can lead to permanent damage. When in doubt, call the professional rug cleaners for the best clean without harming your precious rug.