Washing rugs in the washing machine can be a great way to thoroughly clean your rugs and restore their vibrancy. However, not all rugs are suitable for machine washing. Follow these tips to learn how to safely and effectively wash your rugs in the washing machine.
Determine If Your Rug is Machine Washable
The first step is to check if your rug is even suitable for the washing machine. Here are some things to look for:
Material
- Natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, jute, and sisal can typically be washed in the machine.
- Synthetic rugs made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, olefin are also generally washable.
- Silk rugs should not be machine washed as the fibers are too delicate.
- Rugs with a rubber backing should also be hand washed only.
Construction
- Sturdily constructed rugs with tight knots and heavy weighting can withstand the motion of a washing machine.
- More delicately constructed rugs with looser knots may need to be hand washed.
Size
- Smaller rugs under 3 x 5 feet can easily fit in most washing machines.
- Larger rugs may need to be taken to a laundromat with extra large capacity machines.
If unsure, check the tag on your rug for the manufacturer’s washing recommendations. When in doubt, opt for handwashing instead.
Prepare the Rug for Washing
Once you’ve determined the rug is washable, properly prep it for the washing machine:
Vacuum Both Sides
Thoroughly vacuum both sides of the rug to remove loose dirt and debris first. This prevents it from circulating around the washer. Pay close attention to heavy traffic areas. Go over the rug several times to pick up as much dust and grit as possible.
Inspect for Stains
Inspect the entire surface of the rug for any stains and try to spot treat or blot away any excess before washing. This prevents stains from setting further. Look out for food, grease, ink or pet stains. Scrape any dried debris.
Check for Colorfastness
Rub a hidden spot on the back with a wet white cloth. If color bleeds, use cold water, delicate cycle and color catchers during washing to prevent dye transfer.
Secure Fringe or Tassels
Braid or rubberband any fringe or tassels along the edges to prevent tangling during the wash cycle. If not secured, the agitation can cause twisting and matting.
Roll Up the Rug
Once fully prepped, tightly roll up the rug starting from one end. Roll it loosely enough to allow good water flow but tight enough to fit inside the washing machine.
Select the Right Wash Cycle Settings
Choosing the proper machine settings helps ensure a thorough clean while protecting the rug:
Water Temperature
Wash with cold water to prevent dye bleeding or shrinkage. Warm or hot water can damage certain fibers. Stick to the coldest setting. You can use a touch of warm only for heavily soiled rugs.
Directional Rotation
Top loading machines should use a gentle cycle with agitator off to reduce friction. Front loaders provide a gentler tumble rotation. Avoid any wash settings featuring vigorous back and forth agitation.
Speed Settings
Use a delicate or gentle cycle rather than a normal one. The slower speed reduces wear and tear. Faster spin speeds can damage fringes or corners.
Rinse Cycles
Extra rinse cycles help fully flush out all traces of detergent residue. Repeat rinses also help remove more embedded dirt and grime.
Choose the Right Detergent
The right type of detergent protects the rug fibers and boosts cleaning power:
Wool Detergent
Use a pH-neutral wool detergent made specifically for wool rugs to prevent damage to the fibers. Avoid regular laundry detergent.
Pet-Friendly Formula
For rugs soiled by pets, find a pet stain and odor eliminator detergent. Avoid detergents with optical brighteners.
Powder Over Liquid
Powder detergents dissolve better than liquid versions for superior cleaning results on rugs. Liquid can leave sticky residue.
No Bleach or Fabric Softener
Don’t add bleach or fabric softener which can discolor, strip or damage fibers. Check detergent has no added whiteners.
Low Scent
Choose an unscented or lightly scented detergent to avoid leaving any lingering perfumed smell on the rug.
Wash and Rinse the Rug
Once fully prepped, it’s time to wash the rug:
Load Evenly
Distribute the tightly rolled rug evenly around the washer drum. Loading too much to one side can create an imbalance.
Use Color Catchers
Add a few color catcher sheets to absorb any excess dye released during washing. More may be needed for heavily colored rugs.
Wash on Gentle Cycle
Run the washer on the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and extra rinse cycles. This provides optimal agitation.
Air Dry
After washing, unroll the rug and lay flat immediately on a clean, dry surface to air dry. Direct sunlight will help restore vibrancy.
Fluff Periodically
As the rug dries, periodically fluff or shake it up to prevent matting and creasing. Flip periodically for even drying.
When to Professionally Clean Instead
Even though home washing is possible for some rugs, professional cleaning is best in many cases:
Extremely Large Rugs
Oversize rugs need special facilities for cleaning and drying. Home washers cannot accommodate very long rug lengths.
Heavily Soiled
Rugs subjected to heavy use with excessive soiling, stains or odors do best with professional-grade cleaning solutions. Especially good for restoration jobs.
Pet Issues
Severely pet soiled rugs, especially cat urine, benefit from powerful enzymatic cleaners used by professionals. Difficult odors may not fully come out at home.
Antique or Irreplaceable
Antique, handmade one-of-a-kind, or high value rugs deserve specialist handling for preservation. Better safe than risk damaging.
Need Quick Turnaround
Professionals can wash, dry and return rugs within a few days, much faster than air drying at home which can take over a week.
Don’t Want the Hassle
Some people find the process of home washing large, heavy rugs difficult. Professionals have the tools and manpower.
Tips for Maintaining Machine Washed Rugs
Follow these tips after home washing to keep rugs looking their best:
- Thoroughly dry rugs before returning to use. Moisture can breed mold and mildew.
- Periodically rewash rugs every few months to remove dirt buildup and restore vibrancy.
- Invest in rug pads to provide a protective barrier against future stains.
- Immediately blot spills and stains on washed rugs to prevent setting of the stain.
- Rotate rugs to evenly distribute wear and extend lifespan.
- Professionally clean rugs at least every 1-2 years for deep cleansing maintenance.
- Spot clean rugs in between washes for problem areas or stains.
- Vacuum washed rugs frequently, at least weekly, to prevent dirt accumulation.
- Fluff and straighten pile weekly to maintain appearance.
Signs It’s Time to Wash Your Rug
Watch for these signs signaling it’s time to give your rug a wash:
- Heavy traffic areas look matted, compressed or dull.
- Colors look faded or dingy overall.
- Rug feels gritty with embedded dirt and sand.
- Stains or spills are noticeable that need removal.
- Rug has a musty odor and smells unclean.
- Pet accidents, urine or feces stains are present.
- Rug hasn’t been washed in over a year.
Conclusion
Washing rugs at home can save time and money compared to professional cleaning. With some preparation and care, rugs can be safely washed in the machine.
Always check if your specific rug is suitable for home washing and use the proper methods to optimize results. Implement regular maintenance to keep rugs looking fresh in between washes.
Reach out to rug cleaning specialists for guidance or to handle overly challenging cleaning needs. With the right techniques, you can keep your rugs constantly clean.