New York Post Composite There’s nothing worse than spilling red wine on your favorite piece of home decor – unless it’s a washable rug, of course.
While a good rug can transform any space in your home (texture, aesthetic, and comfort), accidents happen and when they happen to your not-so-inexpensive, bohemian flooring, they can be tortuously hard to clean up — not to mention stressful.
Traditionally, rugs need to be professionally cleaned when stains occur, which gets expensive and time-consuming. Because of this, many with kids or fur babies opt for machine-washable rugs.
As a mom of a toddler, I know firsthand how washable rugs give parents or those who struggle to keep spills at bay peace of mind so they can enjoy a fabulous carpet without the stress. All you need to do is throw your rug into the washing machine and carefully read through the brand’s recommendations for further care. Not only will this make your home look cleaner, but it will also remove germs that may collect on your rug over time.
It’s important to consider durable, washable materials as well as high-quality construction when choosing a washable rug for inside or outside your home. Cotton, polyester, and polypropylene are typically easier-to-clean substances than wool or silk rugs, and will likely withstand washing.
To guide you in the right direction, The Post has rigorously tested some of the best washable rugs from the trendiest decor destinations like Ruggable, Wayfair, and more. We’ve washed, dried, spot-cleaned, and lived alongside these rugs to bring you the final verdict on the best ones out there.
Below, find the best washable rugs for every space — inside and out!
Wayfair has some of the best brands for washable, spill-proof rugs, and there’s no shortage of chic choices to select from. The living room category is filled with styles that suit a variety of aesthetics, including ultra-modern pieces like the Mina Modern Stripes rug, which features an intriguing geometric pattern that brings light and energy to any space. Not to mention, it’s reversible!
Miska Salemann New York Post Review: “This swanky rug has racked up more compliments than any other piece of furniture or decor in my home,” stated Salemann. “The two-toned, zen design flatters a variety of spaces, whether you’re going for an artsy vibe or a more relaxed bohemian look. I also love the slightly distressed edge details. It makes it look more natural and less factory-printed than some other washable rugs I’ve seen. My favorite part is the fact that it’s reversible, so you can switch up the style if you want something different. In terms of the wash and care, I’ve noticed that the short fibers spot clean super easily. My toddler loves to leave a trail of crumbs wherever she goes, and this is one of the easiest rug to tidy up.”
Size options: 6 | Material: Cotton, Polyester | Shapes: Geometric | Color options: 10
Brighten your space with the Lahome Modern Rainbow Easy Jute Rug without breaking the bank. Its vibrant colors and durable construction make it the perfect budget-friendly option for adding a pop of personality to any room. Select from a handful of styles and sizes for the perfect match.
Size options: 11 | Material: Polyester | Shapes: Geometric | Color options: 10
The Laine Ivory & Natural Rug is that rug — artsy, relaxed and so effortlessly built for real life you might forget it’s even there. Ruggable’s Tufted All-in-One design is one of their most popular textured styles, and it’s easy to see why: it’s super comfortable to walk on. But beyond that, it also adds that polished, designer feel to any space without trying too hard. The washable design features a built-in non-slip backing, a 100% polyester top layer and a waterproof barrier that makes everyday messes a little easier to deal with. It’s available in two natural colorways.
Miska Salemann New York Post Review: “I was skeptical about putting a tufted, lighter-colored rug in my living room —and while it’s true I notice the occasional dog hair or bit of lint, it’s completely worth it. It feels like a cloud beneath our feet and is the perfect soft base for my toddler to play on. The biggest win is definitely the waterproof barrier. When a water bottle gets knocked over (which happens daily with a kid in the house), it dries up within fifteen minutes. We’ve even had an apple juice spill that wiped right up with a damp cloth. Of course, I love the effortless, airy look of the rug itself, but it’s really the fact that it’s so easy to clean. That’s what makes all the difference.”
Size options: 11 | Material: 100% polyester top with a waterproof barrier | Shapes: Stripes | Color options: 2
Upgrade your kitchen decor with the Town & Country Luxe Livie Matisse Washable Non-Slip Backing Kitchen Runner. Its stylish design and practical features, including a non-slip backing and washable material, make it the perfect addition to any culinary space.
Size options: 1 | Material: Cotton, Polyester | Shapes: Motifs | Color options: 4
Looking for something washable and eye-catching? The Palazzo does both. The Soft Black Re-Jute Rug from Ruggable is a marvelous choice for anyone wanting to add natural texture to their space, according to our Deputy Editor, Holly J Coley. It’s available in four different shades and five different sizes.
Holly J. Coley New York Post Review: “I loved it as soon as I unrolled it from the box,” Coley exclaimed. “It comes with a rug pad with velcro and slip-side pockets to stick it into place. I marched up and down the thing, and it didn’t budge, so if you hate constantly readjusting your runners, this is definitely for you. Most jute rugs prick your feet but not this one, which I like because I’m always barefoot! It also didn’t snag my socks when I was wearing those. I was worried about tossing the rug into the washer machine because bulky things tend to throw it off its calibration. Mine got caught on spin and I had to readjust it twice before it was okay to toss in the dryer. I will say, that it looked just like new once I was done and in a few minutes, most wrinkles had flattened themselves out. I do wish I had tried it in a longer size, but regardless, it’s completely changed the vibe of my apartment hallway.”
Size options: 5 | Material: Recycled and virgin polyester, polyurethane | Shapes: Diamond | Color options: 4
Wayfair’s washable rug selection is also filled with plenty of low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for options. Shoppers love the Hokku Designs kitchen mat for high-traction areas due to its fat-drying fibers and non-skid backing. It’s also pretty lightweight and flexible, which makes it easier to fold up and throw in the wash.
New York Post Review: “Hokku Designs offers some lovely washable rugs if you’re someone who prefers a cleaner, more understated look in an area that gets a lot of foot traction,” said Salemann. “I have their washable kitchen rug in the round and runner-style, and I wouldn’t want any other rugs in my dining and cooking spaces. The smooth, super-trimmed fibers don’t attract anywhere near the same amount of grime and dust as a typical furry rug. It’s also ultra-thin, which makes it easy to fold up and throw through a wash-and-dry cycle. I have a small, fragile washing machine, and it handled it without any issues. It’s also practical but pretty, too. The gentle shift in tones seems to mellow out my space, and the tones seem to change through the day, depending on how much sunlight we get. I will say that the shade seems a bit grayer than the photo on the website, but it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Size options: 1 | Material: Polyester | Shapes: N/A | Color options: 1
Create a cozy and kid-friendly space with the nuLOOM Cozy Plush SuperiorWash Area Rug. Its plush texture and easy maintenance make it the perfect addition to any child’s room, providing both comfort and peace of mind for parents.
Size options: 11 | Material: Polyester | Shapes: N/A | Color options: 6
Tumble is a go-to destination for washable rugs. All of their styles are fully machine washable. The Oliver design is no exception. This stunning neutral piece features a spill-resistant surface, so liquids bead up and can be wiped away easily before they soak in. It’s also OEKO-TEX certified, which is a great bonus if you care about safer materials and want to avoid harsh chemicals in your home. That said, if you’re looking for a thick, ultra-plush statement rug, this might not be your match. It does come with an included rug pad, but the rug itself is on the thinner side and fairly lightweight, which can also mean it may show occasional wrinkles. Still, it has that polished, neutral look and is easy to clean — making it a stellar choice for families and pet owners.
Miska Salemann New York Post Review: “When I started hearing about Tumble’s viral washable rugs, I knew I had to try one. The Oliver Style has a spillproof surface, so liquids bead up for quick, easy cleans. I’ve tested it out myself and can confirm there’s no evidence of spills. The low-profile design is also perfect for high-traffic areas where kids are constantly playing, and pets like to lounge around. I’ve noticed this rug shows far less pet hair and lint than my thicker tufted rug upstairs, which is a huge bonus. This particular design is also super lightweight, which is great if you like rearranging your space or need to throw the whole thing in the wash. The downside is that it can wrinkle a bit more easily since it’s on the thinner side. But it’s also pretty easy to smooth out. I love the look, the natural design and the way it brightens up my very dark downstairs space. Now that I have a Tumble rug, I totally get the hype. These rugs are built for real life.”
Size options: 7 | Material: 100% polyester | Shapes: Asymmetrical shapes and dynamic lines | Color options: 2
Get ready to exit your showers in style. We love a retro vibe to brighten up the bathroom, and Parachute’s Organic Mosaic Tub Mat delivers. Inspired by hand-woven Turkish towels, this small mat has a fashion-forward jacquard pattern that comes in a few different colors. Not to mention, it’s made with 100% organic cotton that is harvested and handled with care, so you know you’re getting the softest, highest-quality materials.
Size options: 1 | Material: Yarn-dyed organic cotton | Shapes: Mosaic | Color options: 3
Searching for the perfect rug for your patio or living room (or, maybe both)? This durable, anti-slip choice from Ruggable’s goop collection looks just as good inside as out. It’s a bit stiffer than some of the others on this list, which helps with traction, as well as wrinkling. We love the way it smoothly lays on the floor, and the statement-making diamond pattern.
Miska Salemann New York Post Review: “I wanted to try a darker, more durable rug in my space for the winter months, and landed on Ruggable’s goop Salerno Soft Black Re-Jute Rug (my friend said it was giving Architectural Digest and that’s all I needed to hear). The checkered diamond design pulls together rich, earthy towns for an instantly luxurious feeling. It’s an indoor and outdoor-friendly option, made with woven jute-like material from recycled virgin polyester and polyurethane that won’t shed or fray. The best part? Liquids stand no chance against it. It’s passed the spill-and-splash test with flying colors, wiping off in an instant without the elbow work that you might have to put into cleaning a softer rug. You can see how well-constructed it is by looking at it up close. The tougher texture feels like it could withstand a wind or rain storm, no problem, but it’s still comfy and cushioned enough to walk over barefoot.”
Size options: 1 | Material: Recycled and virgin polyester, polyurethane | Shapes: Diamonds | Color options: 5
A traditional Persian rug look can cost a pretty penny, but with this super affordable Walmart find you could capture all that vintage-inspired charm without the crazy price tag. The Astra Machine Washable Collection is a popular choice with customers, who say these rugs are a breeze to clean and feature a velvety smooth texture that you’ll love to lounge on. The color tone has a bit of shimmer to it — and reflects the sun in different lights for a truly stunning interior.
Size options: 13 | Material: Polyester | Shapes: Motifs | Color options: 2
Not a fan of boring, basic rugs? Try something with a motif on it, and add a bit of color to your dreary space. This Moroccan rug from Wayfair is power-loomed from stain-resistant polypropylene — so you won’t have to worry about tracking in dirt or dropping cribs. It washes easily, and the earthy tones do a good job of masking any pet hair that might come across it (as our testing suggested).
Miska Salemann New York Post Review: “My super furry dog loves to sit at my feet or on my lap while I’m working on my laptop, so I decided it was time to try out a smaller washable rug for my desk area. This one is not just functional but super charming, too. It didn’t seem to attract any of his hair, which is a huge win considering he sheds year-round. I’ll warn you that it’s not the softest rug out there — the texture is a bit rougher, but it’s not uncomfortable. It’s on the thinner side, so I’d suggest rolling it over a rug pad for a little more support.”
Size options: 6 | Material: Chenille, cotton | Shapes: Medallions | Color options: 6
Washable rugs are great investments for families with kids or pets — as well as anyone who loves to host guests. But, they aren’t all built the same. In order to find the best washable rugs in your home, we put some popular styles through several rounds of testing to ensure they were easy to care for and clean. They were washed and dried, spot-cleaned, and reviewed for comfort, as well as overall durability.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Miska Salemann Miska Salemann Advertisement Washing and Drying Tests: We evaluated how easy each rug was to wash and dry, whether it folded easily, and how it fit into a washer or dryer. We also spot-cleaned each rug to ensure easy stain removal and vacuumed to identify whether it was easy to remove dust, grime, and pet hair. Durability: While testing the best rugs, we observed whether there was any wear and tear from frequent traction, including loose threads or faded colors. We also considered whether the material wrinkled easily or laid smooth against the floor and if the materials were suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Comfortability: Comfort is paramount, considering you’re going to be frequently walking on your washable rug. We’ve lived with these rugs in our homes, taking note of the overall plushness, and thickness. softness, and quality of the material — as well as whether they might require a rug pad. Style and Design: Style and design are more or less subjective values, but we did consider the amount of color options and patterns that each rug came in. We also made note of the vibrancy of the tones, whether it was true to color, and how well the rug meshed with different interior spaces. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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