• It can be hard to clean a rug properly, but most rugs cannot be washed in a washing machine.
• Fabric type and size play a large role in whether a rug is machine-washable.
• Always follow the cleaning instructions on your particular rug.

We’re all at least a little guilty of not cleaning our rugs enough. But laziness really isn’t all to blame—fear of ruining said rugs can also play a role in avoiding this chore.

Giving rugs a much-needed refresh is often easier than you might think, and the best-case scenario is that they only need a spin in the washing machine to look as good as new.

We chatted with three experts to demystify which rugs are okay to wash in the washing machine and when it’s best to take a different route.

Can You Wash Rugs in the Washing Machine?

Only wash your rug in a washing machine if the manufacturer’s care instructions state it’s okay.

“To put it succinctly, only machine-made rugs specifically constructed to be washed in machines, with malleable backings and colorfast dyes, can be cleaned in the washing machine,” says Ali Hafezi, carpet cleaning technician at Babash Rug Services. “All other rugs risk various forms of damage, and those risks are highly probable.”

Liza Garrison, who oversees product development at Ruggable, notes that running a load with a rug unfit for the washing machine not only poses a threat to your rug but also to the washing machine itself.

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Is There an Exception to the Rule?

If you do decide to go wild and wash a rug that isn’t designed to be machine washable in the washing machine, proceed with caution.

“It’s risky to put a rug in the washing machine if it isn’t advertised as machine washable, but it depends on the material as well as the construction,” says Alicia Sokolowski, founder of AspenClean. “If the rug is small, has a low pile, and is made of durable synthetic fibers, a gentle wash might work,” she says.

She also recommends doing a quick spot test by dabbing a hidden section with water and detergent to check for color bleeding. When in doubt, a safer option is hand washing the rug with cool water with a gentle detergent.

Keep in mind that washing a rug with rubber backing in the washing machine always comes with the risk of the adhesive breaking down.

What Makes a Rug Machine Washable?

Manufacturers take two factors into consideration when designing machine washable rugs.

“Fabric type and size play a big role in whether a machine rug is washable,” Garrison says.

According to her, machine-washable rugs are typically made from lightweight, long-lasting materials like polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier to keep stains at bay. They also usually feature a water-resistant pad that won’t break down in the washing machine.

“The most durable [backing pads] are made from recycled polyester with a thermoplastic rubber bottom, which is a similar texture to a yoga mat,” she says.

As far as size goes, Sokolowski says to make sure the rug can fit comfortably in your washing machine’s drum. In other words, you shouldn’t have to cram it in.

“Larger or thicker rugs can overload your washer, causing damage or uneven wear,” Sokolowski says.

What About Vintage Rugs?

Most vintage rugs don’t come with a care tag, but you can usually bet that they aren’t machine washable. That’s because they’re often made from natural fibers like wool and silk that don’t fare well in the washing machine.

Even new rugs made from natural materials shouldn’t go in the wash.

“Typically, rugs made from natural materials like wool, jute or sisal are not machine washable because they absorb water, which can lead to making them shrink and lose their shape or structure,” Garrison says.

Best Practices for Washing Rugs in the Washing Machine

Always follow the care instructions listed on your machine washable rug when cleaning it. But if you don’t have access to these instructions, you’ll need to err on the side of caution with your machine settings and detergent type.

All three experts we interviewed said the same thing when it comes to washing machine settings, and that’s to select cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. Cold water is less likely to cause color fading or shrinkage, and gentle cycles have a slower spin speed.

As far as detergent goes, Garrison says to use a mild, non-bleach detergent and skip any extra products.

“Avoid using fabric softeners and harsh chemicals, as they can affect the rug’s texture and vibrancy over time,” she says.

Tips for Drying Rugs

Unless otherwise noted on its care instructions, Hafezi, Garrison, and Sokolowski all agree that laying a machine-washable rug flat to dry is best, but you can speed up the process by tumble drying it on low heat.

If time isn’t an issue, you can skip the dryer completely and flip it occasionally to prevent damp spots and ensure even drying.