Washable Oval Rugs: What to Know Before You Buy

A washable rug is one you can put in a washing machine instead of paying for a professional clean. For homes with pets, children or a busy kitchen, that can be worth more than any other feature. But "washable" means different things at different sizes.

How washable rugs are made

Most washable rugs are thin flatweaves or low-pile rugs, usually polyester, with a flexible backing. They are made thin on purpose so they fit in a machine and dry quickly.

Some brands sell two-piece systems, where a washable cover sits on a separate non-slip pad. Most washable ovals are one piece.

Will it fit in your washing machine?

This is the most important question, and the answer depends on both the rug and your machine.

• Small ovals, 2' x 3' and 3' x 5', fit most home washing machines.
• Medium ovals, around 4' x 6' to 5' x 8', may need a large-capacity machine.
• Large ovals, 6' x 9' and up, are often too heavy for a home machine when wet, even if the rug is sold as washable. A laundromat's large commercial washer is the usual answer.

Check two things before you buy: the rug's care instructions, and your washer's capacity in the manual. A rug sold as washable at 8' x 10' may still say "machine wash in a commercial machine".

How to wash a washable rug

Follow the care label first. In general:

1. Shake or vacuum off loose dirt and pet hair.
2. Wash cold on a gentle or delicate cycle.
3. Use mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can damage the backing.
4. Don't overload the machine; wash the rug on its own.
5. Tumble dry low if the label allows, or dry it flat. Never hang a wet rug over a line.

Why washable rugs suit pets

• Accidents can be washed out instead of treated with sprays.
• Flatweaves don't trap hair the way a deep pile does. Hair vacuums off easily.
• Claws are less likely to snag a flat, tight weave than a loop pile.
• Most washable rugs are low enough for robot vacuums.

The trade-offs

• Thin feel. Washable rugs are flatter and firmer than a plush rug.
• Sliding. Being thin and light, they slide on hard floors. Use a thin rug pad.
• Shorter life. Frequent machine washing wears any rug faster than occasional cleaning.
• Fewer sizes. Washable ovals come in fewer sizes and styles than standard ovals.

Where to use them

• Kitchens, in front of the sink.
• Entryways and mudrooms.
• Kids' rooms and nurseries.
• Under a pet's food and water bowls.

Browse washable oval rugs or kitchen ovals.