Ever looked at your well-loved Ruggable rug and wondered if giving it a deep clean is as easy as tossing it in the washer? You’re not alone—keeping rugs fresh can be a hassle, especially in busy homes with pets, kids, or plenty of foot traffic.
Knowing how to wash your Ruggable properly saves time, extends its life, and keeps your space looking and feeling fresh. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, tips, and insights for a hassle-free wash.
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How to Wash a Ruggable Rug in the Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Ruggable rugs have revolutionized home cleaning by being genuinely machine washable. Still, many owners wonder about the best way to wash their Ruggable in a washing machine without damaging its look or feel. With the proper technique, you can keep your rug looking fresh and extend its life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing a Ruggable rug, along with practical tips and common questions answered.
Can You Wash a Ruggable Rug in Your Washing Machine?
Absolutely! Ruggable rugs are specially designed to be machine washable. Each Ruggable rug is made of two parts:
- A lightweight, removable rug cover
- A non-slip rug pad
You only need to wash the rug cover unless the pad is specifically labeled as washable. Washing is easy and can be safely done in most standard home washing machines, making these rugs perfect for busy homes with pets, children, or high-traffic areas.
Step-by-Step Guide: Washing Your Ruggable Rug
1. Preparation: Ready Your Rug for Cleaning
Before you start, follow these steps:
- Remove the rug cover: Carefully separate the top rug cover from the rug pad. Ruggable’s velcro-like system allows for easy removal.
- Shake it out: Take the rug cover outside and give it a good shake to remove loose dust, pet hair, and crumbs.
- Vacuum if needed: For stubborn debris, a gentle vacuum on the lowest setting can help. Avoid using a beater bar.
2. Load the Washing Machine
Now you’re ready to wash:
- Check your washer’s size: Ruggable covers fit in most standard machines. For larger area rugs (8×10 feet or bigger), a commercial or extra-large washer may be needed.
- Place the rug cover inside: Load the cover with the design or pile side facing out. If possible, arrange it loosely around the agitator or drum. Avoid over-stuffing.
3. Select the Right Wash Settings
- Cold water only: Use cold water to maintain the rug’s colors and prevent shrinkage.
- Gentle cycle: Select the ‘Delicate’ or ‘Gentle’ cycle to minimize wear on the fibers.
- Mild detergent: Use a gentle, non-bleach detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh chemicals, which can harm the rug.
4. Start Washing
- Double-check that you haven’t added the rug pad—only the cover goes into the wash!
- Start the wash cycle and let the machine do its work.
5. Drying Your Ruggable Rug Cover
Proper drying is crucial:
- Tumble dry low: Most Ruggable covers can be safely dried in your dryer using the low heat or air-dry setting.
- Air drying is OK: For extra care, hang or lay the cover flat to air dry. Avoid direct sun for a brightly colored rug.
- Avoid high heat: High temperatures can damage the rug’s backing or cause shrinkage.
6. Reassembling and Replacing
Once dry:
- Align corners: Match up the corners of the dry rug cover with the rug pad.
- Smooth out wrinkles: Press down to adhere the cover to the pad.
- Vacuum for fluff: If needed, a quick vacuum can lift the rug fibers for a renewed look.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Spot Cleaning: For small stains, spot clean with water and mild detergent before the full wash.
- Frequency: Wash high-traffic area rugs every 1-3 months or as needed; less-used rugs require less frequent cleaning.
- Pet Owners: Shake out hair and debris before washing for best results.
- Stubborn Odors: Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse for odor neutralization.
- Rug Pad Care: Most Ruggable pads are not machine-washable. Simply vacuum both sides, spot clean with soap and water, and allow to air dry.
Benefits of Washing a Ruggable Rug
Investing a few extra minutes in properly caring for your Ruggable can offer impressive benefits:
- Always Fresh: Your home stays cleaner and smells better.
- Healthier Space: Frequent washing removes allergens, pet dander, and spills.
- Longer Rug Life: Proper washing preserves the colors and material quality.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
While Ruggable rugs simplify cleaning, there are a couple of things to remember:
- Washer Size Limits: Oversized covers may not fit smaller machines. Local laundromats with larger machines are a good alternative.
- Weight When Wet: The wet rug cover can be heavy; careful handling is recommended to avoid stretching or damage.
- Pad Limitations: Unless labeled “machine washable,” do not attempt to wash the non-slip pad; only spot clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I wash the entire Ruggable rug—including the pad—in the machine?
No, only the removable rug cover is machine washable. The pad should not be machine washed unless specifically noted by the manufacturer. Instead, vacuum or spot clean the pad using mild soap and water.
2. How often should I wash my Ruggable rug?
Wash your rug as needed, but for most homes, every 1-3 months is sufficient. High-traffic areas or homes with pets and children may require more frequent washes.
3. What detergent should I use on my Ruggable rug?
Always use a mild, non-bleach detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and any harsh chemicals as these can damage the rug fibers and backing.
4. Can I dry my Ruggable rug cover in the dryer?
Yes! Use a low heat or air-dry setting. High heat can cause shrinkage or compromise the backing, so always stick to lower settings, or opt to air dry flat for best results.
5. What should I do about tough stains or odors?
Pre-treat stains with a gentle stain remover or a mix of water and detergent before washing. White vinegar added to the rinse cycle can help neutralize strong odors. For stubborn stains, repeat the washing process or consult specific stain removal tips from the manufacturer.
In Summary
Washing your Ruggable rug in the washing machine is simple and rewarding. Just separate the cover from the pad, shake off debris, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and dry on low. With regular care, your Ruggable will keep your space looking and feeling fresh—for years to come. Happy cleaning!