How to Wash Ruggable Rugs Without Damage

Most people don’t realize how easy Ruggable’s washing instructions are, but once you know the trick, you’ll wonder why all rugs aren’t this simple.

The top layer’s hidden feature? It removes entirely for simple machine washing,

No more expensive professional cleanings or scrubbing stains on your hands and knees. Ready to discover the surprisingly easy process?

What Makes Ruggable Rugs Different?

Ruggable’s innovative two-piece system separates the decorative polyester rug cover from the non-slip pad underneath.

Only the lightweight cover goes in your washing machine; never the pad, which could damage both your washer and the pad’s adhesive backing.

The pad stays in place while you wash the cover, making cleanup effortless. Choose from Classic (thin), Plush (cushioned), Outdoor (weather-resistant), or Bath Mat styles to suit any room’s needs.

How to Wash Different Types of Ruggable Rug

Proper preparation ensures your Ruggable cover comes out perfectly clean while protecting your washing machine. Follow these three essential steps before laundering.

1. For Classic Ruggable Rugs

Infographic Preparing Your Ruggable for Washing with 3 steps remove debris, separate cover from pad, pre-treat stains.

Classic Ruggable rugs are designed for easy machine washing thanks to their removable cover system. Following the correct prep and wash steps helps maintain their color, texture, and Cling Effect backing.

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Vacuum both sides of the rug cover thoroughly or shake it outdoors to remove dirt, dust, and crumbs. For stubborn pet hair, use a rubber carpet rake, lint roller, or specialized pet hair remover tool.

This prevents debris from clogging your washer’s drain and ensures a deeper clean during the wash cycle.

Step 2: Separate Cover from Pad

Gently peel the rug cover away from the non-slip pad, starting at one corner, working slowly to avoid damaging the Cling Effect adhesive backing.

Roll or fold the cover for easier handling. Leave the pad in place on your floor; it only needs occasional spot cleaning with mild soap and water, never machine washing.

Step 3: Check for Stains

Inspect the cover for visible stains, such as wine, mud, grease, or pet accidents. Pre-treat problem areas with a small amount of mild detergent, stain remover spray, or a baking soda and water paste.

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Treating stains beforehand dramatically improves wash results and prevents stubborn marks from setting permanently.

2. For Plush Ruggable Rugs

Infographic for Plush Ruggable Rugs with steps to remove debris, separate cover, pre treat stains, and cold gentle wash with mild detergent .

Plush rugs follow the same steps as Classic rugs: remove debris, separate the cover, and pre-treat stains first.

Machine wash in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle with mild detergent. Because of the thicker construction, avoid heavy spin cycles to prevent fiber matting.

3. For Outdoor Ruggable Rugs

Outdoor Ruggable care infographic sweep both sides with a soft broom, avoid metal tools, then wash cold gentle and line dry or low tumble

Start by sweeping both sides with a soft-bristled broom to remove outdoor debris such as leaves, sand, or dirt; avoid wire brushes or metal tools, which can snag or damage the weather-resistant fibers.

Wash on cold with mild detergent using a gentle cycle, just like Classic rugs. Line dry outdoors when possible, or tumble dry on low heat for convenient indoor drying.

4. For Bath Mats

Outdoor Ruggable care infographic sweep both sides with a soft broom, avoid metal tools, then wash cold gentle and line dry or low tumble.

Bath mats are the quickest to clean thanks to their smaller size and lightweight design. Shake out excess hair and lint, then machine wash on cold with the decorative design side facing outward to prevent pilling.

Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat for 30-60 minutes, and they’ll be ready to use immediately after cooling.

How to Dry Your Ruggable Rug Properly

Drying your Ruggable rug correctly is just as important as washing it. The right method helps prevent shrinking, warping, and damage to the rug cover or pad.

Air-drying is best: Hang the rug cover over a shower rod or deck railing, or lay it flat on a clean surface, for 4-6 hours, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Machine drying works too: Use low heat or tumble dry on low for 60-90 minutes; plush rugs may need longer or benefit from an air-fluff cycle.
Never use high heat: Excessive heat can shrink the cover, damage polyester fibers, weaken the Cling Effect backing, and cause permanent warping.
Check for complete dryness: Feel all corners and the center; any remaining dampness can cause mildew or prevent proper reattachment to the pad.
Cool before reattaching: Let the cover reach room temperature after machine drying to ensure the adhesive backing properly reconnects to your rug pad.

Will Your Ruggable Fit in Your Washing Machine?

Most home washing machines easily handle Ruggable covers up to 5’x7′ without any issues. Standard sizes like 2’x3′, 3’x5’, and 5’x7′ fit comfortably in typical washers.

If you own a 6’x9′ rug, you’ll need a larger capacity machine found in newer models. For rugs 8’x10′ and bigger, visit a laundromat with commercial washers.

Quick test: fold your rug cover and place it in the empty drum—if it fills more than three-quarters of the space, use a bigger machine for best results.

How to Wash Large Ruggable Rugs at a Laundromat

Laundromat guide for large Ruggable rugs use XL washer cold gentle, mild detergent, extra spin, then low dry 50-90 min.

Large Ruggable rugs often won’t fit in standard home washers. Using a laundromat’s larger machines allows for a safer, more thorough clean.

When to go: Use laundromats for rugs 8’x10′ and larger, or whenever your home washer feels too cramped for proper cleaning.
Industrial washer benefits: Commercial machines offer powerful 200 G-force spin cycles that extract far more water than home washers, significantly reducing drying time.
Washing process: Choose an extra-large-capacity washer ($6-10), load loosely, select cold water on a gentle cycle, and add mild liquid detergent per the machine’s instructions.
Extra extract cycle trick: Run an additional spin cycle after washing to remove excess moisture; this saves drying time and reduces dryer costs.
Drying time: Transfer to a large dryer on low heat for 50-75 minutes (plush rugs may need 90 minutes); check periodically until completely dry and cool.

How to Keep Your Ruggable Clean Between Washes

To keep your Ruggable looking fresh between washes, focus on regular maintenance and quick spot cleaning. Simple habits can extend the time between full machine washes and protect the rug’s fabric.

Vacuum regularly: Clean your rug 1-2 times per week to remove surface dirt and debris; increase to 3-4 times per week for homes with pets or high foot traffic.
Spot-clean spills immediately: Blot liquids quickly, then gently dab stains with a mild dish soap solution in warm water using a soft cloth; rinse and air-dry completely.
Wash every 6 months: Deep clean twice yearly for most homes; increase to every 2-3 months with pets, children, heavy traffic, or outdoor rugs.
Care for your rug pad: Never machine-wash; spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry before reattaching the cover.
Replace pads when needed: Change your rug pad every 3-5 years when the non-slip grip weakens, or you notice visible wear and damage.

What Not to Do When Washing Your Ruggable

Avoid common mistakes that can damage your Ruggable during washing. Using the wrong settings or products can lead to shrinking, fading, or wear.

Using hot water, fabric softener, or bleach: Hot water shrinks and warps polyester fibers; fabric softener leaves residue that affects texture and weakens the Cling Effect backing; bleach permanently destroys colors and damages the rug’s structural integrity.
Washing the pad: Never machine-wash the non-slip pad; water ruins the adhesive backing. Only spot-clean the pad with mild soap and water, then air-dry thoroughly.
Overloading the washer: Cramming the rug into a too-small machine prevents proper cleaning, leaves detergent residue trapped in the fibers, and unnecessarily strains your washer’s motor.
High heat drying: Excessive dryer heat melts polyester fibers, causes permanent shrinkage, and damages the Cling Effect backing. Always use low-heat or air-dry settings only.
Reattaching while damp: Putting the cover back on the pad before it’s completely dry can cause mildew and musty odors and prevent proper adhesion to the non-slip surface.

Wrapping It Up

Mastering how to wash Ruggable rugs changes your home maintenance routine from stressful to simple.

Using cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycles, and proper drying will keep your rugs fresh and vibrant wash after wash.

No more fearing spills or avoiding light rugs with kids and pets. Try these tips for worry-free flooring and see why families trust Ruggable for busy, messy spaces. Your clean rug awaits!