Can You Put A Rug In The Dryer? The Biggest Rug Washing Mistakes You're Making

Rugs can really bring a room together, but they also attract tons of built-up dust and an inevitable spill or two. With the rise in popularity of machine-washable rugs, it's never been easier to keep your rugs clean without any special equipment or extra expenses. But that leaves the question of drying — while you can put a rug in the dryer as long as you don't use any heat, air drying is a much safer method.

Your first reference here should always be your rug's care instructions. They'll tell you exactly how to clean your specific rug, including how to dry it. But even if it's not labeled "washable," many rugs can be machine washed as long as they're small enough to fit in your machine, aren't too shaggy, and are made of cotton, polyester, or olefin/polypropylene (a synthetic fiber commonly used for carpets). Jute, wool, and silk rugs are not machine washable.

But even with rugs that can be safely machine washed, tossing them in the dryer afterward isn't the best idea. Here's why, as well as the other tips to keep your rug looking pristine. 

When rugs go through a regular dryer cycle, they're subjected to high heat and agitation. This can damage the fibers and cause the rug to shrink. It can also fade the colors of the rug or cause them to bleed. If the rug has a rubber backing, the rubber may fall apart and not only ruin the rug but also damage your dryer. Putting a large rug in the dryer could even create a fire hazard.

However, this doesn't mean you have to skip the dryer entirely. One safer option is to put your rug in the dryer on tumble dry only, no heat. You can also add dryer balls to help prevent the rug from clumping and speed up the drying process. Keep an eye on it so you can take it out right away if it seems to be experiencing any negative effects.

But the safest bet of all is to air dry your rug instead. Simply lay it flat or hang it up outside, away from direct sunlight to avoid potential fading. Most rugs are fully dry within 12 hours, but it could take up to a few days depending on the size and material.

Always double-check the size of your washing machine and your rug before you throw it in there; you don't want to overload your machine and damage it. If it's larger than ⅔ of the machine, it's too big. Take it to a laundromat or a professional cleaning service instead.

Another common rug mistake is cleaning too frequently, which puts too much wear and tear on the rug and may fade and loosen its fibers. Only wash your rugs when they really need it. Once a year is a good benchmark for regular rugs that don't see heavy traffic (such as bathroom rugs or entryway rugs). Spot clean your rug in between washes and vacuum it regularly. There's no need to leave spills until you can wash the entire rug; the longer you leave it, the more likely the spot will keep coming back. Clean the spill as soon as you can while it's still wet.

And when you do spot clean your rug, be gentle with it. Often, blotting with a damp towel is enough to lift the spill out. If that doesn't work, try a mild dish soap diluted with water or diluted white vinegar. Avoid soaking the rug, using too much soap, or scrubbing too hard, as these things can also damage the fibers.