How To Wash Kitchen Rugs And Runners To Extend Their Lives

With the amount of time we spend in the kitchen on a daily basis, rugs and runners in this room typically bear the brunt of spills, debris, dirt, random food particles, and even pet hair. This is one of the hidden downsides of putting a rug in your kitchen. Rugs that are often exposed to moisture and water spills are especially susceptible to storing microorganisms like bacteria and dust mites, according to a 2019 study published by Build Environment. Because kitchen rugs and runners get wet from splashes from the sink, they are likely harboring bacteria, so you should regularly clean them. To maintain your kitchen rugs and runners, discover the proper way to machine wash, hand wash, or spot clean them. 

The proper way to wash your kitchen rug or runner in order to extend its lifespan depends on its material. Fabrics like cotton, nylon, or microfiber can be machine or hand-washed, while jute, wool, or bamboo types are destined to be spot-cleaned only. If you're unsure about the fabric, this guide to laundry codes will help you navigate those care labels. After clearing them of debris and stains, you can proceed with the washing accordingly, keeping in mind that using cold water and gentle products as well as letting them air dry are integral to keeping the fibers strong and their shapes intact.

Cotton, synthetic fibers, microfiber, or polypropylene are common rug and runner fabrics. Synthetic fibers, like nylon or polyester, are known for their durable and stain-resistant qualities. Check the tags of these rugs to ensure they can be machine washed. Before popping them in your washer, it's important to rid them of any debris that may have made its way into the fibers. To do this, run a vacuum over their surfaces or give them a vigorous shake to dislodge crumbs. Additionally, you can blot any visible stains with a moistened cloth to ensure a more effective wash. After these preliminary steps, set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. Using a mild detergent and cold water will keep fibers from fraying, leaving them strong and intact. A hot or warm cycle can cause shrinkage and shape distortion, so erring on the side of caution will increase your rug's longevity. 

If they are too big for your washing machine or the care tag doesn't say they can be cleaned in the appliance, you can hand wash them instead. Scrub them with a rug-specific cleaning product or a small amount of detergent, then wait a few minutes and rinse their surfaces with a hose or buckets filled with water. You may also be able to clean the rugs in the sink if they're not too large. Once clean, it's important to air dry your rugs and runners. Lay the newly-washed rugs flat or hang them up on a clothesline in a shaded area until totally dry, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent color fading.

Natural fiber rugs and runners like jute, bamboo, or wool should not be washed by hand or in your washing machine due to their tendency to hold in water. For this reason, spot cleaning is the way to go. This is best done using a clean white cloth, which will prevent any color transfer to your rug, and a simple mild soap and water solution. You can also explore some substitutes for laundry detergent to really ensure the fabrics are well-maintained, or you could use a cleaner that's made specifically for rugs. If you're concerned about damaging the rug, you may want to test the cleaner on the underside first as well.

Begin with vacuuming the surface, then moisten a white cloth and gently blot out any stains or spillage. Resist the urge to rub those stains away, as this will drive them deeper into the fabric and do more harm than good. Also, try to avoid soaking the rug. Once clean, naturally let the rug air dry. If you've tried these steps but still can't get rid of those stains or the care tag says "dry clean only," it's best to seek the expertise of a professional cleaner to ensure that your kitchen rug or runner gets the best possible care without being damaged.