The Unseen Downsides Of Washable Rugs

One of the main reasons so many people end up getting rid of carpet flooring is how difficult it is to keep clean. Rugs aren't much easier — they're just easier to get rid of. That's likely why washable rugs have become such a popular alternative. But washable rugs aren't the best choice for everyone. They don't look or feel the same as traditional rugs, aren't as durable, and aren't always as easy to clean as you may think.

All rugs can be washed in one way or another, but traditional rugs may require you to either wash them by hand, which is a time-consuming and inconvenient process, or use a commercial carpet cleaner. In the case of delicate rugs, such as antiques or Persians, professional cleaning is required to avoid damaging the fibers. Washable rugs, on the other hand, can go right into your washing machine, so everyday spills are no longer cause for panic. However, the cleaning process still takes more effort than your average laundry day.

Larger rugs are less likely to fit into a home washing machine and may need to be taken to a laundromat; the same goes for thicker, higher-tufted options. If there's any furniture on top of the rug, realistically speaking, you likely won't want to keep moving everything just to wash the rug. And then there's the drying process. It's not ideal to put a rug in the dryer even if it's machine-washable, as it will last longer when air-dried, so you'll need a spot to hang the rug.

Some washable rug brands, like Ruggable, must also be paired with brand-specific rug pads to keep them in place on the floor. These pads are not machine washable, only the topper is, so if the pad gets stained, spot-cleaning is your only recourse. Many users say it's a pain to re-align the rug with the sticky rug pad after each wash day, more than with regular rugs. Also, like any other rug, washable ones can shrink or warp if incorrectly washed. And since washable rugs are likely to see more wear and tear from more frequent washing, they typically don't last as long as traditional rugs, many of which are long-lasting enough to become heirlooms or antiques.

Another factor that affects the durability of washable rugs is the material. The majority of washable rugs from popular brands are machine-made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, polyurethane, and polypropylene. You may find that your selection of designs and shapes is more limited than if you bought a non-washable rug, and some shoppers have complained of pieces of plastic shedding from their washable rugs, in addition to microplastic concerns.

Washable rugs are much thinner than traditional rugs and the designs are printed on, rather than woven. They don't have as luxurious of a feel or look as traditional rugs, nor are they as comfortable to walk on. However, some washable rugs are available with higher tufting and thicker pads to make them softer. And though less common, some do come in natural fibers, including wool and cotton, which is a way to get some of the best of both worlds. There are some downsides here too, however: they're much more pricey, the selection is even more limited, and they're more difficult to wash. Natural fibers are heavier when wet and may shrink in the wash.

Still, washable rugs are popular for a reason. Those with kids, pets, or allergies may opt to choose a washable rug despite the downsides because it doesn't trap as much debris and is easy to clean. If that's you, consider choosing an area rug of the smallest size that will work for your purposes; this will make life much easier when it comes time to put the rug in the wash. Check to make sure that it will fit in your washing machine, as well, and avoid putting any heavy furniture on top of the rug.

There are also other alternatives to washable rugs that are also easy to clean. Rag rugs, which are traditionally made of old scraps of fabric, are typically machine-washable, affordable, and quite soft, though again, they can get heavy when wet. Another option is an outdoor rug, which you can simply hose down outside when it gets dirty rather than washing it.