Best washable rugs that are stylish and easy to maintain
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Keeping the home neat and tidy is an ongoing project, whether you’re a renter or an owner.
It can feel like you’ve just finished sorting one room in the house when another immediately needs sorting. While chores like laundry, cleaning and washing up are just part of the daily routine, there are shortcuts to keeping your more expensive homewares spick and span.
Take rugs, as an example. They’re a great choice for covering hard and laminate flooring, offering a non-committal way to introduce colour and pattern to your interiors without the expense and permanence of carpet. You can use them to create distinct spots in large rooms or studio apartments, and they’re superb for heat retention and noise insulation too.
When it comes to style, there are thousands of colours, patterns and shapes to choose from, from large area rugs to hallway runners and plush styles to sink your toes into. Naturally spills are inevitable and high traffic areas will mean your rug shows signs of wear quicker.
Sure, you can crack out the stain remover to spot clean, but when your pristine rug starts to resemble a Jackson Pollock painting, it’s time to think outside the box.
A new type of rug has been proving very popular in the interiors world recently: the washable rug. Thin enough to throw in your average washing machine, these ultra slim floor rugs are ideal for those who love low-maintenance style (surely that’s everyone?).
Some come with a removable non-slip pad which stays on the floor as you wash your cherished rug. Others are simply thinner rugs, which can stay in place with specialist double-sided grip tape like DIY Doctor.
We’ve found the most stylish washable rugs to brighten up your interiors below. From bold tonal shades to designs packed with colour, they’re effortless to clean and keep looking as good as new.
Shop the edit below
Land of Rugs Nautilus Lichen Fossil Thin Washable Rug
With gentle washes of colour, this pretty rug makes a calming addition to bedrooms and living rooms. The ultra-thin design is just 2mm in thickness, making it easy to wash as well as store when you fancy a change. Perfect for hard floors or using with underfloor heating, it comes with an anti-slip underlay crafted from 100 per cent ecological woven jute. Available in a wide selection of sizes.
Dunelm PractiRug Fletcher Stripe Washable Rug
Made from a polypropylene blend that’s soft to the touch, Dunelm’s striped machine washable rug is an ideal choice for practically every room in the house. No need to fear the lighter shade as all but the worst spills and stains should come out in the wash, but if you prefer to err on the side of caution, it comes in an elegant grey tone too.
La Redoute Interiors Naga Cotton Rug
There’s no need to worry about placing a brand new rug in your child’s playroom or bedroom. This pastel look has a thickness of just one centimetre, so you can easily throw it in the wash when it needs a good clean. The fringed design is made from 100 per cent cotton with a contrast trim to add a pop of colour.
New Blue Elassa Floral Oriental Traditional Area Rug
A heavily patterned rug like this holds multi-appeal. Not only will it bring interest to the floor, which let’s face it, is usually largely ignored, but the intricate floral pattern means it should hide wear and tear fairly well.
For bothersome stains though, have no worry. Not only is this rug stain resistant, but it’s washable to see to larger spills - and it’s moth resistant too. All you need to do is stand back, and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Dunelm PractiRug Snuggle Washable Rug
A practical rug that’s perfect for busy rooms, Dunelm’s washable design comes in a choice of four colours: sage, cream, navy and grey, and in four sizes. It’s a plain, block colour look so ideal for layering with other carpets or for those who favour minimalism. The pile is made from 100 per cent polyester, backed with latex to prevent slipping. Ideal for homes with pets and children.
Ruggable Star Wars Toile Blue Rug
Ruggable has focused its rug brand around one golden, shining USP: all its designs are machine washable.
How? Every one of the 150+ designs come in two parts, with a padded anti-slip rug bag that sits beneath the patterned upper rug cover portion which holds together with a light velcro-type backing (called Cling Effect technology).
When it’s time to get stains out or simply keep your rug looking, smelling and feeling fresh, simply peel back the cover (about the thickness of a heavy blanket), and stick it in the washing machine. Once dry, fix it back onto the pad. As well as its own designs, the brand has teamed up with big names like interior guru Jonathan Adler, illustrator Keith Haring and Disney to offer up stunning rug designs, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else.
Our pick? This Star Wars Toile Blue Rug is elegant enough for the living room and will delight movie buffs when they take a closer look.
Available as an area rug, runner and round rug in a variety of sizes.
Ruggable x Iris Apfel Home Design Collection
The bespectacled American icon is back with another collab, so the rest of us can have a drop of her distinctive style at home.
Iris Apfel has teamed up with innovative washable rug brand Ruggable on a stunning floor covering collection - and we want them all. The nature-inspired line up includes 15 rug designs as well as five doormats to give your rooms a cheerful, quirky upgrade.
Available as area rugs, runners and round rugs in a selection of sizes.
Ruggable Verena Amber Red Rug
Vintage-inspired rugs are a trend that’s been around for a few years now, and it’s one that’s here to stay. Adding heaps of antique charm to any room, Ruggable’s design is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable, ticking all of the rug-related-boxes.
The Rugs Atlas Collection Soft Washable Rugs & Runners Vintage Design
The beauty of a vintage rug with the convenience of machine washing; it doesn’t get better for houseproud homebodies. This option comes in a choice of three sizes with next day delivery available if you’re after your new rug in a hurry. The ultra soft rug will instantly elevate your interiors, whether it’s tying in with an elegant look or an industrial chic set-up.
Lorena Canals Woolable Rug Ari - Rose
Embrace Scandi-vibes year round with this blush coloured washable rug by Lorena Canals. The handmade piece features luxe double tufting with a pattern inspired by a classic cable knit, bringing cosiness to your interiors. The fringed look comes with an anti-slip layer to prevent accidents and can be folded down for storage if needed - but we’re sure you’ll want to keep it firmly on display for all to see.