In my home, washable rugs are an absolute must-have, particularly in busy areas such as beneath the dining table, in the living room, or in the kids' playrooms. I realized early on that I wanted to avoid the hassle of scrubbing carpets and using handheld vacuums every few weeks. Therefore, I prioritize designs that simplify cleaning when I'm decorating a new room. The great news? Every rug on our curated list of top washable options will significantly ease your upkeep efforts without compromising on style.

We meticulously tested 28 washable rugs against common culprits of stains like spilled coffee, red wine, and potting soil. We even simulated the damage caused by pet claws and assessed the resulting wear. Here's a roundup of the finest washable rugs that excel in durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.

Best Overall:

The dining room is one area that truly benefits from having a washable rug. With the occasional splash of wine or marinara sauce and crumbs strewn about, you need a 15x15 area rug that can withstand the chaos of dinner gatherings. Our top recommendation for this space is West Elm's washable Waterfall rug. It boasts a striking abstract design that complements a more formal dining environment while offering the durability and practicality expected from a washable product.

During our evaluations, we were impressed by the rug's plush feel—luxuriously soft underfoot while low-pile enough to accommodate dining chairs without hindrance. The vibrant pattern is seamlessly woven into the fabric, avoiding the appearance of a cheap print. Despite its soft texture, we found that stains were easily managed; coffee was blotted away with a paper towel and red wine was nearly entirely removed. Although a small amount of liquid did seep through to the back, it didn't transfer to the floor.

Dirt posed no challenge for this design either—we vacuumed it up with just a few sweeps, leaving no residue behind. The colors remained bright after washing, and the fibers regained their fluffy softness once dry.

Best Versatile:

If you're in search of a washable rug that combines style and durability, Ruggable's Kamran rug should be at the top of your list. This brand is renowned for its washable options, but the Kamran design stood out during our testing, even against other offerings from Ruggable. The high-quality print comes in various color options (each adept at hiding dirt and grime) and gives the impression of a much pricier piece.

In our tests, we noted how delightful this rug felt underfoot, especially when paired with the Ruggable rug pad for added cushioning. Its low-pile construction remains flat and smooth after washing, making it an adaptable choice for different spaces. Stains lifted out effortlessly, restoring the rug to its original condition post-wash. While the rug pad isn't machine washable, any debris could be shaken off without needing spot cleaning, as none of the liquids penetrated to the pad underneath. Although it was a tight fit for a standard washing machine, we managed to wash the 5 by 7-foot design without issue.

"I've owned my flatwoven 9-by-12-foot Ruggable rug for around six months," shares Commerce Editor Mary Claire Lagroue. "It was simple to unpack and set up. It hasn't pilled or shown wear, and the smooth texture prevents pet hair from sticking. Spot cleaning has been a breeze—I've easily dabbed out coffee spills and even a stain from my dog's dental treat."

Best Value:

Rugs can indeed be pricey, but opting for a budget-friendly choice doesn't have to mean losing out on style or toughness. That's where NuLoom's design shines. Though it features a relatively thin pile, it is rich in character with its intentionally faded antique design that resembles a fortunate vintage find. Its grayscale palette is versatile enough to enhance any room, making it an ideal addition below an entryway console. The whipstitching along the edges adds a custom touch.

During testing, we found this rug easy to toss into the washing machine without much fuss. It proved to be exceptionally durable against scratches and wear from pets; we could hardly see any evidence of our scratch tests aside from minor fuzziness on the surface. While stains did absorb quickly into this rug, they were almost entirely removed with a simple cold wash cycle—the remaining coffee stain blended seamlessly with the rug's pattern, rendering it barely noticeable.

How We Evaluated Washable Rugs:

In this selection, we examined 14x14 Rug washable, assessing their performance against various stains, wear, and overall durability—plus their washing capabilities. Each rug was allowed to settle flat for a fortnight before testing to ensure it could lay properly and eliminate any curling at the edges.  

Spill Assessment: Next, we challenged the designs with spills of coffee, red wine, and a dash of potting soil to evaluate their cleanup efficiency. Every stain was treated uniformly—first blotted with paper towels, then cleaned with a mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and water, followed by a wash in the machine.  

Scratch Evaluation: Finally, each rug underwent a "scratch" evaluation, where we utilized a pet brush to mimic the effects of clawing on the fibers, replicating typical wear and tear.  

All rugs were assessed using identical criteria, and we ranked them based on quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.  

Key Considerations:  

Material: 

When hunting for a washable rug, the fiber or material is undoubtedly your primary concern. To maintain their shape, color, and texture while being washable, many rugs on our list are crafted from polyester fabric. However, there are also washable options available (including those featured here) made from other fibers like cotton and wool.  

Rug Weave: 

The weaving method varies depending on the material and manufacturing process. Most washable rugs are machine-made—using power looms with sturdy synthetic materials—which makes them more resistant to wear compared to hand-knotted styles. In contrast, rugs made from natural fibers like wool or cotton typically utilize different weaving techniques such as flat-woven or hand-loomed construction.  

Size: 

For maximum versatility, it's advisable to shop for washable rugs from well-known brands like Ruggable or Revival, which offer a broad range of sizes and shapes. In our testing, we maintained consistency by using a 3 by 5-foot rug unless otherwise dictated by stock availability. Keep in mind that larger rugs may pose challenges when trying to fit them into your washing machine for cleaning. 

Style: 

When selecting a washable rug, don't forget about the design and style! Ultimately, your chosen rug should not only perform well but also enhance your space aesthetically, so keep a coherent color scheme and style in mind. Fortunately, washable rugs are increasingly popular, making it easier to find designs that fit virtually any style, color theme, and budget.