HOW TO WASH RUGS IN A WASHING MACHINE
Rugs are an essential part of home decor, adding warmth, comfort and style to any space. But rugs serve a purpose beyond just looking good—they face daily dirt, spills and foot traffic, making them a serious candidate for a good wash.
Use this guide to learn more about washing rugs and whether you can use your Maytag® washing machine to get the job done.
CAN YOU WASH RUGS IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
Determining if a rug can be washed in your washing machine is not a simple yes or no. The answer depends on several factors, including the material of the rug, its size and what the care label recommends.
TYPES OF RUG MATERIAL
Before throwing your favorite floor rugs into the wash, you need to determine if they are washer-friendly. Some materials, like cotton and some synthetic fibers, can typically withstand the cycle, while delicate fibers such as wool may require hand-washing.
Always check the care label first, as it should advise you on the proper cleaning technique. If you're unsure about a rug's material, err on the side of caution and skip the machine to avoid any damage.
RUG MATERIALS TYPICALLY SAFE FOR WASHERS
Cotton
Polyester
Acrylic
Nylon
Polypropylene
Chenille
RUG MATERIALS TYPICALLY NOT SAFE FOR WASHERS
Wool
Silk
Jute
Shag
RUG SIZE
The rug size your machine can safely wash will vary based on your washer’s capacity and weight restrictions. However, small to medium-sized rugs, such as doormats or kitchen rugs, generally can fit into a standard washing machine.
Larger rugs will likely be too cumbersome to handle the spin cycle or exceed the capacity of the machine, so you may want to consider hand-washing or scheduling a professional carpet cleaning service.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH RUGS?
Rugs should ideally be vacuumed at least once a week to prevent dirt buildup and stains. However, the need for a deep clean in the washer will depend on the level of traffic your rug endures and the care label's recommended cleaning schedule. High-traffic areas may need washing every 6 to 12 months, while low-traffic areas could be done less frequently.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WASHING A RUG IN A WASHER
If you've confirmed that your rug can be machine washed, start by vacuuming to remove debris and spot-treating any stains. Next, place it in the washing machine, choose an appropriate wash cycle and temperature setting, and then dry it following the care label instructions.
Explore the step-by-step cleaning instructions below to help you keep your household rugs fresh and clean.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
Vacuum
Stain treatment solution (optional)
Laundry detergent
- Washing machine, like the Maytag® Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hour Fresh Hold® Option
STEP 1: PREPARE THE RUG
First, thoroughly vacuum the rug on both sides to remove as much loose dirt and debris as possible, then spot treat any stains with a stain remover or laundry detergent. Always patch test any stain-fighting products in a discreet location before applying them to a stain to prevent damage to the material.
STEP 2: SELECT WASH CYCLE AND SETTINGS
Place the rug inside your washing machine along with some towels to help balance the load. Add laundry detergent to the detergent dispenser or directly to the washer drum depending on the model of your machine. Select the Delicate or Gentle wash cycle, then select Cold water temperature.
Avoid the heavy-duty cycle, hot water and any bleach or fabric softeners, as these may lead to shrinkage.
STEP 3: DRY THE RUG
After the cycle completes, carefully transfer the wet rug to a well-ventilated area. If you’re air drying your rug, you can hang it to dry or lay it flat depending on your space. If your dryer has a No Heat setting, you may be able to tumble dry the rug using the no heat setting. Always consult your rug’s laundry care tag before placing it in the dryer.
TIPS & FAQS FOR WASHING RUGS
Washing a rug can seem challenging, but with these tips and frequently asked questions, you can tackle the task with ease.
COMMON RUG WASHING MISTAKES TO AVOID
When cleaning rugs in the washer, avoid using harsh chemicals. In most cases, mild detergent should be able to sufficiently clean your rugs. Skipping the vacuuming step can also lead to clogging your machine's drain or damaging the rug during the wash.
CAN YOU WASH A RUG WITH A RUBBER BACKING?
Rugs with a rubber or latex backing should be handled with extra care. You may be able to machine wash a rug with a rubber backing, but you should always consult the rug’s care label before placing it in a washing machine.
HOW TO HAND WASH A RUG THAT’S TOO BIG FOR A WASHER
If your rug cannot be machine-washed, you have a few options. One is to fill a large tub with cool water and a mild detergent and gently hand wash, following similar steps to the machine wash.
Another possibility is to use a carpet cleaning machine or enlist a professional rug cleaner. Always test a small area for colorfastness and warping before proceeding with any hand-washing method.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
When it’s time to wash your large or heavy loads, you can depend on large capacity washing machines from Maytag brand to get the job done. Maytag® washers are designed with performance and durability in mind to help keep your laundry routine running smoothly.
