Jess G. Lynch
Washable rugs are slowly but surely becoming a standout homeware in the design space for their practicality and supposed straightforward process of cleaning. Imagine how easy it’d be to bundle up the rug beneath your feet and shove it into the washing machine after a boozy dinner party…or even a kids’ birthday party?
But is a washable rug really true to its name? Can you really put a quality rug in the washing machine and expect it to come out clean with its original structural integrity in tact? Being a curious – and at times, sceptical – person, I jumped at the chance to put a washable rug to the test when offered to do so by Ruggable.
So, if you’ve been on the fence on whether to invest in the rug of the washable variety for some time now, read of for our in depth Ruggable review that covers everything from whether the rug’s edges curl to whether it’s actually worth the money.
BHG‘s Ruggable review verdict
- Our rating: 8.5/10
- Why we rated it a (8.5/10): Durable, beautiful and bright design in collaboration with the late Iris Apfel, its ease to spot clean
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Easy to spot clean
- Pet-friendly and kid-friendly
Cons
- Very heavy when wet
- Hard to align the rug and pad by yourself
What’s so special about a Ruggable rug?
With a washing machine-friendly design and two-piece system, Ruggable rugs marry style with practicality. This is especially ideal in busy homes with kids and pets where spills and messes are always imminent. Something that also sets them apart on the market is its high profile collaboration collections – including with the likes of Pantone, Bridgerton, Jonathan Adler, and the late Iris Apfel.
Iris Apfel Protea Forest Green tufted rug features and size
- Comes in 13 different (round and rectangular) sizes ranging from 60x90cm to 305x425cm
- Choice of flatwoven (2mm and better for under doorways, rolling furniture and dining room table) or tufted (7mm and cosy living spaces, playrooms and bedrooms) rug covers
- Choice of standard pad (low-profile and nonslip for indoor/outdoor use and best for under doorways/high traffic areas) or cushioned pad (thicker and nonslip for indoor use only; good for playrooms, living rooms and kitchens)
- Water-resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Machine-washable (read on for washing machine specifics)
- Interchangeable rug covers
Our Ruggable road test
I opted to review the Iris Apfel Protea Forest green tufted rug in the 200x290cm size with standard cushioning and a tufted rug cover and standard pad. The rug and its accompanying underlay pad came folded in a modestly sized box. (A much more practical packaging than if it came rolled up.) To put it to the test, I decided to test the rug under the following conditions over a two-week period:
- Place it under the dining room table where people eat their meals and the wind blows a great amount of dust, dirt and leaves in through the back door
- Do not vacuum the rug in this two-week period
- Test out how easy it is to spot clean with often tough-to-remove spills (e.g. tomato sauce and Greek yoghurt)
- Test out its machine-washability
Results from our test
Although I encouraged everyone in the home to eat at the dining table (where the rug sits under) for most of their meals, I unfortunately do not live with messy-enough eaters that created an organic opportunity for me to spot clean. Thusly, I got creative and decided to create my own testing environment by ‘spilling’ tomato sauce and Greek yoghurt on the carpet. Following Ruggable’s spot clean instructions to a tee, I can say that it passed the spot-cleaning test with flyers colours.
As I opted for a larger rug (200x290cm), there was no way it was going to fit into my measly 6kg washing machine (though, several other rug sizes would!). So, I made the trip with a friend to the laundromat where we put it into a 20kg washer (although it would have easily fit into a 15kg washer) on a delicates cycle with cold water. It was very heavy to pull out wet from the washer so I elected that my friend Fraser did the literal heavy lifting to put it in the dryer for a quick dry cycle (on low heat). The dryer didn’t do much for drying as it was on such a low heat but we took it home and hung it over the railing in the backyard and let it dry throughout the day. Happy to report, it also passed the washing machine test – maintaining its original colour and quality. It also got out any remaining dairy smell from the Greek yoghurt. (This is also a great sign for its pet-friendliness.)
Regarding setting up the rug itself, it’s helpful to follow the instructions that come in the delivery box. Start by laying down the pad – Velcro side up – and fold the rug up so it’s easier to align with the corner of the pad and then open it up and roll it out. I would recommend enlisting someone to help you for this part to make sure you can align the rug with the pad as best as you can.
Do Ruggable rugs fit in the washing machine?
You can check out the full Ruggable washing machine rug size guide that speaks to every size and type of rug in relation to the minimum washer size needed. Runners, doormats, bathmats, as well as flatwoven rugs up to 185x275cm and tufted rugs up to 90x150cm, and outdoor rugs up to 150x215cm will fit in most standard 8kg washers.
If your rug is too big to fit in your washing machine at home, the local laundromat – where they have washers and dryers around the 20kg+ mark – can be a fun, occasional trip.
Hot tip:
Do Ruggable rugs still curl?
From my review period of a Ruggable rug, I have not noticed any curling of its edges. The Velcro of the underlay pad probably also helps prevent this – but even without the pad, it hasn’t curled at all.
Overall, is Ruggable worth the money?
While this is an extremely subjective question, overall, I would say that Ruggable is worth the money. For a durable rug you’ll be able to spot clean and machine wash with ease over the years (even if you’re doing it once in a blue moon), it’s a gamechanger in households that regularly entertain or have kids and pets.
Can you get Ruggable in Australia?
All Ruggable orders in Australia are made in the Melbourne manufacturing plant – so yes, you can get Ruggable delivery in Australia (and with free shipping!). You just can’t ship it to a PO Box, so it’s best to order it directly to wherever you want the rug to go.
Plus, you can score up to 20% off a rug if you use code AP2025 during Afterpay Day sales.
