How to Wash a Rug at a Laundromat (Including Ruggables)

Can You Wash a Rug in a Washing Machine?

Yes — many rugs are machine washable, and a laundromat is the best place to do it because commercial machines are large enough to handle rugs that would never fit in a home washer. But not all rugs can go in a machine, so it's important to know which ones are safe to wash.

Here's a quick guide to which rugs are and aren't machine washable:

• Machine washable — Cotton rugs, synthetic rugs (polypropylene, nylon, polyester), Ruggable covers, bath mats, small braided rugs, and most rugs with a 'machine wash' care label.
• Hand wash or spot clean only — Wool rugs, silk rugs, jute/sisal rugs, rugs with rubber or latex backing (the backing can break apart in the machine), antique or delicate rugs, and shag rugs with very long pile.
• Professional cleaning only — Persian rugs, Oriental rugs, hand-knotted rugs, and any rug with significant monetary or sentimental value.

How to Wash a Ruggable at a Laundromat

Ruggable rugs are specifically designed to be machine washable, which makes them one of the easiest rugs to clean at a laundromat. Here's the process:

• Separate the cover from the pad — Only the cover goes in the washing machine. The non-slip pad stays home (it can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth if needed).
• Shake or vacuum the cover — Remove loose dirt, pet hair, and debris before washing.
• Choose the right machine — A 5x7 Ruggable cover fits in a 40 lb machine. An 8x10 or larger cover needs a 60 lb machine. At Sandy Creek Laundromat, our 60 lb HERO washers handle even the largest Ruggable covers.
• Wash on cold, gentle cycle — Ruggable recommends cold water and a gentle cycle. Use a mild, liquid detergent. No bleach, no fabric softener.
• Tumble dry on low heat or air dry — Ruggable covers can go in the dryer on low heat. They can also be air dried, which takes longer but is gentler on the fabric. Do not use high heat.

How to Wash an Area Rug at a Laundromat

For non-Ruggable area rugs that are machine washable, the process is similar but requires a bit more care:

• Vacuum thoroughly — Remove all loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners where dirt accumulates.
• Pre-treat stains — Spot-treat any visible stains with a mild stain remover or a mixture of dish soap and water. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
• Check for colorfastness — Dampen a white cloth with water and press it against a colored area of the rug. If color transfers to the cloth, the rug may bleed in the wash. Wash it separately and use cold water only.
• Use a large machine — The rug needs room to move. A cramped rug won't get clean and can damage the machine. Use at least a 40 lb machine for medium rugs and a 60 lb machine for larger ones.
• Cold water, gentle cycle — Cold water prevents shrinking and color bleeding. The gentle cycle protects the rug's fibers and backing.
• Mild detergent, no bleach — Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much soap leaves residue that attracts dirt. Never use bleach on colored rugs.
• Dry on low heat or air dry — Some rugs can go in a commercial dryer on low heat. Others should be air dried flat to prevent warping. Check the care label. If air drying, lay the rug flat — don't hang it, as the weight of the water can stretch it out of shape.

What About Bath Mats and Small Rugs?

Bath mats, kitchen rugs, and small accent rugs are generally the easiest to wash at a laundromat. Most are made of cotton or synthetic materials and are fully machine washable.

• Check the backing — If the bath mat has a rubber or latex non-slip backing, check the care label. Some rubber-backed mats can go in the washer on cold/gentle, but many will break apart over time with machine washing. If the backing is already cracking or peeling, hand wash instead.
• Wash similar items together — You can wash multiple bath mats or small rugs together in one load, as long as the machine isn't overcrowded.
• Use warm water for cotton bath mats — Cotton bath mats can handle warm water, which helps kill bacteria. Synthetic mats should be washed on cold.
• Tumble dry on low — Most bath mats dry quickly in a commercial dryer on low heat. Rubber-backed mats should be air dried to preserve the backing.

How Often Should You Wash Your Rugs?

The frequency depends on foot traffic, pets, and allergies:

• Bath mats — Every 1-2 weeks. They're constantly exposed to moisture and are a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew.
• Kitchen rugs — Every 2-4 weeks, or immediately after spills.
• Living room area rugs — Every 3-6 months for normal use. More frequently if you have pets or young children.
• Ruggables — Every 3-6 months per the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Bedroom rugs — Every 3-6 months.