Can You Wash Rugs in a Washing Machine? Everything You Need to Know

Life happens on your rug. Coffee spills and muddy footprints are all part of living in a well-used home.

We created Double around a simple idea: practical rugs shouldn't mean you have to compromise on design. We start every washable rug collection with original, in-house designs. We put our rugs through extensive product development to make everyday care easier without losing the texture and warmth people expect from a premium rug.

So, can you wash rugs in a washing machine?

The answer is yes, as long as you choose a Double rug. We've created our washable collections so that everyday cleaning is simpler than with many traditional rugs. Some larger rugs may require a commercial washing machine, while others are better suited to spot cleaning or alternative at-home care methods. 

Can You Wash Rugs in a Washing Machine?

Most Double rugs are machine washable, so everyday care is much simpler than with traditional rugs. The best cleaning method depends on the collection, material, construction, and size. Before putting your rug in the washing machine, check:

• The product care guide for specific washing instructions
• The material
• The rug size and weight
• The washing machine’s capacity and internal dimensions

There should be room around the rug in the drum. Don’t pack it tightly or force it in. If it can't move around freely, the rug may not wash properly, and the weight can put the machine under strain.

A small washable rug, a light runner, or a washable polyester rug may be suitable for machine washing. Larger rugs may need a commercial washing machine.

Which Rugs Are Usually Machine Washable?

At Double, we've created rugs that can handle repeated washing and keep their look and shape. 

Rug Type	Can It Be Machine Washed?	Care Guidance
Recycled Polyester	Yes, just check your washing machine capacity.	We’ve created our washable, recycled polyester collection for busy homes so you can machine-wash them. Always check the product care guide first, as larger sizes may require a commercial machine. Wash with cold water and mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Don’t use hot water, bleach, harsh cleaning agents, or fabric softener.
Organic Cotton	Yes, provided the rug fits comfortably inside your washing machine.	Our organic cotton rugs are machine washable, but the appropriate cleaning method depends on the rug's size and your washing machine's capacity. Smaller sizes, such as 160 × 230 cm, fit comfortably in many residential washing machines, while larger rugs may need a commercial machine. Check our organic cotton rug care guide before washing, as the recommendations vary depending on the rug's construction.
Washable New Zealand Woll	Yes, depending on the rug's size and washing machine capacity.	Our New Zealand wool rugs are washable, but the recommended cleaning method depends on the rug's size. Smaller sizes, such as 160 × 230 cm and 200 × 300 cm, often fit in commercial washing machines. Larger sizes are generally best maintained with spot cleaning and the at-home cleaning methods outlined in the care guide. Heavy Loop Pile and Handwoven Wool rugs aren’t machine washable because of their weight. Always refer to your product's care guide for the recommended cleaning method for your specific rug.
Runners	Almost all, yes.	Almost every runner rug in our collection fits comfortably in a residential washing machine. The main exception is our Heavy Loop Pile Runner. It’s usually too heavy for most home machines when wet. Wash with cold water and mild detergent. Then air dry and follow the care instructions. Always check your product's care guide before washing, as recommendations vary by collection.

Which Rugs Shouldn't Go in the Washing Machine?

Some Double rugs aren't suitable for machine washing because of their size or construction. However, every rug in our collection has a washable backing. This makes it easier to spot clean. It also makes it easier to clean in a bath or shower. 

New Zealand Wool Rugs
Traditional wool rugs aren't always suitable for regular cleaning in a washing machine. Excess water, the wrong wash cycle, or high heat can cause wool to shrink, felt, or lose its shape.

Our New Zealand wool collection solves many of the practical limitations associated with traditional wool rugs. Each rug retains the warmth and texture that make premium New Zealand wool so desirable while being easier to care for than many traditional alternatives.

New Zealand wool is naturally stain-resistant, breathable, and helps regulate temperature throughout the year. With the right care, these qualities make it well-suited to busy homes that still want the look and feel of a premium natural fibre rug.

Care always depends on the rug's size and construction. Our New Zealand wool rug care guide explains the recommended cleaning methods for each collection. Smaller rugs may fit in a commercial washing machine, while larger rugs are generally best cleaned according to the product-specific care guide.

New Jute Rugs

Traditional jute is known for its natural texture, but in the past, it has required compromises. It absorbs moisture readily, sheds heavily, and can lose its shape when you expose it to too much water. Double now offers two washable interpretations of this classic material: our washable Natural Jute collection, which showcases the authentic character of natural fibres, and our New Jute collection, which is crafted from 100% recycled polyester for even easier everyday care. 

We developed our New Jute to honour the woven appearance and tactile quality people love. We’ve crafted the collection from 100% recycled polyester, creating a rug that resists stains and shedding. 

Most New Jute rugs will fit into residential washing machines, making them more practical than traditional jute rugs. As with every Double rug, however, always follow the New Jute care guide. 

Why Some Double Rugs Are Easier to Care For

At Double, we create our products with ease of care at the fore. We’ve made different collections from materials and constructions that improve the rugs’ quality. Our recycled polyester range focuses on machine washability and everyday durability, while our New Zealand wool and New Jute collections balance natural-looking textures with more practical care requirements than many traditional alternatives.

Every collection also has its own care guide because washing methods vary according to the material construction and size. When you follow these recommendations, it preserves the rug's appearance and durability over time.

How to Wash a Rug in the Washing Machine

If the rug’s care label confirms that it’s machine washable, prepare it before putting it into the machine. 

1. Shake Out Loose Dirt

Take the rug outside and shake it well. This removes loose debris and pet hair before you wash it.

If you have large rugs or if your rug holds a lot of dust, vacuum both sides first. This stops loose dirt from moving through the fibres during the wash cycle.

2. Check for Stains

Look for stains before putting it into the machine. A machine wash may not remove stains that have settled into the rug fibres, and heat can sometimes set marks more firmly.

Blot stains with a white cloth. Don't scrub hard, as this can damage the pile or even spread the stain. Use a cleaning solution approved by the rug’s care label.

3. Choose the Right Wash Cycle

If your rug is washable, it’s best to use a gentle or delicate cycle, unless the label states otherwise.

Don’t use hot water unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Hot water can shrink fibres, loosen adhesives, damage the backing, or affect the rug’s shape.

Use a small amount of mild detergent. More detergent doesn't mean a cleaner rug. Too much can leave residue in the fibres.

Don't use:

• Bleach
• Fabric softener
• Harsh chemicals
• High temperatures
• Heavy spin settings unless the label states otherwise

A low or moderate spin cycle may help remove water, but only if the label recommends it.

4. Don't Overload the Washer

A rug needs space to move. If you force it tightly inside the drum, the water and detergent can't circulate properly.

Check the washing machine’s capacity, but don't just rely on weight. Internal dimensions are just as important. The rug should fit with extra room around it, especially once it's wet.

For larger rugs, use a commercial washing machine if the rug is machine washable and the care guide allows it.

5. Air Dry Properly

After washing, remove the rug from the machine as soon as possible. Reshape it gently while it’s still damp.

Most washable rugs should air dry. Lay the rug flat in a well-ventilated area, or hang it dry over a sturdy drying rack or shower rod. Don’t make sharp folds that may affect the rug’s shape.

Keep the rug out of direct sunlight. Strong sunlight can fade colours and dry fibres unevenly.

Don’t put the rug back on the floor until it’s completely dry. A damp rug can trap moisture beneath it, especially on timber, tiles, wooden, or laminate floors.

When Should You Hand-Wash a Rug?

Hand washing means you can limit water exposure, avoid aggressive spinning, and focus on stained or high-traffic areas.

When you’re hand washing, use cold water or warm water only if the care guide allows it. Add a small amount of mild detergent, then clean gently with a cloth or soft brush. Don't twist the fibres to remove water. Press any excess water out instead.

You may be able to rinse some rugs with a garden hose if the care instructions allow outdoor rinsing. Then, dry the rug flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area until completely dry. 

Spot Cleaning Between Washes

Not every mark needs a full rug washing. Spot cleaning is often enough for everyday spills, muddy footprints, or small food stains.

Blot the spill with a clean white cloth. Work from the outside of the mark toward the centre so the stain doesn't spread. Use the cleaning solution recommended for the rug’s material. Rinse lightly if needed, then remove as much moisture as possible.

Don't rub the fibre. It can roughen the pile, push the stain deeper, or distort the rug fibres.

Spot cleaning is especially useful in high-traffic areas, under dining tables, in children's rooms, and near entryways. 

Choosing a Washable Rug

At Double, we balance aesthetics with practicality. We make our washable rugs for homes where beauty and function share the same floor. Spills happen. So do muddy shoes, dropped pasta, and the occasional pet accident.

Recycled polyester offers the simplest machine-washable care for everyday family living, while New Zealand wool, organic cotton, and New Jute provide the texture and visual depth of natural fibres with much easier maintenance than many traditional alternatives.

When you're choosing kids' rugs for a bedroom or playroom, or adding a rug to a dining room or entryway, washable designs make everyday care much easier. 

Choosing the right material is only part of the decision. Colour also influences how a rug performs in your space. Earthy neutrals, such as brown rugs, help disguise everyday dust and create warmth in busy living areas. Green rugs introduce a calming, nature-inspired palette that works beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, and family spaces. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My Rug Is Machine Washable?

Check our care page. It should tell you whether the rug can be machine-washed, hand-washed, spot-cleaned, or professionally cleaned. If the label is missing, check the brand’s care guide or product page.

Can Wool Rugs Go in the Washing Machine?

Double's New Zealand wool rugs are washable, so they’re easier to care for than many traditional wool rugs. The best cleaning method depends on the rug's size and your washing machine's capacity.

Smaller sizes may fit in a commercial washing machine. Larger rugs can be cleaned according to the at-home cleaning methods outlined in our care guide. Every rug in the collection has a flexible backing. It’s easier to handle and clean than many traditional wool rugs.

Heavy Loop Pile and Handwoven Wool rugs are the exceptions. Because of their weight, they aren't suitable for machine washing. Always refer to the product-specific care guide for the recommended cleaning method for your rug.

Can Polyester Rugs Be Machine Washed?

All of our polyester rugs can be machine-washed. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent. Larger polyester rugs may need a commercial washing machine. Always check the care label and make sure the rug fits inside the drum with room to move.

Should I Wash Rugs in Hot Water or Cold Water?

Cold water is usually safer for washable rugs. Hot water can shrink fibres, fade colours, affect rubber backing, or change the rug’s shape. Use warm water only if the care label specifically recommends it.

Can I Put a Rug in the Tumble Dryer?

Check the care guide for your specific product before tumble drying. Some rugs can tolerate machine drying on low heat, but many should be air-dried. High heat can damage fibres, backing, and shape. Air-dry the rug flat or hang-dry it according to the care guide, and make sure it is completely dry before placing it back on the floor.

What Detergent Should I Use for Rug Washing?

Use a mild detergent or a gentle liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and harsh chemicals unless the care instructions specifically allow them. Too much detergent can leave residue in the rug fibres, so use a small amount.

Can Rubber-Backed Rugs Be Machine Washed?

Double's washable rug collections feature a washable backing that's designed to withstand repeated cleaning when cared for according to the product care guide. If your rug is suitable for machine washing, follow the recommended washing instructions for your specific collection.

If your rug includes a separate rubber rug base, don’t put it in the washing machine. Because it's a rigid non-slip base rather than the rug backing itself, it's easy to clean by spraying it with a standard all-purpose cleaner and wiping it clean before allowing it to dry completely.

How Often Should You Wash a Rug?

Wash frequency depends on the room and household. A rug in a high-traffic area, child’s room, or pet-friendly space may need more frequent cleaning than a rug in a quiet bedroom. Vacuum as needed, spot clean spills quickly, and only machine wash when needed to avoid unnecessary wear.

Conclusion

Beautiful rugs shouldn't come with complicated care routines. That's why we've developed collections that combine original in-house design with practical innovations that make everyday maintenance much easier than with many traditional rugs.

Most Double rugs are machine washable, while others are designed for straightforward at-home care using spot cleaning, a bath or shower, or the cleaning method recommended for that collection. Whatever rug you choose, following the product-specific care guide will help preserve its texture, colour, and performance for years to come.

With the right care, you can enjoy a rug that's made to be lived on, not worried about.