We tested six popular products for this Ruggable review. Here's what we learned about these machine-washable rugs.
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Ruggable Review: Are These Machine-Washable Rugs Worth the Hype?
Updated on Feb. 24, 2025
As shopping editors, we get excited when a new product comes on the market. Even more so when there’s a new product category.
And in 2017, Ruggable changed the way we think about floor care by popularizing machine-washable rugs. These beauties are stylish and plush—with the added bonus of easy cleanup. But do they really live up to the hype? And are they truly as easy to clean as their marketing claims?
We tested six Ruggable products over the course of two years to find out.
What is Ruggable?
Ruggable is an online-only brand that specializes in machine-washable rugs. They offer options for every room of your house in every color and style imaginable, including special designer collaborations.
Ruggable rugs aren’t just designed to tie a room together; they’re meant to be durable. And when you have an active family, that’s a huge bonus. After all, Ruggable was inspired by the pet mess that ruined its founder’s expensive new rug—so its products are designed with sturdiness and ease of cleaning in mind.
If you’ve ever stained an area rug, you know they’re a big pain to clean (if you can clean them at all). Ruggable rugs are different. They come in two parts: a pad and a removable top that’s machine-washable and dryable! The pad is made of a nonslip, latex-free material—think yoga mat—while the rug cover is stain- and water-resistant, lightweight and designed to fit inside a washing machine.
For most Ruggable rugs, you can choose between four core cover and pad systems:
- Flatwoven rug with a standard pad
- Flatwoven rug with a cushioned pad
- Tufted rug with a standard pad
- Tufted rug with a cushioned pad
Thinner, flatwoven Ruggable rugs are best for high-traffic areas that require a lot of durability, while the tufted or cushioned styles are ideal for bedrooms and living spaces where you want cushy comfort.
How We Tested Ruggable
To date, we’ve officially put six Ruggable products through the paces: a 6×9 tufted area rug, a 2.5×12 tufted runner, a flatwoven kitchen rug, a bath mat, a doormat and a 5×7 outdoor area rug. Our editors tested these products both in our Milwaukee Testing Lab and in their own homes. We continue to evaluate each Ruggable product for durability and longevity via our long-term testing process.
Ruggable Area Rug
Ruggable area rugs are the brand’s bread and butter. They come in a wide array of sizes, from 2×3 to 10×14, as well as countless styles and colors. I’ve been testing a 6×9 Wilder Burgundy multicolor tufted rug with a standard pad since October 2024.
My ordering and delivery process was seamless. However, I highly suggest you do a little research before adding a Ruggable area rug to your cart. Everything the brand offers is machine-washable, but not every size may fit in your home machine. The Ruggable Washing Machine Guide breaks down the minimum washer size needed for both size and tuft level.
Once the rug arrived, I was very impressed with the quality. The pile was nice and thick (again, I tested a tufted rug), and the design was very vibrant. It was a little tricky to assemble (especially without a helper!), so I suggest following the brand’s set-up method rather than winging it.
Visually, it was the piece I didn’t know my living room was missing. Ruggable tied my space together in the best possible way. And, since I chose more of a fall-hued rug, I love that I can swap out the cover for different seasons. Talk about a way to make a statement! Plus, it’s so thick and cozy underfoot, especially during Wisconsin winters. After months of use, it still looks brand new. I’ve noticed no pilling, fraying or wear spots.
To clean, I vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle attachment. Hair, dirt and debris come off with ease. Washing, however, is a little trickier. My machine ended up being slightly too small to safely fit the 6×9 tufted rug. (I’m hovering right around the 4-cubic foot size, and Ruggable suggests a minimum of 4.2-cubic feet.) Instead of risking a costly repair bill, I plan to take my rug to a laundromat. Still, just knowing that the rug cover is machine-washable provides immense peace of mind.
Content Director Ellie Martin Cliffe owns a few 6×9 flatwoven styles and finds that they’re much easier to wash. “The 6×9 fits fine and gets thoroughly clean in our front-loading washer,” she says. “We put it in our dryer on air-dry, which also works. If it’s still a little damp, we’ll drape it over a couch to let it dry all the way. I’m impressed by how quickly they dry. I never have to worry about it getting musty like you sometimes do with thicker rugs.”
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Area Rug
Our editors are smitten! These washable rugs look just as good as their traditional counterparts and are made of quality materials.
Ruggable Runner
Drab hallway getting you down? A Ruggable runner can warm up any space. Available in three sizes—2.5×7, 2.5×10 and 2.5×12—there’s an option for most any space. Plus, runners come in the same beautiful patterns and hues as Ruggable area rugs. I’ve been testing the 2.5×12-foot tufted Iris Apfel Birds of a Feather runner with a standard pad since October 2024.
My out-of-the-box impressions were similar to the area rug I tested. Wow! What a stunner. The colors on this rug are exceptional, the perfect balance between bright and balanced. I found the runner was also much easier to set up: simply place the pad where you want it, roll up the cover, align the corners with about an inch of overhang and then gently unroll. When you’re finished, smooth out any creases or air bubbles.
After months of trodding on the runner, I’ve only noticed one downside: it creeps. Now, this is a common issue with runners. Just walking on them causes slight shifts to the side. It’s not a huge deal, but we do re-center it down our hallway a few times a week as it likes to slide under our baseboard radiator or butt up against closet door thresholds. Rest assured, though, that the rug pad is still very sturdy. We never experience any sliding or slipping, just slow, annoying shifts.
Washing Ruggable runners is also easier. Even the largest, tufted size fits in my machine. Again, do consult the Ruggable Washing Machine Guide before ordering, but most consumers shouldn’t have any fit issues. All flatwoven runners fit in machines that are at least 2.2 cubic feet, and all tufted runners fit in machines greater than 3.8 cubic feet.
I purposefully smeared the runner with ketchup, coffee and blueberries before washing, and each stain lifted right out—even on a cold, gentle cycle. I used my dryer’s lowest setting to dry, and frankly, it didn’t help much. Be warned that tufted Ruggables soak up a lot of water. I ended up air-drying it overnight on my shower curtain bar.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Runner
Warm up your space with a runner that's stylish and easy to clean. The only downside? It tends to shift with daily foot traffic.
Ruggable Kitchen Rug
Our Product Testing Team went on a quest to find the best kitchen rug in March 2024, and the Ruggable kitchen rug came out on top for its style and washability. While one of the pricier products we tried, the 2×3 Gradasi Teal Quartz flatwoven rug with a cushioned pad was also one of the comfiest.
After evaluating the packaging, setting up the two-part system and even measuring the rug, we moved on to the most important test: standing on it! Executive Culinary Director Sarah Farmer tried the Ruggable rug in the Taste Recipes Prep Kitchen for two to five hours a day.
“Using the mat was a pleasant experience,” Sarah says. “I enjoyed standing on the mat during tasks like washing and drying dishes at the sink, prepping at my kitchen island and cooking on the stovetop. The mat offered a decent amount of cushioning, providing a soft and supportive base. I found it enhanced my overall comfort, particularly because my kitchen floor is ceramic tile, which tends to be cold and hard.”
In addition to providing comfort, Sarah found that the Ruggable helped to ease aches and pains and even improve her posture. “Usually, I notice a little strain on my hips after being on my feet on the tile flooring, prepping, cooking and on dish duty for several hours. However, after making sure I stood on the mat, I noticed I did not have that tinge of achiness in my feet, legs, back or joints. I think I was more aware of standing up straight and having good posture while on the mat. No slipping issues, either. When I needed to relocate the mat, I needed to lift it for repositioning versus just sliding it around with my foot.”
To wash, rest assured that the 2×3 Ruggable cover will fit in any machine, regardless of the pile height. We smeared dirt, yogurt and olive oil into the rug cover, then removed it from its pad. Sarah also had a few stains after her testing—including tomato sauce. On a cold, gentle cycle, all the stains lifted away. All in, we were impressed that there was no pilling, wrinkling, curling or discoloring.
TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Kitchen Rug
Our Product Testing Team loved the durability, ease of cleaning and support of this stylish rug.
Ruggable Bath Mat
Not-so-fun fact: Putting a standard bath mat in the wash can damage your machine. They absorb too much water and get too heavy for the washer to handle. Luckily, there’s a Ruggable bath mat that’s specifically designed for machine cleaning. Nifty!
We’ve been testing the Malta multicolor bath mat since January 2024. Our Product Testing Team tried 14 bath mats, and Ruggable was named the “best nonslip” option.
Like all Ruggables, the bath mat relies on a two-part system. The pad for the bath mat is made of a grippy, nonstick material that’s surprisingly supportive. When placed on both vinyl and tile floors, the bath mat is rock solid. It doesn’t slip at all! As far as absorbency goes, it takes about an hour and a half for the rug to dry out fully.
To clean, we once again intentionally dirtied the rug. We dabbed on three stains: toothpaste, dirt and oil-based lotion. After setting, we spot-treated each before tossing the rug pad in the wash. On a gentle, cold cycle, all three stains lifted out of the lightly colored mat, and we were impressed that it looked as good after cleaning as it did straight from the package.
“This is the most expensive bath mat we tested,” shares Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley. “But Ruggable rugs have a lot of style, great grip, washability and absorbency, plus the pad is very supportive. Nothing on our list really compares!”
After in-office testing, Annamarie took the Ruggable bath mat home for continued testing. She’s been standing on it daily for over a year. “I still don’t have one negative thing to say about this product,” Annamarie explains. “Some people might view its pile height as a tripping hazard, but to me, it’s a fair tradeoff for the comfort that the thick liner provides. Additionally, the rug has a gradual incline around the perimeter, mitigating some risk of tripping. The rug adheres well to my tile, so it stays in place. And I’m still obsessed with the graphic design of the rug—it looks so cute with my other chenille bath mat and pulls together my collection of hodge-podge towels.”
TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Bath Mat
Say goodbye to slips and skids! The Ruggable bath mat isn't just easy to wash, it's sturdy, too!
Ruggable Doormat
After a thorough indoor evaluation of Ruggable gear, it was time to move outside! One of the brand’s newer products is the Ruggable doormat. Yes, the cover is still removable and washable! But the pad gets upgraded to a thick, rubber base.
I’ve been testing the Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Minor Indigo doormat since November 2024. The mat required no assembly. Simply pull it out of the box and put it in place. Right away, I was impressed with the heft and quality of the materials. This is one sturdy doormat! Plus, like all Ruggable products we’ve encountered, it’s visually stunning. This mat is a work of art on my front porch and a major upgrade from boring brown mats or shedding coir options.
While my front porch area isn’t exposed to precipitation, it does encounter wind and direct sunlight. Many cheap mats I’ve bought over the years would dance around the porch during wind events, so I was pleased to see the Ruggable held its ground during significant gusts.
I also tried the doormat indoors and was impressed that it’s still thin enough (barely) for my front door to pass over it without getting stuck. It also does a great job collecting salt, snow and ice from winter boots. Any moisture trickles down through the cover and into the base.
Cleanup is easy, too. I purposefully smeared a mix of mud, dirt and coffee grounds in, as well as yogurt (to simulate bird poop) and crushed tomato. After letting the stains set, I detached the cover and tossed it in the wash on—you guessed it—a gentle setting with cold water. All the stains came out, and the fabric looked as good as new. Plus, it dried very quickly. The base can be wiped down or hosed off.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Doormat
Keep clean and carry on with a Ruggable doormat system. This high-quality option may be the last doormat you buy.
Ruggable Outdoor Rug
Believe it or not, a Ruggable outdoor rug was our first introduction to the brand. Annamarie has been testing the 5×7 outdoor Arcadia multicolor rug since June 2023. In that time, it’s seen a mix of weather, including beating sun, drenching rain and good ol’ Wisconsin snow.
Outdoor Ruggables have a specialized polyester fabric blend designed to resist fading, mold and mildew. That said, the outdoor designs are still as vibrant and beautiful as indoor area rugs.
Annamarie found the 5×7 size was a little tricky to set up by herself. A sentiment Ellie echoes: “We have a couple of 5×7 and 6×9 rugs. I’ve found that it’s almost impossible for me to replace the cover by myself. My spouse and I have devised a system that works beautifully. We roll the cover, make sure it’s centered over the edge of the pad, and then unroll it over the top. As he unrolls it, I smooth it out.”
Once inside, Annamarie was impressed by the pop of color the rug added to her patio. “The style selections were overwhelming in the very best way,” she says. “I can’t believe how many cute designs there are, and the inventory is constantly updated and improved.”
As for performance, she found that after two summers, the colors have finally started to fade. After rainstorms, the rug also takes several hours to dry out. A rogue gust of wind can also cause the corners to turn over.
Annamarie has washed the rug a handful of times and is always impressed by the end result. After a happy hour spill required a refresh, she explains: “The rug looked just as bright and brand-new as before! No salsa in sight.”
Even long-set stains (mostly) come out of the light fabric. “I used the same settings as last time: delicate mode, cool water and a mild detergent. I didn’t spot-treat this time, and I then dried it twice in the dryer,” Annamarie explains. “The discolored areas aren’t quite as pronounced as they were before, but it’s still a little dingy, and the acute stains came about 90% of the way out. It doesn’t look brand-new, but it’s certainly still passable for an outdoor rug. Plus, it smells nice, and any remaining debris was washed away.”
She also notes that due to the flat polyester weave, the rug is super easy to sweep.
TASTE OF HOME
We Tried It
Ruggable Outdoor Rug
This tough outdoor accessory stands up to spills and stains.
The Bottom Line
Across the board, we find Ruggable rugs are a good value and live up to their easy-to-clean claims. Of course, there are a few caveats—most notably that not every Ruggable easily fits in every home washing machine. You’ll definitely want to read the brand’s Ruggable Washing Machine Guide before purchasing a large or tufted area rug.
Beyond that, our editors are smitten with Ruggable’s stylish selections and quality. They really do make it easy to keep your carpets clean and refresh your space without breaking the bank. Considering you can spend thousands on a large area rug, we find Ruggable offers a solid mid-price point, too.
FAQ
How do you wash Ruggable rugs?
First, read the Ruggable Washing Machine Guide to ensure the product will fit in your machine. Then, remove the cover from the pad and spot-treat any stains. Add the cover to your machine, design-side facing out, and wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Skip bleach or any fabric softeners.
Are Ruggable rugs worth it?
In our experience, yes! We find that Ruggable products are high quality, stylish and a good value. Of course, each product has some slight quirks and you do need to be aware of the washing regulations before buying a larger size, but generally they live up to the hype.
Where do you buy Ruggable rugs?
All Ruggable products are available directly on the brand’s website. Select styles are also available on Amazon and Costco.
How do you clean a Ruggable rug pad?
Ruggable rug pads are not machine-washable. Instead, spot-clean with warm, soapy water. You can also vacuum or shake out the pad to clean off hair and debris. Some products, like the Ruggable doormats, have rubber bases that can be cleaned with a hose.
Does Ruggable have sales?
Yes! The brand frequently has Ruggable sales that align with holidays, like Presidents Day or Black Friday.
Can Ruggable rugs go in the dryer?
Yes, Ruggable rug covers can go in the dryer on a low or air-fluff setting. Avoid using high heat, as that can cause the rug cover to shrink. You can also air-dry.
What are Ruggable rugs made of?
It depends! Ruggable offers a wide spectrum of rugs, from tufted to outdoor and even re-jute and shag options. The iconic flatwoven and tufted covers are made with polyester and feature a polyurethane water-resistant barrier.
Can you vacuum Ruggable rugs?
Yes! Just be sure to use a delicate attachment (hard bristles can damage the pile) and sweep the cleaner in long, even strokes.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of product testers and expert editors have put thousands of products through dedicated testing methodologies. Our goal is to find the very best options for you and your family—at a fair price. To test Ruggable, we tried six total products in both our Product Testing Lab and editors’ homes. Each item was evaluated on the packaging, quality, value, ease of cleaning and style. Each product also continues to be long-term tested to gauge durability over time.
Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski tried the Ruggable 6×9 area rug, 2.5×12 runner and doormat. Katie has nearly a decade of editorial experience with brands like Better Homes & Gardens, Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and, of course, Taste Recipes. She extensively covers home care, kitchen gear and holiday gifts.
Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley reviewed the kitchen rug, bath mat and outdoor area rug. She oversees all in-office testing for Taste Recipes, Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest. To date, her team has covered everything from the best kitchen mats to cordless Dyson vacuums.
Content Director Ellie Martin Cliffe has used an assortment of 5×7 and 6×9 area rugs. Over the past 13 years at Taste Recipes, she has taken on various roles across digital and print, including editing cookbooks, curating special interest publications, overseeing magazines, starring in cooking and cleaning videos and engaging with the Community Cooks. She’s also known for handing out cookies and cocoa at local holiday events.
