How To Clean Ruggable Rugs And Pads [7 Easy-To-Follow Steps]

Washable rugs, particularly Ruggable rugs, are amazing. Being able to throw your rug in the washing machine is a game-changer! However, because Ruggable rugs are a reasonably new concept, you may be unsure how to go about cleaning and washing your rug. No worries, we have thoroughly investigated these fabulous rugs and the pads that come with them. We have prepared step-by-step directions that will have them clean in no time!

Ruggable rugs should be regularly maintained and spot cleaned to prevent staining. When necessary, such as dirt buildup or larger spills, you may need to wash your rug. To do this, refer to the following directions.

1. Vacuum your rug.
2. Pull your rug up off of the rug pad.
3. Put your rug into the washing machine, pile side out.
4. Add mild detergent.
5. Run your washer on a cold, delicate cycle.
6. Check for stains. Rewash if necessary.
7. Dry your rug on low heat, or hang dry. Do not use a dryer for shag rugs.

To clean your Ruggable rug pad, spot-wash any stains and allow it to dry.

Cleaning your Ruggable rug and rug pad isn't very complicated. It is surprisingly simple and straightforward. However, there are a few more things that we think you need to know about cleaning your Ruggable rugs. Keep reading for more details and special instructions.

Spot Cleaning Your Rug

As we mentioned earlier, it is best to regularly check your Ruggable rug for spots and get them cleaned up asap. Ruggable rugs are naturally stain-resistant, so cleaning them up is usually quite easy. To spot clean your rug, use mild detergent and a moist rag to clean the dirty area. Wipe again with a clean rag, and allow it to dry.

Machine Washing Your Rug

Sometimes, dirt or spills may cover a large area, making it impractical to spot clean. Or maybe your rug is looking dingy overall. In this case, it is probably best to get your rug right in the washing machine. That's the great thing about Ruggable rugs, right? Let's look a little closer at each step that is involved in washing your rug.

1. Vacuum

You don't want dirt and debris ending up in your washing machine unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Obviously, if your rug is covered in barbecue sauce, you're not going to be able to vacuum it very efficiently. That being said, if you can, be sure to thoroughly vacuum your Ruggable rug before proceeding with the next steps.

Vacuum Recommendations

While it is safe to use the vacuum on your Ruggable rug, it is best to use the following techniques when vacuuming.

• Use low suction and low power/hardwood floor settings
• Turn off the beater bar/brush, if your vacuum cleaner has this option
• Use handheld attachments if possible
• Do not vacuum the edges of your Ruggable rug
• Use a pulling motion only; avoid pushing the vacuum across your rug or rug pad.
• Do not use a robotic vacuum cleaner.

2. Pick Up Your Rug Cover

This step is relatively self-explanatory. Be sure that you don't accidentally get the pad along with your rug cover, as the pad should not be machine washed. Additionally, do not roll it up, and put it in the machine rolled up. Doing so will prevent your rug from getting thoroughly clean.

3.  Put The Rug In The Washer

Next, you should place your rug in the washing machine, ensuring that the pile side is facing out. Washing machines use agitation to loosen dirt and debris. Then, centrifugal force is used to expel water and dirt from the articles being washed. If the rug's pile side is not facing out, the dirt will not be flung out of the rug but may instead be pushed deeper into the carpet.

4. Add Detergent And Run Cycle

Use only mild, bleach-free detergent on your Ruggable rug. Never add bleach to the load, as this can damage your rug and fade the coloring. Vinegar can help to neutralize odors left by pets, so you may add 1/2 cup of white vinegar if desired. Run your washing machine on the delicate cycle, using only cold water. Never run your rug through the washer using hot water.

5. Check For Residual Stains

If your washer completes its run cycle, and there are still stains visible on your rug, it may need a second wash. These residual stains are usually taken care of the second time through. 

6. Dry Your Rug

To dry most Ruggable rugs, you have two options. You may run them through the dryer on a low-heat setting, ensuring that the pile side is facing out. Never use high heat on your Ruggable rug. The other option is to hang your rug out to dry. The exception to this is shag rugs. If you have a shag rug, hanging it out to dry is always the best option.

Check out this Ruggable rug on their website.

Cleaning Your Ruggable Rug Pad

Sometimes, it may be necessary to clean the pad underneath your Ruggable rug cover. This pad should not be put into the washing machine at any time. 

Pick-up/Vacuum

Start by picking up any larger debris present on the rug pad. Using the hand-held portion of your vacuum, proceed to vacuum any surface dirt on the rug pad.

Spot Clean The Rug Pad

Once you have completed the first step, you can spot treat. Use a mild detergent and rag to wipe any areas that need cleaning gently. Hang your Ruggable rug pad out to dry, and you're done!

What temperature should I wash Ruggable?

Ruggable rugs should always be washed in cold water. Washing your rug in warm or hot water has the potential to damage it.

Can I Use Fabric Softener On My Ruggable Rug?

For most Ruggable rugs, fabric softener is not only unnecessary, but it could also be detrimental to your rug. The exception to this is the shag rug. When added during the rinse cycle, fabric softener can help keep the fibers from clumping up.

Will an 8 x 10 Ruggable fit in the washing machine?

Yes, an 8 x 10 Ruggable rug will fit in a standard-sized washing machine. In fact, all Ruggable rugs will fit into standard washers. An 8 x 10 Ruggable rug requires 3.8 cubic feet of washer space. If you have a washing machine that is not a standard size, refer to the manual to find the cubic space inside your washer. It needs to be a minimum of 3.8 cubic feet to wash an 8 x 10 Ruggable rug.

Click here to see this 8x10 Ruggable rug on their website.

Can a Ruggable rug go in the dryer?

Yes, all Ruggable rugs except the shag rug can be dried in the dryer. The shag rug should be hung out to dry. For all other Ruggable rugs, use a low heat setting on your dryer to dry your rug.

Can you use a carpet cleaner on a Ruggable?

The answer to this query depends on what carpet cleaner you are interested in using. Is it cleaners used for carpets or a carpet cleaning machine? Let's quickly discuss both.

Carpet Cleaner Solutions

Carpet cleaners can certainly be used to spot treat your Ruggable rug with some cautions. First, the solution that you choose should be free of bleach, as well as fabric softener. Additionally, you should always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to ensure no adverse effects.

Carpet Cleaner Machines

There is currently no information on whether carpet cleaning machines can safely be used on Ruggable rugs. However, this question raises another question: why use a carpet cleaner if you can toss it into the washing machine?

Can you wash the bottom (rug pad) of a Ruggable?

Ruggable rug pads can not be washed in the washing machine.  However, if your rug pad is dirty, you can certainly clean it! Wipe it down with a clean rag and mild detergent, and then let it dry.

If you would like to know more about the Ruggable rug pad, you may find this article helpful: The Ruggable Pad: Does It Come With One And Do You Have To Use It?

Can you vacuum your Ruggable rug?

Yes, you can certainly vacuum your Ruggable rug. Although a handheld vacuum attachment is the best way to vacuum your Ruggable rug, an upright vacuum can be used as well. It is recommended that you use a low-power/suction setting, turn the brush off, and avoid vacuuming the edges. Additionally, you should avoid using a push-pull motion and only pull the vacuum across your rug. Do not use a robotic vacuum on your rug, which can damage your rug's edges and corners.

In Closing

Ruggable rugs are the easiest rugs to clean, hands down. Whether you're spot cleaning or using the washing machine, you can now get your Ruggable rug looking as good as new!

If you're still shopping for a Ruggable rug and can't decide which 0ne, you may be interested in these helpful articles!

What Color Rug Goes With Hardwood Floors

What Size Rug Do I Need? [A Complete Guide]

The Ruggable Pad: Does It Come With One And Do You Have To Use It?