Washable Kitchen Rugs and Other Alternatives
Rugs Direct offers a range of stylish and washable kitchen rugs and floor rugs for modern and traditional homes. Whether you’re looking for machine-washable rugs or rugs that can be washed by hand without permanent staining, we have several to choose from in a wide range of colour options, sizes (small to large) and styles.
When buying rugs for your kitchen, it’s inevitable that they will at some point come into contact with stains, dirt and other wear and tear from lying in a kitchen. This means the rug you choose must be able to both weather any potential stains as well as be easy to wash.
Take a look at our huge range of washable kitchen rugs below and line your kitchen with stylish and durable rugs.
Outdoor Rugs Are a Fantastic Alternative to Washable Kitchen Rugs
Alternatively, we’d also recommend using outdoor rugs for kitchen rugs. The reason for this is because outdoor rugs are made using similar materials to washable kitchen rugs to enhance durability.
This option is particularly attractive for people who have high-traffic kitchens or if you have children and pets. All our outdoor rugs are designed using water-resistant fibres and materials without compromising style and comfort.
Because our outdoor kitchen rugs are designed to look just as good inside as they do outside, they are a fantastic option for kitchens. Take a look at our washable and wipeable outdoor rugs for your kitchen below.
Outdoor and washable kitchen rugs
What Rug Materials are Washable?
When buying a washable kitchen rug, the first thing you need to check is the materials it’s made from. The materials that are okay to be machine-washed are:
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular, synthetic materials used in rug design. While Nylon isn’t as durable as polypropylene, it’s a preferred material to use in washable kitchen rugs due to its cost-effectiveness.
If you’re looking to wash a rug that’s predominantly nylon, be sure to place it on a gentle, cold cycle. Do not place your nylon kitchen rug in the dryer as the heat may compromise the fibres – leave it out to dry naturally.
Cotton
A natural rug fibre that’s been used in the creation and design of rugs for centuries. Being a natural fibre, cotton is able to withstand washing machine cycles at low heats. Cotton is also cost-effective, making it a welcoming material to use for rug manufacturers. Be sure to air dry cotton rugs as opposed to tumble-drying them, as this can cause the cotton to become scrunched and coarse over time.
Note: Placing a cotton rug through a dryer can also cause the rug to shrink, in the same way that hot temperatures cause cotton clothing to shrink. So, don’t do it!
Polypropylene
This synthetic fibre is arguably the most durable when it comes to withstanding heavy foot traffic and water, ideal for rugs placed under kitchen sinks and other busy areas of the home. Kitchen rugs that are made from 80% or more polypropylene can safely be machine or hand washed without having to worry about shrinking or discolouration. Again, be sure to place your machine on a slow, low-heat cycle to be on the safe side.
As always, do not place polypropylene rugs into the dryer.
Polyester
Another cost-effective and incredibly versatile material, polyester is used in the creation of many rug types, from kitchens to living rooms and bedrooms. Polyester is soft to the tough and is often woven into cotton rugs for a plush, comfy finish. Use a mild detergent if you plan to machine wash a kitchen rug that’s made predominantly from polyester.
Known for its budget-friendly price and soft touch, polyester rugs are fabulous. As with most synthetic rug fibres, polyester rugs are machine washable.
Viscose
Viscose is classified as a natural fibre because its main ingredient is pulp. While you can machine wash rugs made with viscose, we’d advise wiping the rug down or gently washing it with light soap.
Get Free UK Delivery On Our Washable Kitchen Rugs
Take advantage of free UK delivery when you buy any products from Rugs Direct, whether it’s a washable kitchen rug or an outdoor rug. Whichever rug you choose, you can rest assured it will stand the test of time because all our rugs are designed with durability and style in mind.
If you have any questions about washing or cleaning our rugs, please speak to us before your purchase to ensure your rug remains in exceptional condition.
Explore our outdoor rugs perfect for kitchens
FAQs
What happens if I wash a kitchen rug that’s not designed for washing?
If you attempt to machine wash a rug that isn’t suitable for hot temperatures and fast cycles, it can completely ruin the rug. The high heat can shrink certain fibres (especially cotton), which can distort the rug and dry out the materials, making them coarse and uncomfortable. We’d always recommend washing on a cold cycle to ensure the materials of the rug aren’t damaged by the heat.
What are the most durable rug materials?
Polypropylene is arguably the most durable and versatile material in rug design. It’s able to withstand heavy foot traffic and be machine washed. Wool is also highly durable and very fashionable. However, it is more susceptible to fading in the sun.
What detergent should I use when machine washing kitchen rugs?
Always use a light detergent when washing rugs, as heavy detergent may cause colours to fade and even stain the rug.