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Washable Rugs That Combine Style With Practicality

Washable rugs meld the best of style and practicality, allowing you to enhance your room’s interior design with peace of mind - anything life throws at your rug can simply be washed away.

Whether it’s your living room or kitchen, you want your rug to stay looking good. But what are the best materials for washable rugs? Where can I buy washable rugs?

At Rugs Direct, we have one of the most impressive online selections of rugs in the UK. This guide will take you through what material to look for in a washable rug as well as the most popular options in our fantastic range.


What Are the Best Materials for Washable Rugs?

What makes rugs washable? Material that is waterproof and durable! A washable rug can come in many different materials, so you aren’t limited when it comes to choosing the style and feel for you.

Materials that make for machine-washable rugs include:

Nylon

Nylon is a very popular material for washable rugs, providing one of the most cost-effective materials. If you’re looking for a practical rug that can be washed and live to tell the tale, Nylon is a great budget-friendly alternative to polypropylene.

Nylon rugs need to be on a gentle cycle at a low temperature. Heat and nylon don’t mix well, so leave your nylon rug to dry naturally and avoid putting it in the dryer.

Cotton

Cotton presents a practical material that is totally natural. Its enduring popularity in rug design is partly due to its strength and durability. To wash a cotton rug, use the washing machine on a low-heat cycle and let it air dry. Tumble dryers can cause cotton fibres to become coarse and look scruffy while hot temperatures can cause a rug to shrink in the same way as cotton clothing.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is another fantastic material for rugs, one that you’ll commonly see on outdoor rugs. Its durability is unparalleled when it comes to withstanding foot traffic and water. If you have a very busy or high-traffic area in your kitchen, a polypropylene rug is the perfect solution.

You can handwash or machine wash rugs made from 80% or more polypropylene safely and need not worry about discolouring or shrinkage. To be sure, follow the best practice of using a slow, low-heat cycle.

Polyester

If you’re looking for a more affordable synthetic material for your washable rug, polyester is a great choice. Despite being a tough, durable material, it also gives a soft plush finish to a rug so you can enjoy a luxurious feeling without worrying about lasting dirt. When machine washing a polyester rug, use a mild detergent.

What if I Wash a Rug That’s Not Designed for Washing?

The best cure is always prevention - never machine-wash a rug if you aren’t sure of the material as it can completely ruin it. When you do machine wash, always use a cold cycle to avoid ruining and distorting the fibres. Hoovering or beating your rug is also effective at cleaning it if you don’t feel confident in a machine wash.


Our Favourite Washable Kitchen Rugs

We have a fantastic range of washable rugs that will look great in a kitchen:

Moda Flatweave Rugs

These flatweave rugs from Moda offer a stylish contemporary take on the timeless look of sisal. Made of 100% polypropylene, they make for an eminently practical kitchen rug with natural stain resistance and they are easily machine-washable.

Jaffa Rugs by North Rugs

For a washable kitchen rug, outdoor rugs are a smart choice. North Rugs have curated this modern rug collection that is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. The durable polypropylene material is soft to the touch while being stain-resistant. Choose from a large number of zany patterns for a funky kitchen rug look.


Our Favourite Washable Living Room Rugs

Buddy Rugs By Origins

This range from Origins is perfect for the living room. Made from 100% polypropylene, they are machine-washable at a 40c wash. The polypropylene make-up ensures that the rugs dry quickly and their shape is maintained. Not only this, but they are stain-resistant and colour-fast, so you don’t need to worry about spillages. Available in a range of sophisticated block shades from charcoal to pink, the Buddy range comprises the perfect washable living room rugs.

Jackie & The Fish Rugs

Jackie & the Fish make beautiful area rugs that provide amazing focal points for a living room, with all the practicality of a washable material. The rugs are flat with a very tough weave, making them exceptionally durable. Add a touch of luxury to your living room with these delightfully-designed washable living room rugs.

Patio Rugs by Asiatic

The Patio Rug collection from Asiatic is a rug suitable for both outdoor and indoor living - the perfect washable living room rug! Not only are they functional and hardwearing, but their designs are also eye-catching and attractive. Add a striking look to your living room with the impressive range of patterns and colours in this collection.

Brighton Rugs By Mastercraft

This collection from the always-masterful Mastercraft Rugs is a durable weave of 100% polypropylene. This means it combines stain resistance with a soft touch to make a practical and luxurious washable living room rug. The colourful assortment of patterns also means that a Brighton rug will make an eye-catching addition to your living room that is easy to clean, too.


Free Delivery on Washable Rugs in the UK

When you buy from Rugs Direct, you get free UK delivery as standard. Take advantage of this fantastic benefit and note our easy returns system that gives you peace of mind when shopping. Our huge online collection of over 4,000 rugs means you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home.

You can shop by room, so you can find a rug for your living room, kitchen, or even outdoor area! Whether you want a large area rug or a plush rounded rug, affordable or luxury, we’ve got the range.
And if you’re looking for more information and inspiration on rugs, like how to wash a white rug, check out our blog for expert advice.

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