Can Rugs Be Washed in the Washing Machine?
Rugs add comfort, style, and warmth to a space when the issue of cleaning your home is tackled. However, with time, rugs pick up dust, dirt, and stains, prompting a good wash. Homeowners sometimes wonder if rugs could be washed in a washing machine. The quick answer is yes, but with some considerations.
In this article, we will discuss how to safely clean rugs in a washing machine, what types of rugs can be washed in a machine, and best practices so they come out fresh without damaging the fibers. Let's get started.
Can Rugs Be Washed in a Washing Machine?
First of all, not all rugs can be washed on a washing machine. Most rugs are made from delicate materials, or for their construction, special cleaning methods are required. However, there are some rugs that can safely be washed on a machine if you follow the right machine washing instructions.
Which Rugs Can Be Machine Washed?
Before you toss your rug into the washing machine, determine whether it is machine washable. Here's a list of rugs that are generally safe to wash in the washing machine:
- Cotton Rugs: Cotton is very robust, thus will not break down if you put it in the washing machine. So it can definitely be done for cleaning in the machine.
- Synthetic Rugs: Synthetic rugs are usually very easy to clean because they come in synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. These rugs are pretty strong and mostly washer machine friendly.
- Microfibre Rugs: Microfibre is a low-maintenance material that can be put easily into the washing machine.
- Small Area Rugs: Small rugs measuring less than 5 by 7 feet are usually safe to wash in the machine, especially those made of cotton or synthetic fibres.
How to Clean Rugs in a Washing Machine?
If your rug is machine-cleanable, follow these steps for safe cleaning:
Step 1: Check the Care Label
One needs to follow the label indications so as not to damage the rug. Some rugs that are said to be washed in the machine demand special care, such as cold water or gentle cycles.
Step 2: Shake and Vacuum the Rug
Before throwing the rug in the washing machine, shake it so that loose dirt and debris fall out. Then, vacuum both sides of the rug so that all dirt or dust might come out.
Step 3: Pre-Treat the Stains (If Needed)
If your rug has visible stains, use a mild detergent or stain remover and apply it to the stain directly. Wash after a few minutes.
Step 4: Gentle Cycle
Put your washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water. Keep from using hot water since it can cause the rug fibres to shrink, fade, or get damaged.
Step 5: Mild Detergent
When washing rugs, one should always use mild detergent that is safe to be used on delicate fabrics in order to avoid damage to the rug. Do not use bleach or chemical substances.
Step 6: Dry the Rug Correctly
When you wash the rug, do not wring or twist it to squeeze out the excess water. Instead, press out the water gently with a towel.
Step 7: Fluff the Rug
Once the rug is dry, use a vacuum to fluff the fibres and restore its texture.
Tips for Maintaining the Quality of Rugs After Machine Washing
Machine washing is a great way to clean certain rugs, but to keep your rug looking fresh and to extend its life, follow these maintenance tips:
- Avoid Frequent Washing: While machine washing can refresh your rug, frequent washing can cause wear and tear.
- Rotate Your Rugs: Rotate your rugs periodically to ensure uniform wear.
- Spot Clean When Possible: Instead of washing the entire rug, try spot cleaning any stains as soon as they occur.
- Keep Rugs Out of Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can cause fading, so When drying your rug, try to place it in a shaded area or indoors.
- Professional Cleaning: Large and delicate rugs can be professionally cleaned on a yearly basis or so in order to help maintain their beauty and longevity.
Rugs That You Should Not Wash in the Washing Machine
Many rugs are made with a specific intention and should be washed in a washing machine, but most rugs may not be eligible for this process. There are rugs with special care since they are made of some materials or construction that cannot be touched by the machine because it could damage them or make them shrink or fade. Here is a list of rugs that should not be washed in a washing machine:
1. Wool Rugs
Wool is a very sensitive natural fibre that shrinks, loses its shape, or becomes matted with aggressive agitation in a washing machine. Hot water, detergents, and mechanical action may damage the woollen fibres thoroughly, which could be irreversible. It would be better to have wool rugs cleaned manually with hand-washing techniques or by using dry cleaning services.
2. Silk Rugs
Silk is a very fragile material, and washing machines tend to easily tear them due to mechanical action. Silk rugs are sensitive to temperature and detergents, and agitation may also bring shine out or cause them to shrink or fade. Silk rugs are best treated professionally so that no dirty setting affects their luscious look and surface.
3. Handmade or Handwoven Rugs
Handmade and handwoven rugs are often made with intricate patterns, delicate fibres, and non-synthetic materials. These will be unique and will require a more delicate cleaning approach than machine washing can provide.
4. Rugs with Non-Washable Backing
Many rugs have non-washable backing materials like rubber or foam, which are prone to breaking down in the washing machine. Machine washing these rugs can cause the backing to peel, deteriorate, or lose its grip. These types of rugs require careful cleaning with spot treatments or should be cleaned by a professional.
5. Rugs with Fringe or Tassels
The washing machine can be rough on the fringes, tassels, or other objects with textile material, causing them to entangle or break. For such rugs, their best route is to hand-wash or have them professionally cleaned so that they are handled gently.
6. Vintage or Antique Rugs
Antique and vintage rugs are composed of sensitive fibres and old, fragile weaves. Washing machine washing is a possibility that may result in permanent damage, such as breakage of fibres or a loss of colours.
7. Choose rugs made of fragile or natural fibres (jute, sisal, hemp)
Rugs that are made from natural fibres like jute, sisal, and hemp cannot be washed in a machine. These fibres break easily when exposed to water and may lose their texture, shape, or integrity. Such rugs need a different kind of cleaning, like dry cleaning or spot cleaning.
8. Shag Rugs or High-Pile Rugs
Shag rugs and high-pile rugs have long, dense fibres that can get tangled, matted, or distorted in the washing machine. Professional cleaning may also be a good option for deep cleaning.
Do's and Don'ts of Hand and Machine Rug Washing
Hand and machine rug washing can make a fresh and clean carpet, but you must know how to do it right. For this, you need to follow some Do's and don'ts. Here is how to ensure your rugs are washed in the safest and best way and their life is prolonged.
Do's
- Do Shake and Vacuum the Rug- Shake out the rug before sending it into the washing machine to get rid of loose dirt, debris, and dust. Next, vacuum both sides of the rug so that it's completely free of any particles.
- Do Pre-Treat Stains- For any visible stains, pre-treat them with a light stain remover or detergent. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
- Use Gentle Cycle- You should opt for a gentle or delicate cycle of your washing machine. The gentle cycle will ensure that there is little agitation, which is the requirement when maintaining the rug's fibres against damage.
- Use Cold or warm Water- Rinse the rug in cold or lukewarm water because hot water may make it shrink or get damaged, particularly for woollen fibres.
- Do Use Mild Detergent- Rug detergents should be mild and gentle on fragile fabrics. Make sure to steer clear of harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners, as these may damage the rug and cause it to fade.
Don'ts
- Don't Wash Non-Washable Rugs- Avoid Machine Washing Fragile Textiles. Most washing machines wash wool, silk, or handmade fibers poorly, as these may shrink, fade, or lose their texture. It is better to hire professional cleaning services.
- Never Use Hot Water- Never try to wash your rug in hot water. Heat may cause shrinkage, fading, and damage to the fibers. Let cold or lukewarm water do the trick to keep your rug intact.
- Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine- Do not overload your washer with many rugs or heavy items. Overloading may cause it to imbalance, or the rug will just not get washed properly.
- Don't use Harsh Detergents or Bleach- Strong chemicals like bleach or fabric softeners can break down the rug's fibers and cause discoloration. Always use a mild, non-abrasive detergent so that the color and texture of the rug stay intact.
- Don't weave or twist the rug- For instance, avoid wringing or twisting the rug to squeeze out excess water because this may distort its shape and damage the fibers. Instead, gently press out the water with a clean towel.
Conclusion
By following these Do's and Don'ts, you can wash your rugs in the washing machine without causing them any damage. Proper care and attention will ensure that your rugs remain clean, vibrant, and in good condition for years to come!
While most carpets are designed to be safe to wash in a washing machine, some fragile or detailed ones may require careful handling. Always research the types of care the rug can receive as well as what sort of material it is before cleaning it in a machine. Wool and silk rugs, as well as those with handmade fibres, natural materials, fringing, or backing, are best preserved with professional cleaning or hand washing by gentle methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can wool rugs be washed in a washing machine?
No, one should not use a washing machine for washing wool rugs. The wool is too delicate, and it can shrink and lose its shape while being machine washed.
2. Does my rug get machine washed?
Refer to your rug's care label to see if it can be machine washed. Rugs manufactured with cotton, synthetic fibre, or microfibre are generally machine-washable, but rugs made from wool, silk, or handmade fibres must not be.
3. Can I wash my rug in hot water in the washing machine?
No, as hot water may damage the fibres of your rug, shrinking or fading it. Always use cold or lukewarm water for washing your rug in a machine.
4. How can I prevent my rug from slipping after washing?
If your rug has a tendency to slip, then you should consider using a non-slip rug pad at the bottom of it once it's clean. This will help keep the rug in place and prevent accidents.
5. How can I machine wash large rugs?
It is not possible for large rugs to be placed in a regular washing machine. If they fit, then you follow the same instructions for washing.