In busy households (where there’s always something to clean), what could be better than a décor item that hides mess and can be thrown in the washing machine whenever it needs a freshen-up? Such is the enticing appeal of washable rugs: hardworking home staples that anchor your interior aesthetic, survive spills, and can be restored to their original glory with a mere hose down or speedy washing cycle.
“Washable rugs mean one less thing to worry about. They’re versatile and practical for various spaces, especially where things can get a little more messy, like a kids’ room, playroom, or even outdoor spaces.”
Cassandra Lesiz – Creative Director at Ruggable
We’re all for including an area rug for a splash of colour or texture, added comfort underfoot, or to simply demarcate living zones within an open-plan space—especially one that you can wash. For this reason, we have spoken to the experts at Miss Amara and Ruggable to find out exactly how to wash and use washable rugs in your home. And if you’re ready for the ultimate home upgrade, we’ve also rounded up five of the best washable rugs on the market that tick all the boxes.
The best washable rugs for a durable aesthetic upgrade
To save you the guesswork, our editors have handpicked the top machine-washable rugs in Australia for every budget, aesthetic, and household size. From pet-friendly hallway runners to plush master bedroom area rugs, here are the stylish, low-maintenance picks worth investing in for a clean, cohesive sanctuary.
Find the right washable rug for your home
- Best high pile rug: Awa New Zealand Wool Rug from Double
- Best low pile rug: Briar Flatwoven Rug from Ruggable
- Best for bedrooms: Banksia Washable Wool Knotted Rug from Double
- Best for living rooms: Anais Medallion Rug from Miss Amara
- Best for kids’ rooms: Imagination Cut Pile Rug from Double
01
Double Banksia Washable Wool Knotted Rug
Best for: living rooms or high-traffic spaces
Boasting a dense low-cut pile and woven from 100% New Zealand wool, the Banksia rug from Double is a space-maker that will anchor your aesthetic while holding up in high-traffic areas of the home. And while it might look too luxe to pop in the washing machine, rest assured that this is exactly what it’s designed for; just make sure you use a pH-neutral, wool-safe detergent and skip the fabric softener.
If this deep Blue Ash hue isn’t quite within your palette, be sure to browse the five other Banksia colourways, ranging from a decadent crimson to a soft honey hue. Whatever your interiors may look like, one of the Banksia variations is bound to suit your space.
Made from: Wool
02
Ruggable Briar Sage & Rust Flatwoven Rug
Best for: homes with kids or pets
Ruggable’s new Briar Sage & Rust rug and rug pad combo is a charming addition for homely spaces that often accommodate muddy little paws. Owing to the 2mm flatwoven design, there’s little room for dirt to become trapped within the fibres, and the waterproof barrier makes this washable rug stain-resistant, water-resistant, and surprisingly easy to maintain.
If you’re after a very particular rug size, you’re in luck, as Ruggable’s Briar design is available in nine area-rug sizes, and three runner sizes, with a handy visual guide on the product page to help you visualise how it might look in your space.
Made from: Polyester
03
Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug
Best for: bedrooms and offices
Named for the Māori word for “river”, the swirling design of Double x Jono Fleming’s Awa Rug reflects the gentle flow of water; a fitting inspiration for a pattern this calming. Design aside, however, the fabrication of this particular washable rug is more plush and much fluffier than any we’ve come across before; crafted from 100% New Zealand Wool, the Awa boasts a high pile for extra cushioning underfoot.
One thing to note: while a high-pile rug feels considerably more luxurious than low-pile alternatives, they have one key drawback. With a fluffier fabrication comes a higher risk of dirt being worked into the fibres; you can still pop this rug in the washing machine, but bigger messes may require a little more effort to clean. For easier maintenance, we recommend keeping these kinds of rugs for lower-traffic zones, like bedrooms or offices.
Made from: Wool
04
Bruna Brown Hand-Drawn Washable Rug
Best for: minimalist homes
Washable, foldable, and boasting a plush 8mm pile for a plush underfoot experience without trapping dirt, the Bruna Hand Drawn Washable rug is a statement option for medium-traffic areas of the home. With its organic, hand-drawn design and neutral earthy hues, the Bruna is a piece that can be easily woven in with most modern interiors (without resorting to an anxiety-inducing cream rug).
The only catch? Unlike Ruggable and Double, Miss Amara sells their rug pads separately. However, this design features a built-in underlay to keep the rug in place, so adding a rug pad to your order isn’t crucial – unless, of course, you’d like a little more cushioning or a stronger grip for hard flooring.
Made from: Polyester
05
Loopsie Jaya Washable Rug
Best for: bedrooms and offices
Those who aren’t ready to commit to loud patterns and vibrant colours will adore the Loopsie Jaya Washable Rug from Freedom. Crafted from polyester pile fibres and boasting a plush 8mm depth, this traditional design will weave in with homely and Hampton-style interiors with ease. And if your space is looking a little too dark for your liking, the bright beige base offers an easy way to brighten any room.
Better yet, the Jaya rug comes fitted with a handy non-slip underlay to keep your new rug secured, even when used on hard flooring.
Made from: Polyester
06
Burgundy Cordova Machine Washable Rug
Best for: bedrooms and offices
Blending this trendy berry hue with a modern check pattern, the stylish Cordova Rug from Temple & Webster offers savvy shoppers a way to elevate their living rooms without breaking the bank. Made from 100% polyester, it doesn’t shed, doesn’t slip (thanks to the built-in backing), and can be popped in the washing machine whenever it needs a refresh.
Made from: Polyester
07
Double Marlborough Heavy Loop Pile Rug
Best for: a natural, organic look
For a grounding layer underfoot, the Marlborough Brown Washable Wool Heavy Loop Pile Rug brings warmth and texture to a room without feeling overly polished. Its rich brown tone and chunky looped pile lend a relaxed, lived-in feel, while the washable wool construction makes it a practical choice for busy homes. Pair it with timber, linen and soft neutrals for an earthy, inviting scheme.
Made from: Wool
08
Ruggable Ravina Terracotta Rug
Best for: bedrooms and offices
Warm, earthy and wonderfully easy to live with, the Ruggable Ravina Terracotta Rug brings a hit of rich colour without overwhelming the room. The terracotta palette has that sunbaked, collected feel that works beautifully with timber, natural textures and soft neutrals, while its washable design makes it a practical choice for busy spaces. A simple way to add warmth, pattern and a little personality underfoot.
Made from: Polyester
09
Anais Cream Medallion Washable Rug
Best for: a cream rug you can get dirty
If you think a cream rug simply isn’t an option for your busy household, it may be time to think again. The Anais Medallion Rug from Miss Amara, crafted from shed-free, stain-resistant polyester, can withstand all the spills, scuffs, and dirty footprints most light rugs can’t. Simply pop it in the washing machine for a gentle spin, and it’ll be as good as new.
Made from: Polyester
10
Double Imagination Organic Cotton Cut Pile Rug
Best for: kids’ rooms
Playful without being too loud, the Imagination Organic Cotton Cut Pile Rug brings a cheerful mix of colour and softness to the room. Its painterly palette adds personality while still feeling easy to style, and the cut pile gives it a cosy, tactile finish underfoot. Made from washable organic cotton, it’s a practical pick for adding a little more joy to everyday spaces.
Made from: Organic cotton
How to choose the best washable rug for your space
Many of us seem to think that any washable rug can work in any space, but with the vast array of options on offer, from low-pile to high-pile and wool to synthetic fibres, tailoring your choice of rug to the specific room it will be used in is key. To help you decode the differences, we’ve called in the experts at Ruggable and Miss Amara, and curated a foolproof rug buyer’s guide so you can shop with total confidence.
According to Miss Amara Head Stylist, Tiffany Ng-Spann, the trick to finding the perfect rug is looking for a “tightly woven construction for longevity and durable fibres,” while “stain resistance and non-shedding get bonus points too.”
However, striking the right balance between pile height, fabric composition, and room placement is equally essential. Lower pile heights fit into standard domestic washing machines with ease, while higher piles deliver luxury underfoot at the expense of drum capacity. Use this breakdown to find the perfect washable rug match for your space:
| Rug Type / Fabric | Pile Height | Max size for standard 8.5kg washing machine | Best Room Placement | Pros |
| Flatweave Polyester | Ultra-Low (2mm–4mm) | Up to 200 × 300 cm | Dining Room Hallway Kitchen | Spill-resistant Door-clearance friendly Fast-drying |
| Polyester/Cotton Blends | Low (5mm–8mm) | Up to 160 × 230 cm | Living Room Home Office Nursery | Soft velvety texture Structural stability |
| Wool | Low–Mid Loop/Cut (8–12mm) | Up to 160 × 230 cm | Master Bedroom Formal Lounge Nursery | Premium natural fibre Naturally stain-resistant |
| Recycled Cotton Blend | Low–Mid (6mm–10mm) | Up to 160 × 230 cm | Bedroom Kids’ Playroom Sunroom | Eco-conscious Breathable |
| Plush Shag & Faux Fur | High (15mm–20mm+) | Up to 120 × 170 cm | Master Bedroom Nursery Cozy Nooks | Luxurious Plush underfoot feel |
| Polypropylene Blend | Ultra-Low (2mm–3mm) | Up to 200 × 300 cm | Alfresco Dining Covered Verandahs Mudrooms | UV-resistant Stain-proof Heavyweight durability |
Care guide: How to look after your washable rugs
While it might sound too good to be true, washable rugs actually can be washed. “Our washable rugs are made to be easily spot-cleaned and put in the washing machine,” explains Tiffany from Miss Amara. “Roll it up and pop it into the washing machine with a mild detergent on a cold cycle. Air dry, a little shake and ready to go.”
However, not every washable rug will follow the same process. For example, Ruggable’s washable rugs involve detaching the rug’s lightweight cover from the rug before washing. “The removable, lightweight rug cover easily detaches from the non-slip rug pad when it’s time for a wash,” explains Cassandra from Ruggable. “Simply remove the rug cover from the pad and throw it in your home or a commercial washing machine, and then reattach your refreshed cover back to its pad and enjoy your freshly cleaned rug.”
Expert rug-cleaning tips:
- Don’t machine wash your washable rugs too often:
While your rug can go in the washing machine, it doesn’t need to be machine washed every time: “If you’ve got a spill or small drip, it’s best to spot clean it with a warm, mild detergent and water solution,” Tiffany says. - Avoid harsh detergents and intense washing cycles
When you do have to throw it in the machine, Cassandra recommends washing your rug in cold water with a mild, bleach-free detergent on a delicate cycle. - Try vinegar for a natural way to neutralise odours
For rugs used in kids’ rooms or places your pet frequents, Cassandra suggests adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your detergent during washing. “This will help neutralise odours, particularly those from pets, while keeping the rug fresh and clean.” - Consider your washing machine capacity before buying a washable rug
When it comes to the size of rug that can be washed, it really depends on your washing machine’s load capacity. “For larger area rugs (245×305 cm and above), we recommend using a washing machine with a capacity of 14 kg or more,” explains Cassandra. If your home machine doesn’t hold this capacity, then your local dry cleaner will usually have larger-capacity machines available for use.
Can you put washable rugs over carpet?
Particularly for households with children and pets, layering rugs is a clever way to hit the desired decor note in your living space while protecting your floor coverings in the longer term. For the period of time that spills are frequent in your household (which can seem like years!), placing a washable rug over your prized carpet in heavy traffic areas is a great idea.
According to Cassandra, there are no hard and fast rules. “You can put a washable rug anywhere in the home, even over carpets,” she says. “To guarantee both aesthetic appeal and safety, Ruggable’s rug pads provide a non-slip underlay to secure the rugs in place and provide a stable foundation. We also suggest pinning the rugs down with furniture legs to ensure shifting doesn’t occur with use.”
Can you use washable rugs outdoors?
In short, you can absolutely use washable rugs outdoors.
“Outdoor rugs are also super easy to clean, making them perfect for decorating your patio, deck, or porch without worrying about the weather or spills from summer hosting,” says Cassandra. “Before washing, you can gently sweep or use a blower to remove any collected debris to ensure a more thorough cleaning in the washing machine. You can also simply hose them off and dry in the sun—just remember to separate it from the non-slip rug pad first.”
Related article:
- How to choose the perfect rug
- Carpet versus hard flooring: the pros, challenges and best solutions for each room
- Five ways to make guests feel welcome in your home
