Area Rugs Should NOT Go in the Washer: Here’s Why

Area rugs are a gorgeous addition to any space in your home. That’s why it’s essential to understand the best methods for maintaining them and keeping them clean. And we have to insist that using a washing machine to make your area rugs sparkle is ill-advised. Read about why machine washing isn’t the best way to clean your area rugs and ensure your beautiful pieces stay that way for years to come.

It Can Wear Down Your Machines

One of the reasons area rugs should never go in your washer is because it could ruin your machine. Most washers have a feature called a spin basket. This part of your machine spins clothing and gives it the ability to take on heavier items like comforters and other types of bedding.

Because of this, many tend to think their washers can handle items of pretty much any size and weight. But the truth is that this isn’t so. Indeed, most washers are durable enough to hold heavier materials. The problem with area rugs is that they are super absorbent.

So, when area rugs are put in the wash, their weight increases way beyond what a standard washing machine is built to withstand. As a result, the area rug wears down essential parts of your washing machine at an accelerated rate. Over time, this leads to breakage, leaking, and general damage that can turn into costly repairs or complete machine replacements. So think twice before putting your area rug in the wash.

It Could Ruin Your Rugs

Putting an area rug in the washer is also horrible for the rug, especially if it’s an antique or handmade piece. There are numerous ways a washing machine can negatively impact your area rugs, including:

Color Fading and Bleeding

Like your clothes, rugs will lose their color and vibrancy with every wash. You also risk pigment bleeding when using a machine to wash your rugs. There are a few things you might try to reduce the chances of fading and bleeding. But there’s no way to eliminate these effects entirely.

Shortening a Rug’s Life Span

Of course, using a washing machine can also shorten the lifespan of your area rugs. The exact process that cleans your clothes can be incredibly damaging to the fibers of an area rug. This is most applicable to antiques and custom-made pieces like Persian rugs.

But it can impact other fabrics as well. Basically, when you use a washing machine to clean your rugs, both the machine and the rug take a beating. And that’s another reason why area rugs shouldn’t go in the washing machine.

The Proper Way To Wash Your Rugs

We know what you’re thinking—if area rugs don’t belong in the washer, what’s the best way to clean them? The answer is simple. Call a professional carpet cleaning service to handle it. These experts have the tools, resources, and expertise to ensure that your carpet is properly cleaned and maintained to stay gorgeous, vibrant, and fully intact for as long as possible.

Remember, if you happen to be in Temecula and need an excellent carpet cleaning service to take care of your carpeting and area rugs, Clean Investment is just a phone call away. We’re proud to provide our customers with the best resources, expertise, and area rug cleanings Temecula has to offer.