Buzz
After being bombarded with Ruggable ads on social media, I knew it was only a matter of time before I caved in. Washable rugs? Perfect for my drooling, messy doberman. The sleek design and affordable price were just bonuses. The built-in rug pad was a game-changer. Dreaming of spotless floors, I purchased three rugs with vibrant citrus designs.
I frequently suggest Ruggable to friends, particularly those with dogs, but I always include a few warnings. It’s been three years, and while I wouldn’t return them, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier.
You’ll likely wash your Ruggable rug less frequently than you expect
After the first wash, I was reminded that rugs are typically placed underneath furniture—coffee tables, sofas, ottomans, and more. To clean a rug, you must first clear everything off it, wash it, and then rearrange the furniture. While having two adults might make this slightly easier, doing it alone is a hassle. I installed casters on my coffee table after a few attempts, which helped, but I still have to lift couch legs and move dog crates every time I wash the living room rug, only to repeat the process afterward.
As a result, I usually just vacuum and let it get a bit dirty, waiting for a significant spill before going through the exhausting process of washing it.
Reassembling the two pieces is challenging
Ruggables consist of two components: a base layer that functions like a rubber rug pad, with a Velcro-like surface, and a thin top layer that serves as the rug itself. While the design is clever, reattaching the two layers after washing can be frustrating. The base layer stays in place, but the top layer must be separated for cleaning.
This doesn’t mean the base layer stays clean—it tends to collect crumbs. It doesn’t vacuum well, so you’ll eventually need to shake it out. If it gets too crumb-filled, the top layer won’t adhere properly, causing edges to lift. In my hallway, where I have a long runner, I struggle to align it perfectly, often leaving bubbles or exposed edges of the base layer. I try to overlook this and focus on the rug’s washable feature.
My biggest mistake was buying two round rugs. Picture the struggle of aligning the top circle with the bottom one, especially under furniture like a couch. The couch conveniently hides any misalignment. I’ve discovered that folding both the rug and the pad in half, aligning them in the center, and then rolling them out works best.
Here are some washable rugs we recommend:
This vintage-inspired area rug.
This ultra-plush option.
This vibrant, colorful rug.
This one featuring calming greens and blues.
The edges may fray, and not all stains are removable
Many people prefer low-profile rugs for compatibility with robot vacuums. These vacuums work well with flat rugs and keep my Ruggable cleaner than thicker ones. However, they often snag on the embroidered edges, causing one of my rugs to fray just over a year after purchase—right after the warranty expired. After some negotiation, Ruggable replaced the rug (as they couldn’t repair the edge). Since then, I’ve been much more cautious.
After a few years, I’ve noticed what appear to be oil stains (where did my dog even find oil?) and some stubborn dirt that refuses to budge. Additionally, the rug’s colors have slightly faded from repeated washing.
Is a Ruggable worth it?
If you own rugs and live with mess-prone humans or pets, washable rugs are a logical choice. Ruggable rugs are more budget-friendly compared to many alternatives. Plus, the ability to replace just the top layer while keeping the base saves money in the long run.
Despite my critiques, my situation would be far worse with a non-washable or traditionally washable rug. My standard-sized washing machine couldn’t handle a rug of this size with a typical backing. So, whether you’re prone to spills, enjoy crafting, or have pets, a washable rug like this is a practical solution.
However, if you expect effortless cleaning, perfect realignment, and vibrant, stain-free colors, Ruggables might disappoint. They’re simply easier to manage than traditional rugs, not flawless.
