Tufted rugs are ubiquitous in many homes today thanks to their plush, cozy texture and wide availability. But if you’ve spilled wine, tracked in dirt, or dealt with other messy accidents on your tufted rug, you may be wondering: can you wash a tufted rug? Or will throwing it in the washing machine destroy it?
As a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I decided to dig in and get the definitive answer on whether or not you can safely wash tufted rugs.
In this complete guide you’ll get answers to questions like:
- Can you wash tufted rugs?
- Are tufted rugs machine washable?
- What’s the best way to clean a tufted rug?
- What damage can happen if I wash my tufted rug incorrectly?
- Pro tips for keeping tufted rugs clean.
By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be a total pro at safely cleaning tufted rugs in your home.
An Overview of Tufted Rugs
Before we get into whether or not you can wash tufted rugs, it helps to understand exactly what a tufted rug is and how it differs from other types of rugs:
Tufted rugs are made by stitching (or tufting) yarn into a woven fabric or vinyl backing. The yarn loops are what creates the rug’s plush pile texture. The back of a tufted rug has an adhesive coating to hold the tufts in place and maintain the rug’s structure.
This is different from knotted rugs like Persian rugs, where the piles are individually tied in knots around the rug’s warp and weft foundation.
So in summary: tufted rugs have rows of yarn loops glued to a backing. Whereas knotted rugs have knots tying bundles of yarn to the foundation.
With that basic explanation out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff: how to wash them!
Can You Wash Tufted Rugs?
Cleaning tufted rugs requires caution due to their layered construction with water-soluble latex adhesive binding the fibers. Most experts strongly advise against machine washing, as water exposure dissolves the glue, causing permanent structural damage. For modern washable designs, check manufacturer guidelines first—if permitted, hand-wash gently using mild formulated detergents, thoroughly rinsing both sides to remove residue, and air-dry flat in warm ventilation.
Can You Machine Wash Tufted Rugs?
The short answer? No, you should not machine wash tufted rugs. Putting a tufted rug in the washing machine can damage the adhesive binding and cause the rug to come apart or permanently lose its shape.
However, just because tufted rugs shouldn’t go in the washing machine doesn’t mean you can’t wash them at all. You’ll just need to employ some specialty cleaning methods instead of your home washing machine.
Before we get into the proper way to clean tufted rugs, let’s take a quick look at exactly why they don’t do well in the washing machine.
Why Tufted Rugs Shouldn’t Be Machine Washed
As I explained earlier, tufted rugs aren’t constructed in the same way as knotted rugs.
Instead of permanent knots holding everything together, tufted rugs rely on an adhesive backing to maintain their structure.
Hot water and agitation from the washing machine can dissolve this adhesive. Once the adhesive breaks down, tufts of yarn start falling out, the rug loses its shape, and things get ugly fast.
In addition to the adhesive breaking down, machine washing creates other risks including:
- Dyes bleeding – Tufted rugs often use cheaper dyes than high-end knotted rugs. These dyes easily run when washed.
- Shrinkage – Agitation and heat can cause tufted rugs to shrink, especially ones containing natural fibers.
- Mold or mildew – Washing machines often fail to rinse out all soap residues. Left in the rug, it can breed mold.
As you can see, while giving your tufted rug a good cleaning sounds nice, machine washing creates too many risks for the health of your rug.
So with that settled, let’s talk about the RIGHT way to get your tufted rug fresh and clean.
Cleaning Tufted Rugs the Safe Way
Just because tufted rugs shouldn’t touch your washing machine doesn’t make them impossible to clean. You’ll just need to use specialty cleaning methods designed for these types of rugs.
Regular Vacuuming
The easiest way to keep tufted rugs clean in between deep cleanings is by vacuuming 1-2 times per week. This removes surface-level grime to keep your rug looking its best.
When vacuuming, set the beater bar and brush roll to the off position. The agitation can damage tufted rugs similar to a washing machine.
You’ll also want to use a vacuum that allows adjusting the suction power. Set it to a gentle setting to avoid pulling out tufts of yarn as you clean.
Spot Cleaning
No matter how careful you are, life happens. Spills, mud, and pet accidents can strike any rug.
Blot spills immediately with an absorbent white cloth or paper towel. Avoid vigorous scrubbing as this can damage the tufted yarn loops.
For stubborn stains on tufted rugs, create a DIY stain cleaner by mixing:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon natural dish soap
Use a sponge to gently dab this solution onto the stain. Rinse with cool, clean water and blot dry. Doing this ASAP prevents many stains from setting permanently.
Professional Deep Cleaning
As cozy and soft as tufted rugs feel, they hide a lot of dirt deep down inside that vacuuming misses.
That’s why it’s smart to invest in a professional deep cleaning every 1-2 years. Professional rug cleaners have powerful equipment that safely loosens and removes grime trapped in the base of the tufted pile.
Avoid DIY deep cleaning methods like renting steam cleaners. As we discussed earlier, heat and excess moisture degrade adhesives and cause rapid wear in tufted rugs.
Professional cleaning is significantly gentler and lifts stains without compromising the rug’s structure or dyes. Well worth the investment!
5 Pro Tips to Keep Tufted Rugs Looking Great
With the right mix of regular care and professional cleaning, a quality tufted rug can last 5-10 years or longer.
Here are my top pieces of expert advice for maximizing the lifespan and appearance of any tufted rug:
1. Vacuum weekly – Frequent vacuuming tackles dirt before it grinds deep into the rug’s fibers.
2. Blot spills quickly – Don’t let liquids sit or they can leave permanent stains.
3. Avoid direct sunlight – Exposure to UV rays causes fading over time.
4. Rotate occasionally – Change the direction tufted rugs face to promote even wear patterns.
5. Professionally clean every 1-2 years – DIY options are too harsh for tufted rugs. Pay the pros instead!
Stick to these best practices and you can feel good about snuggling your toes into clean tufted rugs for years of cozy comfort!
Summing Up: To Wash or Not To Wash Tufted Rugs
As we’ve covered in this complete guide, tufted rugs require specialty care due to their unique construction:
- Do NOT machine wash – Water, heat and agitation damage the adhesives and fibers.
- Do regularly vacuum with brush roll off using gentle suction.
- Do immediately blot any spills before they become stains.
- Do invest in professional cleaning every couple years to revitalize them.
Follow these rules and implement pro tips to enjoy your tufted rug in style for 5-10 years or more!
Now I’d like to hear from you:
What’s your favorite trick for keeping tufted rugs clean?
Let me know in the comments!
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