Are Tufted Rugs Washable?

Are you wondering if it’s safe to throw your tufted rug in the washing machine? Well, you’re not alone.

Many rug owners make the mistake of machine washing their tufted rugs, only to end up with a melted, misshapen mess.

So are tufted rugs washable? The short answer is no. Tufted rugs should never be washed in a washing machine. The water, agitation, and heat will cause the latex glue to dissolve, destroying the rug’s structure.

However, there are ways to clean tufted rugs by hand to lift stains and refresh them. In this complete guide, as a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I’ll explain exactly why you should not machine wash tufted rugs and detail safe handwashing methods.

Why Tufted Rugs Should Not Be Machine Washed

First, let’s look at why tufted rugs and washing machines don’t mix.

How Tufted Rugs Are Constructed

To understand why tufted rugs can’t go in the washing machine, you need to know how they’re made in the first place.

Tufted rugs feature rows of yarn tufts punched through a backing fabric. A strong, water-soluble latex glue adheres a secondary backing to the tufted side to hold everything together.

So in essence, a tufted rug is a “glued sandwich” comprising:

Primary backing: The base fabric that the tufts punch through
Pile layer: The visible tufted yarn surface
Latex glue: The water-soluble adhesive binding it all together
Secondary backing: Extra reinforcement glued to the back

When this rug gets dunked in a washing machine, the tumbling motion and water dissolve the latex glue.

Without that critical adhesive, the layers separate. Tufts fall out, backings peel off, and you’re left with an unsalvageable mess.

So for tufted rugs, machine washing destroys the rug’s structural integrity.

Signs Your Rug Is Tufted

How do you know if your rug is tufted or not before you decide to wash it? Here are some telltale signs:

Appears handmade or custom: Tufted rugs often have a handcrafted, less uniform look than mass-produced rugs.
Has a cloth back: Flip it over – if there’s fabric rather than rubber on the underside, it’s likely tufted.
Features small yarn loops: On the surface, you’ll see many tiny loops packed closely together rather than braided yarn or knotted pile.
Has a “Tufted” label: Some tufted rugs will actually say the construction type on a label or tag.

If you see these characteristics, proceed with caution before washing – your rug is probably tufted.

Maintaining Tufted Rugs Without Washing

Now you know why tufted rugs should never see the inside of a washing machine.

But what about keeping them clean? These delicate rugs still get walked on daily and can accumulate stains.

Here are rug care methods to refresh tufted rugs while keeping their structure intact:

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuum at least once weekly with an adjustable suction vacuum. This prevents dirt from settling deep into the tufts which can be abrasive to the yarns.

Set the vacuum to a gentle suction level to avoid snagging loops. Make sure any beater bars or brushes are turned off.

Slowly push the vacuum head across each section of the rug 2-3 times to lift dust and debris.

Finish by using a specialized rug brush or rake to lift crushed pile and any remaining bits.

Spot Cleaning Solutions

For liquid spills, immediately soak up the excess with clean paper towels. Don’t rub, which can spread the stain.

Mix a mild detergent like Woolite or Dawn dish soap with lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution onto the stain and dab it with a cloth.

Rinse with clear water and blot dry with towels. Avoid oversaturating the rug backing.

For tougher oily stains or traffic lanes, use an oxygen cleaner formulated for rugs. Follow instructions to let it dwell before blotting.

Professional Deep Cleaning

Every year or two, hire a professional rug cleaner to deep clean your tufted rug. Look for hot water extraction cleaning without spinning brushes.

Avoid any methods using chemicals, which can degrade adhesives in tufted rugs over time. Stick to gentle detergents rinsed thoroughly with water.

This lifts embedded dirt from deep in the piles, revitalizing color and appearance.

Can You Wash Tufted Rugs By Hand?

I only recommend washing tufted rugs by hand in extreme cases where they have extensive mold, pet urine, or other biological stains.

This is risky but can sometimes salvage a rug not too far gone.

Here is the safest process:

Supplies Needed

Large plastic bins or an empty bathtub
Mild detergent like Woolite
White distilled vinegar
Clean light-colored towels
Carpet rake or brush
Fan or dehumidifier

Handwash Steps

Check rug back for colorfastness. Wet a hidden area of the backing with water. If dye bleeds, do NOT handwash.
Fill a bin with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent. For biological stains, add 1 cup white vinegar.
Immerse the rug pile-side down. Agitate gently for 5 minutes.
Drain dirty water; do not rinse. Refill bin with clean water, submerging again for 2 minutes. Drain.
Roll rug pile-side inward and press to extract moisture with towels.
Lay rug flat, pile-side up to air dry, rotating occasionally. Point a fan on low directly at the rug.
When fully dry, fluff pile by brushing entire surface to restore original texture.

I really can’t recommend machine washing OR hand washing for most tufted rugs. But in dire cases, this handwash method with no spin cycles gives you the best chance of saving your tufted rug.

Are tufted rugs washable in your experience? Share your own tips in the comments!