Wondering if you can wash a polyester rug? The short answer is yes. Polyester rugs are versatile, stain-resistant, budget friendly rugs that work great in high traffic areas. And since polyester is a synthetic fiber, polyester rugs can withstand an occasional run through your washing machine.
But that doesn’t mean you should be tossing your poly rug in the wash every week. Frequent washing can actually shorten the lifespan of a polyester rug.
In this complete guide, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I will share the smartest way to clean polyester rugs including:
- How to spot clean polyester rugs
- When you should deep clean with a washing machine
- Cleaning alternatives that get the same results without the wear and tear
Plus I’ll explain exactly how to wash a poly rug without ruining it.
So if you just scored an amazing deal on a vibrant new polyester rug, this guide has the cleaning details you need to make that rug last.
Why Polyester Rugs Are So Popular
It seems like polyester gets a bad rap in some circles. I’m looking at you polyester leisure suits from the 70’s!
But when it comes to rugs, polyester hits the sweet spot of affordable pricing coupled with durable stain resistance.
Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits that make polyester rugs a top choice for high traffic areas:
Durability: The synthetic fibers of polyester wear well underfoot, resisting crushing and floor damage longer than natural fibers.
Stain Resistance: Liquids like wine or food spills sit up on polyester fibers instead of soaking in. That makes stains much easier to remove.
Affordability: Poly rugs come in under the cost of equal sizes in nylon or wool rugs. Their lifespan easily justifies the lower initial pricing.
Easy Maintenance: Polyester fibers prevent dyes from fading and resist attracting dirt in the first place. Upkeep is simple.
Style Choices: From traditional motifs to abstract watercolor designs, poly rugs deliver plenty of fashion-forward options.
With benefits stretching your decorating dollars, it’s no wonder polyester rugs decorate over 1/3 of American homes.
Can You Machine Wash a Polyester Rug?
Polyester is one synthetic fiber that plays well with washing machines. But that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind.
Here are smart guidelines to wash poly rugs:
Check The Rug’s Backing
A rug’s backing determines whether machine washing is safe. Rubber or latex backings withstand far less wear. Frequent washing can cause them to break down faster.
Before tossing your rug in the wash, flip it over to check what’s on the other side. If you see a rubber backing, consider hand washing instead.
Wash Solo
Washing your poly rug with other items can lead to color transfer. That vibrant blue rug might look less appealing after it turns your white bath towels blue!
Wash polyester rugs by themselves to prevent dye issues. If you do wash multiple rugs, group them by color so there’s no chance of colors bleeding.
Use Cold Water
Hot water can damage polyester’s fibers. Always opt for cold water washes. Warm water can also lead to accelerated wear.
Stick with cold water and a mild liquid laundry detergent to get polyester rugs clean while avoiding shrinkage.
Select The Gentle Cycle
Aggressive wash cycles increase friction that’s tough on rug fibers. That friction can wear down polyester more quickly.
Choose the gentle or delicate cycle to get your rug clean without grinding fibers down with a harsher wash.
How To Actually Wash a Polyester Rug
Once you’ve flipped your rug and confirmed it has a polyester backing, you’re ready to wash it.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
Step #1) Shake your poly rug outdoors first. This removes loose dirt so it doesn’t resettle into fibers.
Step #2) Pre-soak your rug by gently going over it with a hose. This allows water to penetrate fibers instead of beating down on them.
Step #3) Move your wet rug directly into the washing machine (don’t let it sit wet for long). Add a small amount of liquid detergent made for cold water use.
Step #4) Select the Gentle cycle, then press Start. When the wash finishes, avoid the spin cycle to prevent excess wear.
Step #5) Roll up your clean rug and stand it on end. This allows water to drain while keeping rug fibers aligned.
Step #6) Unfurl your rug flat and let it finish air drying. Turn periodically so both sides dry.
And that’s really all there is to it! Washing a polyester rug doesn’t require anything fancy. Just smart settings and care when moving your rug in and out of the washing machine.
How Often Should You Wash Polyester Rugs?
Washing a poly rug helps remove accumulated dirt, dust, and odors for a fresh feel underfoot. But too much washing wears down fibers even in durable synthetics.
Here’s my recommendation on poly rug washing frequency:
- For kid’s rooms or high traffic areas, wash 1-2 times per year
- For living rooms or bedrooms, washing every 2-3 years is plenty
- For decorative or heirloom rugs, stick to vacuuming and only wash if absolutely necessary
Of course unexpected spills or pet accidents might call for extra washings. Just consider each wash as deducting from the rug’s total lifespan.
Alternative Cleaning Options
Lugging a heavy rug to the laundry room for washing is hard work. Plus dealing with wet rug fibers takes patience.
If washing isn’t practical or you want to limit wear between washings, no worries. You’ve still got options to keep your poly rug looking fabulous.
Shake It Out
A good old fashioned shaking works wonders. It’s my favorite way to refresh outdoor or patio poly rugs:
Step #1) Carry your rug outside and drape it over a clothesline or railing.
Step #2) Stand on one end while violently shaking the other end up and down. Repeat until no more dirt or debris shakes loose.
It’s remarkable how much dust and dirt flies out! Finish by vacuuming both sides and your rug will look almost brand new.
Rinse The Polyester
For a lighter cleaning between full washes, rinsing polyester fibers works wonders:
Step #1) Lay your rug flat outside on a driveway, patio, or lawn. Ensure it’s a warm sunny day.
Step #2) Gently hose down your entire rug, then let the water fully penetrate fibers for 5 minutes.
Step #3) Use a low powered stream or shower setting to thoroughly rinse away excess dirt and soap residue.
Step #4) Allow your poly rug to completely air dry in the sun. Flip periodically so both sides dry.
A simple rinse revitalizes color and leaves polyester fibers super soft without wear from friction. It buys extra time before your next full wash too!
Dry Clean Poly Rugs
If a trip through the washing machine still seems intimidating, consider enlisting professional help.
Many carpet cleaning companies offer skilled rug cleaning services. Their powerful truck-mounted systems combine gentle rotations with superior suction for impeccable results.
Simply schedule a pickup and delivery. Then professionals handle the cleaning at their facility, returning your fluffy fresh poly rug once completely dry.
Refreshing A Poly Rug: Final Tips
- Rotate polyester rugs every 3 months to prevent uneven wear patterns from developing.
- Blot spills immediately with a dry towel to prevent liquid from penetrating into fibers.
- Add rug pads under poly rugs to prevent sliding. But avoid rubber pads that can discolor light rugs.
- Steer clear of rubber backings which wear out substantially faster than polyester with repeated washing.
- Stick with a mild liquid detergent and always wash poly rugs separately from other items.
The Bottom Line
While polyester rugs aren’t indestructible, they CAN withstand periodic washing to keep their colors crisp and fibers fluffy.
By setting your washing machine to all the right specs for poly fabric, you can actually wash poly rugs with surprising regularity.
Just be sure to incorporate rug rotation, spill blotting, and supplementary cleaning methods too. Combining good preventative care with periodic washing gives polyester rugs their best shot at holding up for the long run.
So grab that vibrant poly rug on sale! With the right care, you’ll enjoy both beautiful style and standout affordability.