Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
With two young kids in the house, every rug we’ve owned has eventually met juice, yogurt, marker, or something worse. For years that meant choosing between a rug we loved and a rug we could live with.
Ruggable was our way out of that choice. The rug part comes off the pad and goes in the washing machine, so a spill becomes a load of laundry instead of a ruined rug.
The short version
If you have kids or pets and you want a rug that looks good, Ruggable is worth it. You give up some thickness and softness compared to a traditional rug, and setup takes a little patience. In exchange, you get a rug you can actually clean at home, which is the whole point.
How a Ruggable works
Every Ruggable is two pieces:
- The rug pad stays on the floor. It’s a non-slip base that grips hardwood and tile so the rug doesn’t slide.
- The rug cover is the part you see. It attaches to the pad and peels off when it needs washing.
When something spills, you peel the cover off, wash it on cold, and either tumble dry on low or hang it to dry. Then you lay it back down on the pad.
The other benefit is that the pad is reusable. Any cover in the same size fits on your existing pad. When you want a new look, or a seasonal one, you only buy a cover.
What we like
It actually gets clean. This is the reason to buy one. A traditional rug with a juice stain needs a carpet cleaner or a professional. A Ruggable goes in the wash with the towels.
The pad keeps it in place. Kids run, slide, and tackle each other on rugs. The non-slip pad grips the floor so the rug stays put, which matters more than it sounds on hardwood.
You can change the style without starting over. Because covers swap on the same pad, changing a room’s look costs a cover, not a whole new rug.
There are a lot of styles. From traditional to modern, there’s enough choice that a washable rug doesn’t have to look like a compromise.
What could be better
It’s thinner than a traditional rug. The cover has to fit in a home washing machine, so it can’t be thick and plush. If you want a soft rug for kids to play on, get the cushioned pad. It makes a noticeable difference.
Setup takes patience. Lining the cover up on the pad so it’s straight and wrinkle-free takes a few minutes, especially on larger sizes. It’s easier with two people.
Large covers are a lot to handle. A big wet rug cover is heavy and takes up the whole washer. Plan to wash it on its own.
It’s not cheap. Large sizes cost about as much as a nice traditional rug, more if you add the cushioned pad.
Who it’s for
Ruggable makes the most sense if you have:
- Young kids who eat, drink, or craft anywhere near the rug
- Pets, especially puppies or older dogs
- A high-traffic spot like an entryway, kitchen, or under a dining table
- A habit of changing your decor with the seasons
It’s probably not for you if you want a thick, plush rug to sink your feet into, or if the rug is going in a formal room nobody eats in.
Buying tips
Get the cushioned pad for living areas. The standard pad is fine for kitchens and entryways, where thinness is a plus. For anywhere kids sit or play on the floor, the cushioned pad is worth the extra cost.
Start with the room that gets the most messes. For most families, that’s the kitchen, the dining area, or the playroom.
Measure before you buy. As a rule, living room rugs should be big enough that at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on them.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really put a Ruggable in the washing machine?
Yes. The cover is designed for a standard home washing machine. Wash it on cold, then tumble dry on low or hang it to dry. The pad stays on the floor and only needs spot cleaning.
Do Ruggables slide around?
Not when they’re on the pad. It’s made to grip hardwood and tile, which keeps the rug in place even with kids running across it.
Is a Ruggable comfortable to sit on?
With the standard pad, it’s thin. With the cushioned pad, it’s comfortable enough for kids to play on. If comfort matters, get the cushioned pad.
Can I buy just a new cover later?
Yes. Any cover in the same size fits your existing pad, so you only need to buy the pad once.
The bottom line
A Ruggable won’t feel like a thick wool rug, and it isn’t trying to. It’s a good-looking rug you can wash at home, which is exactly what a house with young kids needs.