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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. The thinner flatwoven covers give up some softness compared to a traditional rug, though the tufted covers close most of that gap. 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.
Covers come in two textures. Flatwoven covers are Ruggable’s thinnest, about the thickness of a blanket. Tufted covers are its thickest and softest, and feel much more like a traditional rug. Ours is the Rowan Tufted Rug in Stone & Soft Clay.
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
The flatwoven covers are thin. They’re about as thick as a blanket. If you want something that feels like a regular rug, choose a tufted cover like ours, and add the cushioned pad anywhere kids sit or play on the floor.
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.
Choose tufted for comfort, flatwoven for high traffic. Tufted covers feel like a regular rug. Flatwoven covers lie flatter, which works better under doors and rolling chairs.
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?
It depends on the cover and pad. A flatwoven cover on the standard pad is thin. A tufted cover, especially on the cushioned pad, feels much more like a traditional rug and is comfortable for kids to sit and play on.
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.