Volero•August 09, 2026 •4 min read

Washing your rug in the washing machine: how to do it!

Washing a rug in the washing machine? It might sound like a challenge, but with the right tips it's a breeze! We love convenience and a clean home, so we're happy to share how you can wash your rug easily and effectively in the washing machine. From choosing the right temperature to drying your rug, we'll guide you step by step.

Can my rug go in the washing machine?

Before we explain step by step how it works, it's important to know if your rug can go in the washing machine. Whether a rug can be washed in the washing machine depends on the material and size of the rug. Smaller rugs made from synthetic materials or cotton can often be washed in the washing machine, as long as the care label permits it. Large rugs, or rugs made from delicate materials like wool and jute cannot go in the washing machine. If you're unsure, please contact our customer service; they'll be happy to help. In addition, we have a special collection of washable rugs so you know for sure that your rug is suitable for washing in the washing machine. The size of the rug that fits in a washing machine depends on the capacity of the machine. As a general rule:

For a standard washing machine with a capacity of 5-7 kg, rugs up to approximately 120x180 cm fit.
For larger washing machines with a capacity of 8-10 kg, rugs up to approximately 150x240 cm can fit.

How do I wash my rug in the washing machine?

We're happy to explain step by step how best to wash your rug in the washing machine.

Step 1: Start by vacuuming your rug before putting it in the washing machine

Vacuum your rug before putting it in the washing machine to remove loose dirt, dust and hair. This prevents dirt from becoming embedded deep in the fabric and ensures more effective cleaning. It also protects your washing machine from blockages and unwanted odours. A well-prepared rug comes out of the wash fresher and cleaner.

Step 2: Treat the rug with stain remover before it goes in the washing machine

If there are large stains in your rug, that's certainly annoying. Large stains can be treated first before the rug goes in the washing machine. For effective pre-treatment, you can use, for example, James stain remover, which is specifically designed to tackle stubborn stains.

Start by gently removing any excess dirt from the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Then apply the stain remover according to the instructions on the packaging. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work the stain remover into the stain; try not to rub, as this will push the stain further into the fibres. Let the cleaner work for a few minutes to loosen the stains. Then blot the treated area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner and loosened stains. Once the stains have been pre-treated, you can wash the rug in the washing machine.

Step 3: Choose the right detergent

Now you need to know which detergent you can use to wash your rug. In principle, any detergent is suitable, but it's advisable to use liquid detergent and avoid washing powder. Liquid detergent dissolves better, making it more effective at removing stains at low temperatures. We advise against using fabric softener as it can cause your rug to fade.

Step 4: Choose the right temperature

We recommend washing the rug at a maximum of 30 degrees. If you wash the rug in the washing machine at a higher temperature, the rug won't shrink (you won't suddenly get a smaller rug out of the washing machine), but it will damage the fibres of the rug. This can cause the rug to warp or discolour. That would be a shame.

Step 5: Remove the rug from the washing machine and dry it properly

Just as important as cleaning is drying your rug properly and carefully. Pay attention to this: give your rug plenty of time to dry completely. The drying time of your rug depends on the material and of course the place where you let it dry. A thin rug made of light material will of course dry faster than a wool rug that's thicker. Drying in the open air outdoors is quicker than drying indoors. Let your rug dry lying flat or hang it from a rail in the air. Avoid direct sunlight! A shady spot with a bit of breeze is a good option. Don't put the rug in the dryer. Most rugs cannot go in the dryer because the heat and spinning can damage the fibres and the shape of the rug. Important: only put your rug back down when it's completely dry, otherwise it can develop mould on the underside.

Step 6: Use a soft brush to comb your rug

After drying, you can place the rug on a clean surface and use a soft brush to comb the pile back up neatly (if needed). Once the rug is completely dry, we recommend 'combing' the pile again. So you get a fluffy rug back. Read more about this: how do I get my rug fluffy again?