How To Wash A Ruggable

Washing Your Ruggable: A Complete Guide

Ruggable rugs offer a great solution for busy homes. They are machine washable, making spills and dirt easy to handle. Many people wonder about the best way to clean these unique rugs. Learning how to wash a Ruggable correctly keeps your home looking fresh and clean. It also protects your rug’s life.

This guide will show you simple, step-by-step instructions. We will cover preparing your Ruggable, washing the rug cover, and caring for the rug pad. We also share tips for stain removal and general maintenance. You will learn how to keep your Ruggable looking new for years.

Takeaway

• Separate the rug cover from the pad before washing.
• Machine wash the rug cover in cold water with mild detergent.
• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent damage.
• Spot clean the rug pad as needed; do not machine wash it.
• Address spills quickly to prevent stains.

How to Wash a Ruggable Rug

To wash a Ruggable, separate the rug cover from its pad. Machine wash the cover in cold water using a mild, non-bleach detergent. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry completely. Spot clean the rug pad with soap and water; do not machine wash the pad.

Understanding Your Ruggable: The Two-Part System

Ruggable rugs have a clever design. They come in two parts. Knowing these parts helps you clean them right. The top part is the rug cover. The bottom part is the rug pad. Each part needs a different cleaning method.

The Ruggable Rug Cover

The rug cover is the soft, printed part you walk on. It connects to the rug pad with a special grip system. This cover is what gets dirty. It is also the part that goes into your washing machine. Ruggable makes these covers from durable, stain-resistant fabric. This design allows for easy cleaning and helps keep your home clean.

The Ruggable Rug Pad

The rug pad is a non-slip base. It keeps your rug flat and safe on the floor. The pad is thicker than the cover. It does not go into the washing machine. You should only spot clean the rug pad. Its material helps it grip the floor without sticking. This two-part system makes Ruggables special.

Gathering Your Washing Supplies and Preparing Your Ruggable

Washing your Ruggable is simple if you have the right items. You need a few common cleaning supplies. Preparing your rug correctly saves time and protects it. A little preparation goes a long way. This ensures your rug comes out clean and fresh.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

You do not need many special tools to wash your Ruggable. Start with a good washing machine. Make sure your machine is large enough for the rug cover. A mild laundry detergent is also key. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. These items can damage the rug’s fibers or colors. Having a vacuum cleaner ready is also good for pre-cleaning.

Here is a simple list of what you need:

• Washing machine (large capacity recommended for bigger covers)
• Mild laundry detergent (color-safe is best)
• Stain remover (optional, for pre-treating tough spots)
• Vacuum cleaner

Pre-Washing Steps

Before you put your Ruggable cover in the washing machine, take a few steps. First, remove the rug cover from the rug pad. This is very important. The cover peels off easily. Next, shake off any loose dirt or debris. You can do this outside or over a trash can. Then, vacuum the rug cover. This removes crumbs, pet hair, and surface dust. If your rug has visible stains, pre-treat them now. Apply a small amount of stain remover directly to the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Proper pre-treatment helps get the best cleaning results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Machine Wash Your Ruggable Rug Cover

Washing your Ruggable rug cover is easy. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a good clean. The process is similar to washing other large fabric items. For example, washing a down jacket needs similar care when it comes to machine size and gentle cycles.

Loading the Machine

Place your Ruggable rug cover into the washing machine. Fold the cover inward, with the design facing itself. This protects the print during the wash cycle. Do not overload your washing machine. A large Ruggable rug cover might need a large capacity machine. If your machine is too small, the rug may not get clean. It might also damage the machine or the rug. Make sure the rug cover moves freely inside the drum. This allows for proper cleaning and rinsing.

Washing Cycle and Detergent

Select the right wash settings for your Ruggable. Always use cold water. Cold water prevents colors from fading and helps keep the fabric from shrinking. Choose a delicate or gentle cycle. This setting is less harsh on the rug fibers. Use a mild, non-bleach detergent. Do not add fabric softeners or bleach. Fabric softeners can leave a residue on the rug. Bleach can damage the colors and fibers. If you wash a flannel shirt, you also choose cold water and gentle cycles. Similar rules apply to Ruggables to protect the fabric.

Drying Your Ruggable Cover

Drying your Ruggable rug cover needs attention. Air drying is the best option. You can hang the rug cover over a clothesline or drying rack. Make sure it dries completely before putting it back on the pad. If you use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting. Tumble dry low is crucial. High heat can damage the rug’s fibers or cause shrinkage. Take the rug cover out when it is still slightly damp. Then, let it air dry the rest of the way. This helps prevent wrinkles and keeps the rug looking smooth. Think about how you dry delicate items; the same caution applies here.

Cleaning the Ruggable Rug Pad: Simple Methods

The Ruggable rug pad does not go in the washing machine. It needs a different cleaning approach. The pad is designed for quick spot cleaning. This keeps it sticky and clean. Proper care for the pad extends its life.

Spot Cleaning the Pad

Most times, spot cleaning is all your Ruggable rug pad needs. If you see dirt or spills on the pad, wipe them away. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water. Gently rub the dirty area. Make sure not to soak the pad. Soaking can damage the non-slip material. After cleaning, wipe the pad with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Let the pad air dry completely before you put the clean rug cover back on. This prevents mildew and ensures the pad grips correctly.

Deep Cleaning the Pad

Sometimes, the rug pad might need a deeper clean. For larger dirty areas or sticky spots, a more thorough wipe-down helps. Use a spray bottle with water and a small amount of mild detergent. Spray the dirty parts of the pad. Then, use a clean cloth or soft brush to scrub gently. Rinse the cloth often. Wipe down the entire surface of the pad. Again, avoid soaking the pad. Ensure all soap is gone by wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Let the pad dry fully. You can leave it flat on a clean floor or hang it to dry. Make sure it is completely dry before reattaching the rug cover.

Dealing with Stains and Spills on Your Ruggable

Accidents happen. Your Ruggable rug is designed to handle spills and stains. Acting fast is important. Knowing how to remove different types of stains helps keep your rug looking perfect. Stains are much easier to remove if you treat them right away.

Immediate Spill Response

When a spill occurs on your Ruggable, act quickly. First, blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the spill. Rubbing pushes the liquid deeper into the fibers. Blotting lifts the liquid out. Continue blotting until no more liquid transfers to the cloth. For solid spills, like food, scrape off as much as you can first. Use a dull knife or spoon. Then, blot any remaining moisture. Quick action makes stain removal much easier. This is a common rule for all fabric items, like when you clean a hat or a pair of jeans.

Common Stain Solutions

After blotting, you might need to treat a stain further. Here are some common stains and how to remove them:

• Liquid Stains (Coffee, Juice): Mix a small amount of mild liquid dish soap with cold water. Dampen a clean cloth with this solution. Gently blot the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain inward. Rinse the cloth often and repeat until the stain lifts. Finish by blotting with a clean, water-dampened cloth to remove soap.
• Grease Stains: Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda on the grease stain. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This powder absorbs the grease. Then, vacuum up the powder. If a stain remains, follow the liquid stain steps.
• Pet Accidents: For pet urine, blot as much as possible. Then, use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains. Follow the product directions. These cleaners break down odor-causing elements. Blot well afterward with water.
• Mud/Dirt: Let mud dry completely. Once dry, scrape off the excess dirt. Then, vacuum the area. If a stain remains, use the mild soap and water solution.

Always test any cleaning solution in a hidden spot on your rug first. This ensures it does not cause damage or discoloration.

Maintaining Your Ruggable: Longevity Tips

Keeping your Ruggable clean is more than just washing it. Regular care helps your rug last longer. Simple daily and weekly habits can make a big difference. These tips help maintain your rug’s appearance. They also protect its fibers.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuuming your Ruggable rug cover often is important. Do this at least once a week, or more if you have pets or high foot traffic. Use your vacuum’s suction-only setting or a low-power setting. Avoid using a beater bar or rotating brush directly on the rug cover. These can pull or damage the fibers. Regular vacuuming removes dirt, dust, and pet hair. This prevents debris from building up and wearing down the rug over time. It keeps your Ruggable looking fresh between washes.

Rotating Your Rug

Rotating your Ruggable rug every few months can help it wear evenly. Areas under furniture or in high-traffic paths can show wear faster. By rotating the rug, you expose different parts to less traffic. This distributes the wear and tear. It helps the rug maintain its even appearance. Rotating also helps prevent one area from fading more than another due to sunlight. This simple step helps your rug look good for a longer time.

Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

Always avoid harsh chemicals on your Ruggable. Bleach, strong cleaning sprays, and abrasive scrubbers can damage the rug’s fibers and colors. Stick to mild detergents and gentle cleaning solutions. When in doubt, plain water and a clean cloth are often enough. Harsh chemicals can also leave residues that attract more dirt. They can also make the rug feel stiff or rough. Gentle cleaning practices are key for long-term rug health. Just like you would never use harsh chemicals to clean a check or a valuable coin, you should protect your Ruggable.

Troubleshooting Common Ruggable Washing Issues

Sometimes, problems can come up when washing your Ruggable. It is good to know how to fix them. Common issues include wrinkles, fading, or lingering odors. Most of these problems have simple solutions. We will cover how to fix these common issues.

Addressing Wrinkles After Washing

Your Ruggable rug cover might have wrinkles after washing. This is normal. There are a few ways to fix this.

• Re-stretch and Dry Flat: After removing the cover from the dryer or clothesline, lay it flat. Gently pull and smooth out the wrinkles by hand. Let it fully air dry in this flat position.
• Low Heat Ironing (with caution): For stubborn wrinkles, you can lightly iron the back side of the rug cover. Use the lowest heat setting on your iron. Place a thin towel between the iron and the rug. Do not press too hard.
• Place on Pad: Once completely dry, placing the rug cover back on its pad can help. The pad’s grip and the weight of the rug will naturally smooth out small wrinkles over a few days. Walk on it to help flatten it faster.

Preventing Fading

Fading can happen to any colored fabric over time. You can take steps to slow down fading on your Ruggable.

• Wash with Cold Water: Always wash your rug cover in cold water. Hot water makes colors bleed and fade faster.
• Use Mild Detergent: Harsh detergents can strip colors. Stick to mild, color-safe detergents.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: When air drying, hang the rug in a shaded area. Prolonged direct sunlight exposure can cause colors to fade.
• Rotate Your Rug: As mentioned earlier, rotating your rug helps distribute sun exposure. This means no single area fades faster than another.

Handling Persistent Odors

If your Ruggable still smells after washing, you need to find the source.

• Ensure Complete Drying: A damp rug cover can develop mildew smells. Make sure the cover is bone dry before putting it back. If you used a dryer, perhaps it needed more time. If air drying, ensure good air circulation.
• Deep Clean the Pad: Odors can sometimes come from the rug pad. If the pad absorbed something, it might hold the smell. Clean the pad thoroughly using mild soap and water. Let it dry completely.
• Baking Soda Treatment: For remaining odors, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the dry rug cover. Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight. Baking soda absorbs odors. Then, vacuum it up completely. You can also do this on the dry rug pad.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I wash my Ruggable rug in a regular washing machine? Yes, you can wash most Ruggable rug covers in a regular home washing machine. Make sure your machine has enough capacity for the rug size. For larger rugs, a commercial-sized washer at a laundromat might be better. Always follow the specific wash instructions for your rug cover.

Q2: What detergent should I use for my Ruggable? Use a mild, non-bleach laundry detergent. Choose one that is color-safe to protect your rug’s design. Do not use fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals. These can damage the rug’s fibers or affect its color vibrancy.

Q3: How often should I wash my Ruggable rug? The washing frequency depends on your home’s needs. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids, washing every 2-4 weeks is good. For less busy areas, washing every 1-2 months is often enough. You can also wash it whenever it looks dirty or has spills.

Q4: Can I put my Ruggable rug in the dryer? Yes, you can tumble dry your Ruggable rug cover on the lowest heat setting. High heat can cause shrinkage or damage the rug. Air drying is always the safest option. Remove the rug cover from the dryer when it is still slightly damp and let it finish air drying.

Q5: My Ruggable rug has wrinkles after washing. What should I do? Wrinkles can happen. Lay the dry rug cover flat on the floor and gently smooth out the wrinkles by hand. The weight of the rug and the grip of the rug pad will help flatten it over time. You can also lightly iron the back side of the rug cover on a low setting.

Q6: Can I wash the Ruggable rug pad? No, you should not machine wash the Ruggable rug pad. The pad is designed for spot cleaning only. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water to wipe down any dirty areas. Let the pad air dry completely before reattaching the rug cover.

Conclusion

Washing your Ruggable rug is a straightforward process when you know the steps. These machine washable rugs offer great convenience. Following the right cleaning methods keeps your rug looking great for years. Remember to separate the rug cover and the rug pad. Wash the cover gently in cold water with a mild detergent. Air dry or use low heat in the dryer. Spot clean the rug pad.

Regular maintenance, quick spill clean-up, and avoiding harsh chemicals help extend your Ruggable’s life. By following these simple rules, you maintain a clean and beautiful home. Enjoy the ease of a fresh, clean Ruggable rug. Take action today to keep your washable rug in top condition.