TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
I like to believe I’d be a top contestant on The Price is Right, because for years, the majority of my week has been spent looking at the best deals on home decor, furniture, electronics, and all kinds of other products around the web. For most of these items, prices have remained consistent over the years (outside of inflation). However, there’s always an exception to the rule, and in this case, that’s machine-washable rugs.
The rise of machine-washable rugs
When machine-washable area rugs hit the market in the early 2010s, they were a niche product available from only a handful of specialty retailers, and as a result, they came with a premium price tag. At that time, I owned a beige rug that was turning several shades darker each year, from heavy foot traffic and my outdoor-loving terrier. Vacuuming wasn’t cutting it, and spot-cleaning isn’t helpful when the entire area rug needs a good scrubbing. I was sold on the idea of a rug I could throw in the washing machine to keep it looking fresh and clean.
I soon learned that a generous-sized washable rug for my living room was well out of my price range, costing hundreds of dollars for basic design in the smallest sizes. What I actually wanted would put me out over $1,000, so I settled on a washable welcome mat for the back door. It came in two parts: a removable cloth top cover and the anti-slip backing. The ability to wash the top piece was incredibly handy, but it was a pain to reassemble and line up the floor covering just right every time afterward.
Modern-day machine-washable area rugs have come a long way in the past decade. The innovative design has been further upgraded, with most options arriving as a single piece, removing the hassle of first-generation options. You can also find styles from numerous brands, making them much more affordable.
Affordable machine-washable rugs, starting at $10
Amazon is my favorite spot to find a bargain on machine-washable area rugs. During my research, I was shocked to find the Olanly 2-Foot by 6-Foot Washable Runner Rug on sale for just $10. To be fair, this is an outrageous deal with 74% off its regular price of $39. Budget-friendly runner rugs will almost always cost around $17 to $30. I’ve been wanting a runner to hide damaged floors in my hallway from a recent air conditioner flood, and for $10, I immediately snagged this one for myself.
Olanly 2-Foot by 6-Foot Washable Runner Rug
Large washable area rugs are going to be more expensive than runners, if you want something for the living room or dining room, but you can still find plenty of options for under $100. In fact, machine-washable area rugs at Amazon are often more affordable than traditional rugs. There’s a reason for that: machine-washable rugs are generally thinner than plush, bulky rugs, so they can be squished down to fit into the washing machine. If you like a thick rug you can sink your feet into, there are fluffier options, but a better solution will be rug pads that go underneath the rug for added plushness.
There are a few things to look out for when buying a machine-washable area rug for your home. Consider the texture: do you want a fluffy shag rug or a soft, low-pile option so it’s easier to vacuum? As a note, you can vacuum machine-washable rugs, but if your appliance is too powerful, it could get sucked up. The coziness of a shag rug is great for a nursery or playroom, and you can find options at Amazon for as low as $13, like the Ophanie 4-Foot by 6-Foot Area Rug. A low-pile rug is well-suited for the dining room for when crumbs fall off the table.
One standout selection, the Fxrhlp 5-Foot by 7-Foot Area Rug, is discounted to just $25. Size is also an important factor when it comes to machine-washable rugs. If you get a size that’s too big, it might not fit within your washing machine, defeating the main benefit of the design.
Ophanie 4-Foot by 6-Foot Area Rug
Fxrhlp 5-Foot by 7-Foot Area Rug
More machine-washable rugs at Amazon
Whether you have a rustic farmhouse living room or a mid-century modern den, Amazon likely has a machine-washable rug for your needs. We’ve rounded up other noteworthy rug deals at Amazon, all of which are on sale for $40 or less currently.
ExpediX 5-Foot by 7-Foot Vintage Boho Rug
Rugsure Washable 4-Foot by 6-Foot Area Rug
Releany 5-Foot by 7-Foot Distressed Vintage Washable Rug
Rugxara 5-Foot by 7-Foot Retro Boho Rug
Genimo 5-Foot by 7-Foot Washable Area Rug
GarveeHome Blue Floral 5-Foot by 7-Foot Washable Area Rug
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.