Look, I love my pets, but I’d be lying if I said they didn’t sometimes harsh the carefully curated vibe I’m trying to create in my home. Before I hit purchase on literally anything home-related, there’s one crucial thing I have to consider: Will my pets (or my husband, who somehow manages to create mess everywhere he goes) somehow destroy this beautiful thing? Sometimes the answer is no, and I can proceed without worry. But often the answer is yes, and I’m forced to pivot. This means I’ve never had the white sofa of my dreams, and the white linen duvet cover I purchased just under a year ago is already in dire need of replacement. When it comes to making practical decor decisions, I find myself frequently sacrificing the style I’ve saved to my Pinterest board. However, there’s one purchase I’ve now made on three separate occasions that marries the style I love and the practicality I need. Yes, I’m talking about Ruggable rugs.
If you’ve existed on the internet anytime in the last few years, you’ve likely seen ad after ad singing Ruggable’s praises. The one that finally got me featured a woman spilling red wine on a white rug, picking the whole thing up, tossing it in the washer, and bringing it out good as new. I purchased my first Ruggable three years ago, and it has survived pet accidents, food and drink spillage, and general wear and tear like a champ. So much so that when it came time to purchase rugs for high-traffic areas in my home, Ruggable was the clear choice. If the ads haven’t gotten you yet, here’s my review after owning my Ruggable for going on four years.
About Ruggable
Jeneva Bell founded Ruggable based on a simple idea: Rugs should be as easy to clean as bedding and towels—no matter what you throw at them. Ruggable rugs are stain- and water-resistant and made to fit in standard washers and dryers. This is all made possible thanks to Ruggable’s patented two-part system featuring a lightweight cover (the design part) and a non-slip rug pad.
The collection started with very thin, printed covers (think super low-pile) but has since expanded to include plush, shag, jute, and even doormat textures. You really can get any kind of look you’re going for, without the need to follow your pets, kids, or S.O. around the house with a carpet shampooer. It sounds like a miracle product, and in many ways, it is. But after owning one for several years, I’m uniquely qualified to give you the lowdown on whether investing in a Ruggable is worth it. For as much as I love my rugs, there are definite cons, too.
The Pros
They’re water- and stain-resistant
I’m going to get to the fact they’re washable in a moment, but even without that, these rugs are way more durable than your regular options. Because they’re water- and stain-resistant, spot-cleaning is a breeze. I have luck blotting small spills (like when my terror of a puppy runs full-speed into my legs while I’m holding a coffee, thus forcing a spill) with just a bit of water and dish soap. Plus, the brand also has a full spot-cleaning guide for any and all stains you could think of.
When it comes to bigger spills or accidents (I also have a senior dog who takes his frequent potty breaks in the yard as suggestions rather than requirements), cleaning with my Little Green Machine is more than sufficient. So yes, I can throw my rug in the washer and dryer, but I don’t always have to. Spot-cleaning is literally so easy.
They’re washable
Ah, the reason we’re all here. The primary selling point for Ruggable rugs is the fact that you can toss them in your washer and dryer and pull them out as if nothing happened. It really is that easy, and you definitely can’t do that with pretty much any other rug on the market. However, because of my previous point, a full wash is rarely necessary. You can mostly get away with spot cleaning. That said, should the worst happen (think a fresh pot of spaghetti splattering everywhere at the exact same time your dog has an accident), you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on professional cleaning and can instead wash your rug yourself. That security is priceless.
There’s a style for literally everyone
Throughout the years, Ruggable has launched collection after collection to the point where now there’s something for literally everyone, no matter what your home decor style is. Traditional Persian-style rugs? Check. More of a Boho gal? Ruggable has you covered. Whether your style is farmhouse, traditional, modern, minimalist, maximalist, or any aesthetic in between, you really will find a Ruggable rug for your space. Hell, they even have a Barbie collection now.
Their rugs are not limited to inside your home either. The brand also offers outdoor rugs and doormats, so you could literally put one in every space in and around your home.
The Cons
They’re not as soft as traditional rugs
Unless you opt for a medium pile, plush, or shag Ruggable (which I never have so I can’t speak on their quality), there’s really no getting around the fact that the low-pile Ruggable rug covers really aren’t anything to write home about texture-wise. I use Ruggables in high-traffic areas like my entryway and kitchen, so their functionality far outweighs their comfort. That said, in my living room and dining area, where my feet spend a lot of time on the ground, I opted instead for Loloi CloudPile rugs (which feel like heaven under my feet).
Aside from offering various types of covers, Ruggable also offers a thicker non-slip rug pad option that is slightly more expensive but offers a lot more comfort underfoot. I have this cushioned pad in my kitchen and it really makes a difference.
The edges can curl
One of the biggest question marks when it comes to Ruggable rugs is just how well they hold up. The answer, unfortunately, depends on how you care for your rug and how much traffic they get. My first Ruggable was in the living room of my last apartment and got a ton of traffic between myself, my husband, and our dogs. It held up great for a solid two years and still comes out of the washing machine looking brand-new. The one major issue is that the edges of the rug are now curling up. However, not every Ruggable owner experiences this.
If you’re one of the unlucky few who end up with curling edges, some people have had success weighing down the edges with carpet tape or rug grippers, or steaming the edges with a steam vacuum. I’ve yet to try these fixes myself as the curling hasn’t reached dire levels yet, so YMMV.
Placing them on the non-slip mat is an Olympic sport
This is more of a minor annoyance than a true con. The non-slip mat is extra grippy to the underside of the Ruggable covers (think Velcro-like). So getting them in place is really a two-person job. Even then, my husband and I have to dedicate a solid 20 minutes to the task whenever we have to place our covers back on the mats. As I mentioned before, though, we have to wash them so rarely that this hardly ever comes up.
The Verdict
I’m not going to lie, Ruggables aren’t perfect, and they definitely have their drawbacks. That said, if I had to choose a Ruggable or a traditional rug in the areas I have them again, I’d go Ruggable every time. Life happens too much for me to be constantly worried about ruining an expensive rug when I can get one that is just as beautiful and way more practical. At the end of the day, Ruggable erases a little bit of stress from my everyday life, and that is a major win.
My Ruggable Rugs
My Other Faves
