Can You Wash a Carpet in a Washing Machine?

Machine-washing a carpet can be safe and effective for certain small rugs and mats, but it depends on size, material, backing, and washer type. This article explains which carpets are suitable for machine washing, step-by-step preparation, optimal washer settings and detergents, drying and aftercare best practices, and safer alternatives for larger or delicate carpets. Readers will learn practical checks and actions to protect both the carpet and the washing machine.

Carpet Type	Typical Size	Machine-Washable?	Key Considerations
Cotton Throw Rug	Small (under 3’x5′)	Usually Yes	Use cold water, gentle cycle
Microfiber Bath Mat	Small	Yes	Remove rubber backing if fragile
Wool Rug	Small to Medium	Usually No	Wool may shrink and felt
Large Area Rug	Over 5’x8′	No	Too heavy when wet; use professional cleaning

Can You Put A Carpet In A Washing Machine?

Many users search “Can you put carpet in washing machine” to verify if a rug can be cleaned at home. Small, non-backed fabric rugs designed for laundering are often safe in a machine. Larger area rugs, heavy-back carpets, and those made from sensitive fibers typically are not suitable because of size, water absorption, and potential for damage to the washer or rug.

What Types Of Carpets Are Machine-Washable?

Carpet suitability hinges on material, backing, and construction. Machine-washable examples include cotton, polyester, and microfiber rugs under approximately 3’x5′ with no glued or heavy rubber backing. Rugs labeled “machine washable” by the manufacturer are the safest bet.

Rugs That Usually Are Not Machine-Washable:

Wool Or Natural Fiber Rugs: Prone to shrinking, felting, and color bleeding.
Large Area Rugs: Too heavy when saturated and can damage the washer tub or motor.
Rugs With Latex Or Solid Rubber Backing: Backing may degrade, separate, or clog washer drain systems.
Antique Or Handwoven Rugs: Colors and structure can be permanently damaged.

How To Prepare A Carpet For Machine Washing

Preparation reduces risk of damage and improves cleaning outcomes. Always check the care label and inspect the rug. If no label exists, perform a small spot test for colorfastness with water and mild detergent in an inconspicuous area.

Measure The Rug: Ensure it can fit into the drum with room to move; most home washers handle small rugs under roughly 3’x5′.
Remove Loose Dirt: Shake the rug outside, vacuum both sides, and use a stiff brush on fringes to free debris.
Secure Loose Threads And Fringes: Tie or protect fringes to prevent tangling or damage inside the drum.
Check Backing: If the backing is foam, latex, or glued, avoid machine washing; remove non-secure pads or heavy rubber backing first if possible.
Spot-Treat Stains: Pre-treat greasy or colored stains using appropriate stain removers and blot—avoid aggressive scrubbing that might spread dye.

Washing Machine Settings And Detergents

Choosing the right settings protects fibers and color. Use a gentle or delicate cycle, cold water, and a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicates or rugs. Avoid powdered detergents that may not dissolve fully and can leave residue.

Guidelines For Settings:

Water Temperature: Cold to warm only; hot water can shrink fibers and set dyes.
Spin Speed: Low spin to reduce stress on fibers and minimize water retention.
Load Size: Wash a single rug with a few towels to balance the drum and prevent unbalanced spins.
Detergent Quantity: Use less detergent than usual—overuse causes buildup and may stiffen the rug.
Bleach And Fabric Softener: Avoid chlorine bleach on colored rugs; oxygen-based whitener may be used sparingly on whites. Skip fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce absorbency.

Drying And Aftercare

Proper drying prevents mildew, shrinkage, and odors. Air-drying flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area is preferred. Avoid direct sunlight for dyed rugs to prevent fading.

Remove Excess Water: Press with clean towels to soak up water after the spin cycle; avoid wringing or twisting the rug.
Dry Flat: Lay the rug on a flat surface with a mesh or raised rack to allow airflow underneath; flipping periodically speeds drying and prevents mildew.
Machine Drying: Only use a dryer if the rug care label allows it; select low heat and short cycles, and check frequently.
Restore Pile: Once nearly dry, gently brush pile in the direction of the nap to restore texture.

Alternative Cleaning Methods For Non-Machine-Washable Carpets

When machine washing is unsuitable, several effective alternatives exist. Spot cleaning, steam cleaning, bonnet cleaning, and professional rug cleaning are reliable options.

Spot Cleaning: Use a specific carpet stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water; blot, don’t rub.
Steam Cleaners (Home Units): Useful for medium-sized rugs; follow manufacturer instructions and allow thorough drying to prevent mildew.
Bonnet Cleaning: Common for commercial settings—uses an absorbent pad to lift surface soil without saturating the rug.
Professional Cleaning: Recommended for large, wool, antique, or heavily soiled rugs; professionals use controlled methods like low-moisture, dry cleaning, or gentle wet cleaning with commercial dryers.

Safety, Risks, And When To Call A Professional

There are risks to both the rug and the washing machine if machine washing is attempted incorrectly. Risks include color bleeding, shrinkage, backing deterioration, washer damage, and mold growth if drying is inadequate.

When To Consult A Professional:

Large Rugs Or Heavy Pile: Too heavy when wet and may damage home machines.
Value Or Sentimental Items: Antique or high-value rugs should be assessed by specialists.
Persistent Or Unknown Stains: Set-in odors and chemical contaminants need professional assessment.
Rugs With Fragile Backing: Built-up adhesives or latex layers can clog drains and disintegrate.

Maintenance Tips To Extend Rug Life

Ongoing care reduces the need for aggressive cleaning. Regular vacuuming, rotating rugs, using rug pads, and addressing spills quickly prolong rug appearance and structure.

Vacuum Frequency: High-traffic areas weekly; low-traffic every two weeks.
Rotate Rugs: Rotate every 3–6 months to even out wear and sun exposure.
Use Rug Pads: Pads protect backing, prevent slipping, and reduce friction on floors and rugs.
Immediate Spill Response: Blot liquids immediately with clean cloths; avoid rubbing which can spread and embed stains.

Common Questions And Quick Answers

Can Area Rugs Go In The Washer? Generally no; large area rugs are too big and heavy when wet and should be cleaned by professionals or with surface methods.

Will Washing Shrink My Carpet? Natural fibers like wool and some cottons can shrink—cold water and gentle cycles reduce risk but do not eliminate it.

Can A Washing Machine Be Damaged By A Rug? Yes; oversized or unbalanced loads can strain the drum, motor, and suspension, and backing residues can clog pumps and hoses.

Practical Checklist Before Machine Washing A Rug

Use this checklist to decide if a carpet can be machine-washed and to prepare it properly.

Check The Care Label: Confirm manufacturer approval for machine washing.
Measure Size And Weight: Ensure it fits the drum with room to move.
Inspect Backing: No solid rubber, latex, or loose adhesives.
Perform A Colorfastness Test: Dab hidden area with diluted detergent; blot and check for color transfer.
Pre-Clean And Secure Fringes: Vacuum, shake out, and secure loose threads.
Choose Gentle Settings: Cold water, delicate cycle, low spin, mild detergent.
Dry Flat And Fast: Remove water with towels and air-dry thoroughly in shade.

Resources And Manufacturer Guidance

Manufacturers and professional cleaners offer specific guidance for rug care. Always consult the product label, retailer recommendations, or a trusted rug-cleaning service for uncertainty. For specialty fibers like seagrass, sisal, silk, or antique wool, professional advice is strongly recommended.

Additional Resources: