What is the best washable rug?In this particular space, Ruggable is the brand du jour, and since trying its range, I can see why. The sheer variety of shapes, colours and sizes means you’ll always find one to fit your space. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re ridiculously easy to keep looking and smelling fresh too. If that’s not a formula for shopping success, I don’t know what is.Will a washable rug actually fit in my washing machine?This is dependent on two factors: the size of the rug and your machine’s drum capacity. Runners and small accent rugs should be fine in most machines, but a medium area rug will need a drum capacity of up to 7kg. If you’re trying to wash a large rug that measures around 160 x 230cm, your machine’s drum should be able to bear up to 9kg. Anything larger than that should be folded into a laundry bag to take to your local laundrette. Can you tumble dry machine washable rugs?It’s best to consult your rug’s care label here. Some will say they are tumble-dry safe, but most rugs feature a synthetic non-slip backing that will fall apart under high temperatures. Your best bet is to completely air dry a washed rug over a drying rack so air can flow from all angles. Make sure the rug is completely rug before you put it back in its position.How to dry machine washable rugs in winterWhen strong sunlight retires for the year, you may have to dry your washable rugs indoors. Place the rug flat on a drying rack beside a radiator or near a dehumidifier to accelerate the process. Synthetic rugs, like those made from polyester, will dry noticeably faster than natural wool and cotton. Alternatively, wait for a dry but windy day - plenty of those in British winter - to line-dry your rug naturally.Can you vacuum machine washable rugs?Yes! Not only can you, but you should do it regularly to get rid of surface level dirt. Stop corners from getting sucked into your machine by vacuuming on the lowest suction setting and working from the centre outwards. You might have to do a few more passes than usual, but it’s preferable to wrestling with a vacuum cleaner head. It’s also a good idea to see if your vacuum cleaner’s other attachments perform better on pile or flatweave. Do all machine washable rugs require an underlay?Some come with a non-slip backing, while others are sold without. Layering a rug over fitted carpet will offer some level of stability, which you can further enhance by securing corners and edges with purpose-made rug tape. High quality ones will work on carpet and laminate.How I tested washable rugsInteriors brands are cottoning onto the charms of washable rugs: you can now find them everywhere from specialists like Ruggable to high street hero H&M. Here’s how I tested the rugs in the reviews below:Setting: I tested a range of sizes, piles, patterns and shapes to assess how they looked in each setting and performed in real-world scenarios. Guests' shoes were allowed to remain on, and I forced myself to go against natural instinct by being careless with ketchup, chutney, coffee and mud for the sake of the reviews below. Washing: When it came to maintenance, I followed each manufacturer’s care instructions to the letter, noting any fade in colour or fraying. Washing can affect fibres, so it was important to feel for any differences from box-fresh to first-wash. Drying times: Most rug care instructions require flat drying, which can be a real pain when you live in a small space, as I do. I let rugs air-dry on a flat drying rack beside an open window so that air could circulate from all angles. Quality: I also watched for any warping or curling, especially at corners, which not only look unsightly but can pose a trip hazard. Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsAbha Shaha spent seven years working as a shopping editor, testing all sorts of products professionally. As someone who already owns and loves machine washable rugs on her floors, she also knows how they fare long-term – she’s had some for two years and they still look as fresh as the day she unwrapped them. While her personal interiors style is maximalist-leaning (the more pattern, the better), she appreciates the quiet appeal of a neutral rug and pile you can properly scrunch your toes into. Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the best bath mats