In short yes – you can wash a runner rug in the washer.
That said there are certain precautions you should take to ensure that your rug doesn’t get damaged in the process.
Before You Pop the Rug in the Washer
First and foremost you should always check the label of the rug before attempting to wash it in the washer.
Some rugs may not be suitable for machine washing and you don’t want to risk ruining your rug.
If the label specifies that it is machine washable then you can generally put it in the washer.
However it’s important to note that some rugs may require a gentler washing cycle – so be sure to check the label for specific instructions.
Consider the Rug Type
Before you run your runner rug through the washing machine you should make sure you know its exact material or fiber content.
This is because certain materials may not hold up in the washer.
For example wool rugs should not be machine washed as they may shrink or be damaged in the process.
The best way to avoid any issues is to check the label on the rug or check the rug manufacturer’s website for the care instructions.
In some cases it may be best to dry clean or hand wash the rug instead.
The Right Settings Are Important
Once you’re sure the rug is suitable for machine washing you’ll need to take special care to use the right settings.
Hot water and strong detergents are not suitable for delicate rugs so it’s best to use the gentle cycle on your washer.
For best results reduce the spin speed to the lowest setting and opt for a shorter wash cycle.
This will help to prevent any damage from occurring.
Taking Further Precaution
If your rug is especially delicate or old you may wish to take extra precaution and hand-wash it.
This will ensure that the rug is less likely to suffer any potential damage.
Hand-washing a rug can be a tedious and laborious task but it may be worth it for the extra care and attention you can give the rug.
Just make sure you use a mild detergent and cold water.
Drying the Rug
Once you’ve washed the rug you’ll need to dry it.
The best way to do this is to lay the rug flat on a towel and then use another towel to blot up any excess moisture.
Once the rug is mostly dry you can hang it up to air dry.
Be sure to hang the rug in a well-ventilated area and out of direct sunlight.
You should also avoid using a tumble dryer as this could damage the rug.
In Summary
You can wash a runner rug in the washer provided it is suitable for machine washing.
However it’s important to take extra precaution if the rug is delicate or old and to ensure that you dry it properly.