Washable rugs are proof that style and practicality can co-exist. For many, the reality of a lived-in home overshadows the thought of investing in a beautiful statement piece. Whether it’s rambunctious children, pets, or the inevitable spillage of red wine, a washable rug is the functional and fabulous textile you need.
Made from durable blends like cotton, wool and polyester, washable rugs withstand high traffic areas and the everyday hustle of a busy home. Think kids playing in the living room, or a dog that loves to prance down the hall with muddy paws.
Thankfully, you can spot clean a washable rug in a jiffy, or better yet, throw it into the washing machine for a refresh.
Read on to shop our curation of washable rugs that cater to various spaces and aesthetics, and importantly, are ready to handle whatever life throws your way.
2025’s top washable rugs NZ
- Lav Washable Floor Rug, $ $299, Freedom (here’s why)
- Matisse Leaf Accent Rug, $$125.63, Etsy (here’s why)
- Songmics Boho Style Rug, $25, Space General (here’s why)
2025’s best washable rugs NZ
Lav Washable Floor Rug
from $299 at Freedom
Best for: The vintage lover
Pop this antique-style rug in a family room for an elegant design option and reap the benefits of the low pile, non-slip backing and easy maintenance. The blend of cotton and polyester makes it durable, but also soft underfoot. For instant cleaning, a spot clean with a dry absorbent cloth does the trick.
Sizes: 150cm x 220cm, 180cm x 270cm
Colours: Silver, blush or blue
Materials: Polyester, cotton
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Non-slip backing
- Low trip hazard pile
Matisse Leaf Accent Rug
from $125.63 at Etsy
Best for: The art collector
This iconic Matisse leaf print takes centre stage on this digitally printed rug. A thin carpet at 7mm, it’s ideal under a bed or dining room table. Even better, each washable rug is made to order with the option to add a fringe. Talk about an art lover’s dream.
Sizes: 25 sizes available from 100cm x 100cm to 180cm x 320cm.
Materials: Bamboo, chenille, cotton, polyester, rubber
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Digitally printed
- Made to order
- Optional fringe
Songmics Boho Style Rug
from $25 at Space General
Best for: The minimalist
For neutral interiors, this beige washable rug adds a touch of interest without being too overwhelming. The detailed design is subtle, but still makes a powerful impact. Made from soft-to-touch polyester, the rug also features a felt interlayer that provides extra cushion and noise reduction.
Sizes: 61cm x 92cm, 80cm x 150cm, 120cm x 170cm
Materials: Polyester, felt, thermoplastic rubber
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Felt interlayer
- Foldable
- Non-slip backing
Lav Washable Floor Runner
$249 at Freedom
Best for: High-traffic hallways
A washable runner is the multipurpose design piece you’ve been missing. This distressed antique style runner is a solid – and charming – addition to a hallway or kitchen floor. The non-slip backing makes it excellent for positioning over tile or floorboards, ideal for eager feet running back and forth.
Size: 240x75cm
Colours: Silver, blush or blue
Materials: Polyester, cotton
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Non-slip backing
- Low trip hazard pile
Rugcomf Living Room Rug
from $64 at Amazon
Best for: The cottagecore type
Talk about a stunning rug. This charmer is hand woven, with the most intricate details digitally printed on. The vivid florals make this rug a real statement piece, so balance it out with neutral or earthy furnishings.
Sizes: 14 sizes available, including rectangular, runners and round
Materials: Faux wool, thermoplastic rubber
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Non slip
- Kid and pet friendly
- Soft underfoot
Waikato Washable Wool Abrash Dyed Rug
from $1,315 at Double
Best for: The high-end home
This rug is a touch of luxury. Crafted from New Zealand wool, it’s hard to believe that this rug is machine washable. The 18-20mm pile is ideal to sink your feet into and is specificially designed to maintain its integrity through every wash. The anti-shed treatment is an added bonus. For optimum care, spot clean and vacuum first. If the rug needs a proper wash, use gentle detergent, cold water and a delicate cycle.
Sizes: 160cm x 230cm, 200cm x 300cm, 250cm x 350cm, 300cm x 400cm
Colours: Terracotta, soft cream or sage
Materials: New Zealand wool, cotton
Key features:
- Machine washable
- 18 – 20mm pile
- 100% New Zealand wool
- 100% organic cotton backing
- Handwoven
Brynne Indoor Outdoor Washable Rug
from $249 at Miss Amara
Best for: The great outdoors
This outdoor washable rug is a charmer both in an indoor living space and an outdoor courtyard or deck. It’s crafted to withstand the elements – and look good while doing so. The abstract pattern makes it a total eye-catcher.
Sizes: 230cm x 160cm, 290cm x 200cm, 330cm x 240cm, 400cm x 300cm
Material: Polyester
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Foldable
- Built-in non-slip underlay
- Woven weave
Ziba Round Washable Rug
from $429 at Early Settler
Best for: To go under a round dining table
This rug is perfect to slip under a round dining table. The digitally-printed design echoes a Persian rug, which is ideal for those wanting to add a classic touch without sacrificing the practicality of a washable rug.
Size: 200cm wide
Material: Polyester
Key features:
- Machine washable
- 7mm pile
- 600gsm weight
- Digitally printed
- Key features 5
Can you layer a washable rug over carpet?
Yes! We are team rug-on-carpet, and for good reason. It adds interest to a room, allowing you to experiment with contrasting colours and textures, while concealing any imperfections on your carpet.
Pro tip: Opt for a washable rug with weight and a high pile to minimise bunching, or use a rug underlay which also protects your carpet fibres.
Can washable rugs be used outdoors?
Yes, they can. Look for multipurpose rugs made from 100% polyester to withstand outdoor conditions.
How do I clean and dry my washable rug?
Always follow the instructions on your washable rug’s care label. However, we recommend spot cleaning and vacuuming before popping your rug into the washing machine on a cold wash using a gentle detergent.
Pro tip: Our spot-cleaning tool of choice? The Shark Stainstriker. It’s ideal for households with pets, and works well on flat, low-pile rugs. Alternatively, use a wet and dry vacuum designed for use on low-pile carpets.
Related articles:
- The best rugs to cosy up your space, and where to buy them
- A sofa bed so sleek, you’d never guess it’s one
- Bring home the beauty of Freedom’s hand-painted wall art
