Best Machine Washable Bathroom Rugs [In 2024]

Having a nice, clean bathroom rug can really tie a bathroom together and make it feel cozy and welcoming. However, bathroom rugs tend to get dirty frequently from water splashes, soap residue, and more. That’s why having a machine washable bathroom rug is so convenient – it allows you to easily toss it in the washing machine to keep it fresh and clean.

But with so many bathroom rugs on the market claiming to be machine washable, how do you know which ones actually hold up to repeated machine washing? In this article, we’ll overview the key factors to consider when shopping for the best machine washable bathroom rugs. We’ll also provide our top picks that you can confidently machine wash again and again.

Here is an in-depth table for the top machine washable bathroom rug picks:

Top Machine Washable Bathroom Rug Picks

After considering hundreds of washable bathroom rugs, here are our top recommendations:

1. Gorilla Grip Original Luxury Chenille Bathroom Rug

The Gorilla Grip Luxury Chenille Rug is one of Amazon’s top sellers for good reason – its soft chenille fabric makes it super plush underfoot. Customers love it for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways.

The skid-resistant latex backing helps prevent slips on hard floors. Meanwhile, the durable polyester chenille fabric is completely machine washable without shedding or losing its shape over many washes. This pick is available in tons of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit any space.

Pros:

• Soft, plush chenille fabric
• Skid-resistant latex backing for safety
• Durable construction withstands repeated machine washing
• Available in many sizes and colors

Cons:

• Chenille shows dirt easily
• Dark colors show lint and hair noticeably
• Backing can scratch certain floors

2. Clara Clark Memory Foam Bath Mat

Those looking for exceptional comfort and support should check out this memory foam mat from Clara Clark. Made of quick-dry polyester with supportive memory foam, it provides amazing cushioning that feels great on tired feet.

The non-slip rubber backing ensures safety getting in and out of the tub. Choose from lots of fun colors and patterns, like teal leaf and navy heart. Simply toss the mat in the washing machine when it needs freshening up.

Reviewers call this the “perfect bath mat” for its softness, grip, and easy care washing.

Pros:

• Memory foam provides exceptional comfort
• High-quality quick-dry polyester
• Fun colors and patterns available
• Non-slip rubber backing for safety

Cons:

• Memory foam retains heat
• Needs frequent washing to stay fresh
• Higher price point

3. Utopia Towels Bath Rugs

For a basic machine washable cotton option, Utopia Towels makes a nice choice. The twill weave construction gives it texture, while the ringspun cotton material is soft and absorbent.The rubber backing ensures it stays firmly in place.

While it may pill and fray over time with repeated washing, it remains a great value bath rug pick starting around $10. It comes in loads of colors to match any decor.

Pros:

• Absorbent ringspun cotton
• Durable twill weave construction
• Rubber backing stays in place
• Inexpensive pricing

Cons:

• Can shrink slightly over time
• Dark colors show stains
• Tends to pill with repeat washing

4. MONLITFLY Non Slip Absorbent Bath Rugs

Bamboo viscose makes this MONLITFLY rug extra soft, smooth, and absorbent. The woven material is also antimicrobial and resistant to mold and bacteria. Meanwhile, hundreds of suction cups on the bottom securely grip the floor.

This spa-like rug brings a touch of luxury to the average bathroom. Best of all, you can toss it straight into the washing machine when dirty. Choose from white, grey, or brown colors.

Pros:

• Made of ultra-soft bamboo viscose
• Naturally antimicrobial
• Hundreds of suction cups grip floor tightly
• Spa-like luxury feel

Cons:

• Delicate material requires gentle care
• Only available in neutral colors
• Expensive price tag

5. InterDesign Formbu Extra Long Kitchen Rug

While marketed as a kitchen rug, this extra long runner works great in bathrooms too. At 4 feet long, it provides ample coverage in front of sinks and tubs. The nylon fabric has a tight woven construction and ribbed texture to catch dirt.

The rug stays securely in place with its slight rubber backing while still allowing air circulation under it to dry quickly. Spend less time scrubbing this rug by tossing it in the wash when needed. Its subtle stripe pattern coordinates beautifully with any style decor.

Pros:

• Durable nylon fabric
• Tightly woven ribbed construction
• 4-foot length covers ample floor space
• Subtle stripe pattern

Cons:

• Thin with minimal cushion
• Can crack over time with repeated washing
• Only available in one color

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Washable Bathroom Rug

Material

The material is key when it comes to washable rugs. Generally, you’ll want to look for synthetic materials like polyester or nylon that can withstand frequent washing without falling apart or getting scratched up.

Cotton bathroom rugs may seem appealing for their softness. However, they don’t tend to hold up well to machine washing and repeated exposure to moisture.

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Size

Consider the size of rug you need for your space. Make sure to measure the area you want to place the rug to ensure proper coverage.

For maximum utility, many people opt for longer runner-style rugs in front of the vanity. Smaller mats are good for just in front of the toilet or tub.

Design and Color

Find a bathroom rug design and color scheme that matches your existing decor. From solid colors to fun patterns, there are many machine washable designs to choose from.

Lighter solid colors can help brighten up a small dark bathroom. Meanwhile, patterned rugs can provide visual interest and coordinate with shower curtains and accessories.

Price

Bathroom rugs vary widely in price. In general, expect to spend $10-$50 for a decent quality machine washable bath rug.

Cheaper rugs may not stand up over time. Be wary of extremely inexpensive big-box store rugs that seem like too good of a bargain. Spending a little bit more typically ensures better construction with durability and materials that can handle frequent washing.

Tips for Washing Bathroom Rugs

While the rugs mentioned above can safely go in the washing machine, you’ll want to follow certain care instructions to ensure they stay in good condition.

Check the Care Instructions

Before anything, read the care tag on your bathroom rug to understand the manufacturer’s washing recommendations. This will specify details like water temperature, if bleach is allowed, drying method, etc.

Following these instructions is key to prevent damage over repeated washings.

Wash Separately

Be sure to wash bathroom rugs separately from regular laundry. Washing them with towels, bedding, or clothes can transfer dirt, hair, residue, etc. Bathroom rugs collect a lot of grime you don’t want spread to other items.

Use a Gentle Cycle

For most bathroom rugs, washing them on a gentle or delicate cycle is best. The agitation will be reduced compared to a regular wash cycle, preventing the fabric from getting beat up unnecessarily.

If washing by hand, use mild detergent and lukewarm water to gently clean the rug. Avoid vigorous scrubbing and soaking which can be rough on materials.

Line Dry

Resist the temptation to toss bathroom rugs in the dryer, even if the care tag states machine drying is allowable. The extreme heat from a dryer, combined with tumbling, can damage the rug fibers, cause shrinkage issues, and decrease longevity.

Instead, line dry bathroom rugs. Hang them over a shower rod, rack, or doorknob to allow them to drip dry fully. Make sure air can circulate fully around all sides.

Proper line drying preserves the rug material and helps it maintain its shape and size better over many washes.

FAQs

How often should you wash bathroom rugs?

In general, plan to wash bathroom rugs every one to two weeks. Wash them whenever they show stains, collect dirt and hair, or give off an odor. Frequent washing keeps them fresh and extends their lifespan.

Can you put bathroom rugs in the dryer?

It’s best to line dry bathroom rugs rather than machine dry them. The heat and tumbling action inside a dryer can damage fibers and cause issues like shrinkage. Line drying helps them maintain their size and shape better.

Are memory foam bathroom rugs washable?

Many memory foam bathroom rugs are machine washable, like the Clara Clark option we recommended. Check care instructions first, as some may require air drying. Properly caring for memory foam rugs enables them to bounce back after washing.

What is the best way to wash bathroom rugs?

Bathroom rugs need special care when washing. Wash them separately from other laundry on the gentle or delicate cycle using cold or lukewarm water. Use a mild detergent, never bleach. Line dry the rugs completely before putting them back on your bathroom floor.

How do you disinfect a bathroom rug?

For best results disinfecting a bathroom rug, wash it in hot water if the fabric allows, with bleach added if recommended on the care instructions. Vinegar also works as a natural disinfectant – add 1-2 cups to the wash cycle. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

Conclusion

Adding a plush, comfortable bathroom rug brings a nice decorative touch while also serving practical purposes. Absorbent rugs give wet feet a soft place to land while providing traction getting in and out of showers and tubs.

The best machine washable bathroom rugs withstand exposure to frequent moisture while conveniently cleaning up nice and fresh. No more struggling to scrub stains out of rugs!

Carefully following fabric care instructions enables washable rugs to last for years of use. With loads of colors, materials, and sizes to choose from, you can find the perfect cozy and convenient rug to suit your space.

So skip the bathmats that end up grungy and smelly, unusable after just a few months. Investing in a quality machine washable rug will keep your bathroom floor clean while adding a decorative accent.