Ruggable promises to be a smarter type of rug—so we put it to the test.
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We Tried a Ruggable Kitchen Rug: Here’s What We Thought
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Kitchen mats aren’t just a fun way to add some personality to your kitchen—they also make cooking more comfortable and cleaning much easier. It’s no secret that we love our kitchen mats at Taste of Home, but there’s always one area where the product could use some major improvement: keeping it clean. We know how to clean kitchen mats so they’re fresh as new, but wouldn’t it be easier if you could just toss them in the washing machine without so much as a glance at the cleaning instructions on the label?
Thankfully, Ruggable entered the scene with rugs that are stylish, modern and conveniently machine-washable. When we heard that the brand also sold kitchen mats, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on one. Taste of Home Content Director Ellie Martin Cliffe tested a Jonathan Adler for Ruggable rug in her own home kitchen. Read on for her thoughts, plus other Ruggable reviews from real users.
What is a Ruggable Rug?
Ruggable rugs aren’t just designed to tie a room together; they’re meant to be durable. And when you have an active family like Ellie does, that’s a huge bonus. After all, Ruggable was inspired by the pet mess that ruined its founder’s expensive new rug—so its products are designed with sturdiness and ease of cleaning in mind.
If you’ve ever stained an area rug, you know they’re a big pain to clean (if you can clean them at all). Ruggable rugs are different. They come in two parts: a pad and a removable top that’s machine-washable and -dryable! The pad is made of a nonslip, latex-free material—think yoga mat—while the rug cover is stain- and water-resistant, low-pile, lightweight and designed to fit inside your washing machine. Ruggable reviewers note the thin design means it dries quickly after washing.
To wash your Ruggable rug, peel the rug cover off the pad, wash with mild detergent, dry on low heat and reattach. The pad can be vacuumed or spot-cleaned with soap and water in the case of liquid spills.
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Ruggable Rug
Rugs can tie a room together, but cleaning them is often a hassle. Ruggable solves this problem with machine-washable rugs, making them much easier to maintain while also increasing their durability and lifespan.
Pros:
- Machine-washable for easy cleaning
- Available in various styles and sizes
- Durable design, holds up to pets and kids
- Easy to assemble and reassemble
Cons:
- Requires frequent adjustments to keep in place
- Pad can shift after extended use
- Some designs may appear different in person compared to online images
Ruggable Features
Ruggable rugs come in two parts: the rug cover and the rug pad. The cover, made from synthetic, stain- and water-resistant material, is designed to fit in your home washing machine—even for large sizes like 10 by 14 area rugs. Ruggable offers a variety of sizes, shapes and textures, including collaborations with brands like Star Wars, Marvel and artist Keith Haring.
The rug pad, made from latex-free, non-slip material similar to yoga mats, provides support and cushioning while keeping the rug in place. Replacement pads are available if needed. That said, despite the nonslip nature of the rug pad, some users still report a tendency to slip on certain flooring types like slick hardwood or tile. Resorting to additional measures can help with this issue, though, like using rug grips or tape to keep the rug in place.
Durability is an important factor for a rug, especially in a high-traffic area. While most users are satisfied with how the rug holds up to wear and tear, it is worth noting that you may start to see the rug become thinner or less vibrant after repeated washes. If you have kids or pets, this is worth considering since you’ll likely be washing the rug more often.
Cleaning a Ruggable rug is straightforward. Simply remove the cover, wash and dry it and reattach it to the pad. However, large rugs (like an eight-foot by 10-foot rug, for example) can be challenging to wash since they may not always come out completely clean due to limited space in the washer. To combat this, you can always wash your large rug on its own to make sure there’s plenty of space for it to be cleaned properly in the washing machine.
How We Tested It
Ellie says: “I needed a hardworking kitchen rug that cushioned my feet and absorbed splashes from the sink. My family put this rug through the paces of everyday life for a month. We expected this rug to stand up to muddy shoes, spilled food and at least one dish-washing session per day.
Choosing a rug was honestly the hardest part because Ruggable offers so many eye-catching designs. Luckily, the site has lots of filtering options, so I could quickly narrow down to my ideal color palette, aesthetic and size. I created an account to save a few to my favorites, then shared them with my husband so he could weigh in. We had the same favorite—the black-and-ivory Inkdrop design from Ruggable’s partnership with Jonathan Adler.
In just a few clicks, my order went through and was added to the production line. I got emails at every step of the creation process, so I knew when it was on its way (about a week after I ordered it). Note: Designer collections are a little bit pricier than the Ruggable-brand ones.
Ruggables come snugly rolled in a long, skinny box. Unrolling the rug was a bit tedious, but wasn’t a big deal due to its 2-by-3 size. (I know—my family already had a few 5-by-7 Ruggables in other rooms.) The rug pad and top fit together like Velcro, so be sure to line them up before you try to put them together because they’ll stick fast. Simply follow the instructions that come tucked in the package, and you’ll be all set.
The rug truly is non-skid, even though it saw a lot of foot traffic. We don’t have a dishwasher, so that means my husband or I stood on it for up to an hour a day while we washed up.
A week in, our black-and-ivory rug was looking black-and-gray so it was time for a wash. Separating the top from the pad was so simple. I just had to tug it off and pop it in the washing machine. When it came out of the dryer, it looked like new. I rolled it back out onto the pad and went about my day.
One minor issue for many users is the curling of corners, especially after washing. This is a typical problem for thinner rug styles, but a simple solution is to use carpet tape to help keep the entire rug flat on the ground.
Why You Should Trust Us
Ellie Martin Cliffe has a 19-year career in food and lifestyle publishing, contributing to trusted brands like Taste of Home, Simple & Delicious, Birds & Blooms, The Knot, The Nest, The Bump and Working Mother. Over the past 13 years at Taste of Home, she has taken on various roles across digital and print, including editing cookbooks, curating special interest publications, overseeing magazines, starring in cooking and cleaning videos and engaging with the Community Cooks. She’s also known for handing out cookies and cocoa at local holiday events.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
FAQ
What type of rug is best for a kitchen?
A low-pile, washable rug is ideal for kitchens, as it’s easier to clean and more durable in high-traffic areas.
Can ruggables go in the dryer?
Yes, Ruggable rugs can go in the dryer on a low-heat setting.
Is a rug in the kitchen a good idea?
Yes, a kitchen rug can add comfort and style and protect the floor from spills and stains.
What Other Ruggable Reviews Had to Say
Other Ruggable reviews agree with Ellie: The rugs are easy to wash, stylish, and worth the price.
“So happy with this purchase!” writes one verified Amazon purchaser. “The rug is incredibly well packaged, and is super lightweight. Setup was a breeze, took only 5 minutes from unboxing to finish. Instructions were easy to follow, and there was a provided video link as well. The rug looks even better than in the pictures and is soft and comfortable to stand on. It does not slide at all, solving a constant issue I had with my previous rug. Very easy to remove the rug cover from the pad below—I envision it won’t be a hassle at all to wash.”
“I NEVER leave reviews, but I love this rug so much that I decided to share my thoughts,” writes another verified Amazon customer. “The rug arrived in perfect condition. It was easy to unroll and laid flat immediately. The rug is a thin soft material. The colors are nicely muted. I haven’t washed it, yet. This is for my entryway so I ordered a 3 by 5. I plan to order another Ruggable rug for my dining room.”
Product Comparison
What sets Ruggable apart from the competition is its two-part design. Many one-piece rugs aren’t washable, so they’re difficult to clean and lead to annoying stains. On the other hand, washable one-piece rugs do exist, so it’s up to you whether you prefer Ruggable’s cover-and-mat duo or just a single-piece design. Ruggable reviews and our own testing show that Ruggable’s mat offers more joint support than traditional rugs, so you might find it comfier for a long dishwashing session.
Final Verdict
Ellie says: “Before our experience, I wouldn’t have considered ponying up so much money on a 2-by-3 rug. After using the rug for a month, I’m confident our $109 was well spent. It’s handled all kinds of messes and washed up beautifully every time. Plus, it’s so comfy to stand on while we’re at the sink. I’d absolutely buy another.”
Where to Buy Ruggable
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Ruggable Rug
Ruggable offers thousands of rug options in various shapes, sizes and colors. Every one of them is machine-washable, making them much easier to care for than most other rugs on the market.
Ruggable rugs range from $89 to $739, with prices varying depending on size, shape and whether the rug comes from a special collection—Star Wars and Keith Haring fans will be pleased to find designs inspired by their favorites, though at a slightly higher cost. You can shop rugs directly from Ruggable’s site or on Amazon.
