Skip to Content

Does A 5×7 Rug Fit In A Washing Machine?

Rugs are designed to be walked on, so it makes sense that they can become quite dirty. Generally, a quick vacuuming will keep rugs dust- or dirt-free and have them looking like new in no time.

However, if a rug becomes particularly dirty or something is spilled on it, it may need to be washed.

It can be convenient to wash a smaller rug, such as one measuring 5 by 7 feet, in the washing machine when possible.

Can a 5 by 7-foot rug fit in a washing machine?

The answer to whether or not a rug measuring 5 by 7 feet will fit in a washing machine depends on how large your machine is and what type of material the rug is made of.

A 5 by 7-foot rug requires about 5 cubic feet of space in a washing machine. Home washing machines usually have a capacity of between 3.1 and 5 cubic feet, although most home washing machines have a capacity closer to 3.1 to 4 cubic feet.

If your rug is made of cotton or synthetic materials and has no rubber or non-slip backing, it should be relatively flexible, which will make it easier to fold the rug into the washing machine.

5x7 multi pattern rug

In this case, you may be able to wash a rug in a machine that has a capacity of 4.5 or even 4.2 cubic feet.

If your rug has a rubber backing, you can still wash it in the washing machine, but you will need a machine with a capacity of at least 5 cubic feet.

If your rug is woven or made of more delicate materials, check that it’s safe to put those materials in a washing machine.

If it is, place the rug in a mesh bag, if possible, to better protect it during washing.

What cycle should I use to wash a rug?

Always wash rugs on the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Cold water is especially important if your rug has a non-slip backing, as this can melt or deform in hot water.

CHECK OUT  How Many WIFI Extenders Do I Need In My House?

Even if the rug is quite dirty, never run it on a stronger cycle than gentle, as a harsher cycle can damage the rug.

washer showing delicate cycle

What is the best way to dry a rug?

Because rugs are so thick, they absorb a great deal of water, so drying them can take a very long time. Depending on the size of your dryer, you may be able to place a 5 by 7-foot rug in the dryer on a gentle or low cycle.

To get the rug dry, you’ll probably need to repeat the cycle several times.

You can also hang a rug to dry it. It’s best to hang rugs outside, where the breeze can help to dry them. The sun can also dry a rug more quickly, but be sure that the sun won’t damage or bleach the rug’s fabric.

If your rug is made of delicate materials or has a rubber or other type of non-slip backing, never put it in the dryer. Always hang these rugs instead.

rug hanging on a clothesline

What do I do if the rug doesn’t fit in the washing machine?

If your rug is too dirty to vacuum but doesn’t fit in your washing machine, you have a few options. First, you can take it to a dry cleaner.

Dry cleaners have much larger commercial washing machines, so they can easily fit a rug. Because they deal with many materials, dry cleaners also know how to wash a rug without damaging it.

Another option is to bring your rug to a laundromat. Laundromats often offer much larger washers than what you might have at home.

You can also clean your rug yourself by hosing it down. You can use a gentle soap on any particularly dirty areas. Rinse the rug thoroughly to make sure all the soap is gone.

commercial washing machines at a laundromat

Sharing is caring!