A rug should make your home feel more comfortable, not give you another complicated cleaning routine.
That's why we designed our washable rugs with a removable fabric layer and a separate cushioned pad. When the rug needs a deeper clean, you can lift off the chenille layer and wash it without taking the entire rug system apart.
But there are a few important things to know, especially when it comes to washing-machine capacity, drying, and keeping your rug looking its best.
Here's our guide to caring for your Cozey washable rug.
How to machine-wash your Cozey rug
The washable part of a Cozey rug is the soft polyester chenille layer.
The cushioned modular pad underneath should not go into the washing machine.
When it's time to wash your rug, follow these steps:
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- 1. Remove the rug layer from its pad.
- 2. Check that your washing machine is large enough.
- 3. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water.
- 4. Use a mild, bleach-free detergent.
- 5. Dry using low heat or air-dry.
- 6. Place the rug back over its pad.
1. Remove the rug layer from its pad.
Lift the chenille layer off the modular pad. The two pieces are held together by friction, so there's no need to undo Velcro, clips, or other fasteners.
You can leave the pad assembled on the floor while washing the rug.
2. Check that your washing machine is large enough.
The rug needs enough room to move during washing. An oversized rug shouldn't be squeezed into a machine that's too small for it.
We've included our size-specific guidance below.
3. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water.
Cold water and gentle washing help protect the fabric, printed colours, and overall construction.
4. Use a mild, bleach-free detergent.
You don't need specialized cleaning products. We recommend mild detergent and avoiding bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh chemical treatments.
5. Dry using low heat or air-dry.
The removable rug layer can be tumble-dried on low heat. You can also air-dry it by hanging or laying it flat.
Avoid high heat, which can affect fabric dimensions and appearance.
6. Place the rug back over its pad.
Once the rug is dry or only slightly damp, lay it back over the modular pad and smooth it into position.
If the pad was cleaned separately, make sure it is completely dry first.
That's it. The process is intended to be straightforward, without requiring complicated disassembly or special equipment for smaller rug sizes.
What washing-machine size do I need?
This is one of the most important things to check before washing your rug.
The right machine depends on the rug's dimensions.
What washing-machine size do I need?
| Cozey rug size | Washing-machine recommendation |
|---|---|
| 2.5' × 8' runner (approximately 76 × 244 cm) | Standard home washing machine |
| 3' × 5' (approximately 91 × 152 cm) | Standard home washing machine |
| 5' × 8' (approximately 152 × 244 cm) | Standard home washing machine |
| 8' × 10' (approximately 244 × 305 cm) | Large home washer, at least 4.5 cu. ft. (approximately 127 litres), without a central agitator |
| 9' × 12' (approximately 274 × 366 cm) | Commercial washer with 60–80 lb (approximately 27–36 kg) capacity |
Our 8' × 10' washable rug has been tested in large home washing machines meeting that capacity requirement.
For the 9' × 12' size, we recommend using a commercial-capacity machine, such as one available at a laundrette.
You should not assume that every machine can accommodate every washable rug simply because the rug layer is flexible.
If you're unsure whether your washer has enough room, check its specifications before loading the rug.
Choosing the correct machine helps the rug move through the wash cycle without unnecessary compression.
Can you put a Cozey washable rug in the dryer?
Yes. The removable chenille rug layer can be tumble-dried on low heat.
You can also air-dry it by hanging or laying it flat.
We recommend avoiding high heat, which can increase the risk of shrinkage or affect the fabric's appearance.
Because washing machines and dryers vary, following the care label is important.
If you prefer to minimize heat exposure, air drying is a good option.
You don't need to wait until the rug layer is completely bone-dry before reinstalling it. Slight dampness is acceptable, provided the pad is clean and dry and excessive moisture isn't trapped underneath.
For a substantially wet rug, however, finish drying it before placing it back over your floor.
Will my rug shrink after washing?
Some shrinkage is possible.
Like many washable textiles, our polyester chenille layer can change slightly in size after washing and drying.
We've designed our rugs so they should continue fitting properly over their modular pads when the recommended care instructions are followed.
That includes cold water, a gentle wash cycle, and low-heat or air drying.
It's one reason we'd avoid washing on a hot cycle or using high heat in the dryer.
If the rug feels a little different immediately after cleaning, lay it carefully over the pad and smooth the fabric into its usual position.
The pad itself sits slightly inside the rug's perimeter, so the chenille layer should continue covering it.
We wouldn't describe the fabric as completely shrink-proof, but proper care helps maintain its intended fit.
What's the best way to clean spills?
For everyday spills, speed matters.
The sooner you clean something, the better the chance of preventing a lasting mark.
Our washable rugs feature a PFAS-free stain-resistant treatment that helps fresh liquids bead on the surface.
If someone spills coffee, juice, or another drink, start by gently blotting the affected area. Use water to clean the spot.
Avoid rubbing aggressively, which can spread the spill or disturb the fabric.
If the stain needs a deeper clean, remove the rug layer and follow the regular machine-washing instructions.
We don't recommend using harsh chemical stain removers or specialized pre-treatments.
In our experience, most common food and drink stains come out with proper cleaning, especially when they're treated promptly.
But every stain is different. A spill that's been left to dry for a long time may be harder to remove completely.
Also keep in mind that the effectiveness of the stain-resistant treatment can gradually decrease after repeated washing.
The rug remains machine-washable, but it may become less effective at initially repelling liquids over time.
How to clean the modular rug pad
The modular pad is designed to stay underneath the washable rug layer.
It's made from interlocking pieces with an EVA cushioning core and TPR grip material.
Unlike the fabric layer, the pad is not machine-washable.
For routine maintenance, leave it in place and clean any affected areas as needed.
If something spills through the chenille layer and reaches the pad:
- Remove the rug layer.
- Inspect the affected pad pieces.
- Separate the pieces if needed.
- Spot-clean them with mild soap and water.
- Allow them to dry completely before putting the system back together.
Because the pieces interlock like a puzzle, you can remove and reinstall them without tools or adhesives.
It's particularly useful when cleaning after a larger spill or pet accident.
The pad is water-resistant, but not waterproof. A significant amount of liquid can reach the floor underneath, so check the floor as well and clean it according to the flooring manufacturer's guidance.
We recommend making sure the pad and floor are completely dry before reassembling the rug system.
How often should you wash your rug?
There's no single schedule that works for every home.
A rug in a quiet bedroom might need less frequent washing than one in a busy living room with pets or children.
Regular vacuuming, prompt attention to spills, and occasional machine washing are generally a practical combination.
We wouldn't recommend washing the rug unnecessarily after every small mess.
Many everyday spills can be cleaned locally with water, while vacuuming helps remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
Machine washing is most useful when the rug needs a more thorough clean.
If your household has pets, young children, or particularly high foot traffic, your cleaning frequency may naturally be higher.
The aim is to maintain a comfortable, clean space without putting the rug through more washing cycles than necessary.
Can you vacuum a Cozey washable rug?
Yes.
Our rugs are compatible with robot vacuums, including models with rotating brushes.
For upright vacuums, we'd recommend avoiding very aggressive beater rollers that could pull at the chenille fabric.
Regular vacuuming helps remove surface dirt and pet hair before it becomes more difficult to manage.
If you notice an occasional loose thread or snag, don't pull it. Carefully trim it instead.
We've found that the tightly constructed chenille holds up well in everyday use, with no noticeable shedding or pilling issues, but we still recommend treating it like any other quality textile.
What about wrinkles and creases after unpacking?
Because our rugs arrive folded in one box, some initial creases are normal.
They usually relax over a few days, although it can take approximately one to two weeks for the rug to settle completely.
Once you've assembled the pad, lay the rug layer on top and smooth it into position.
Give the fabric some time to relax.
For more noticeable creases, you can gently use a clothes steamer while the rug remains assembled over its pad. This is also a technique we use in our physical stores.
Keep the steamer moving and avoid concentrating excessive heat in one area.
The goal is to help the fabric relax, not soak or overheat it.
How to keep colours looking their best
We've upgraded our chenille fabric to improve colour retention through washing.
Our latest construction was tested through 15 wash cycles, with only minor colour fading observed.
That doesn't mean colours can never change.
Repeated cleaning, high heat, and prolonged direct sunlight can gradually affect the appearance of a rug.
To help maintain its colour, follow the recommended washing instructions and avoid unnecessary heat.
If your rug sits near a particularly sunny window, consider rotating it occasionally so that different areas receive more even exposure.
These small habits can help maintain a consistent appearance over time.
A little care goes a long way
We designed Cozey washable rugs to fit naturally into everyday life.
For most situations, the routine is simple: vacuum regularly, clean spills promptly, and wash the removable rug layer when it needs a deeper clean.
Use the right washing machine for your rug size, avoid high heat, and remember that the cushioned pad should be spot-cleaned rather than machine-washed.
With the right care, your rug can continue looking beautiful, feeling comfortable, and fitting properly over its pad.
And that's exactly how we want it to fit into your home.
Explore our washable rug collection for designs made to be enjoyed every day.