Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Rugs Are Easy To Clean

When it comes to choosing an ideal rug for pet owners, a key feature is effortless cleanup, whether it’s muddy paw prints, drool from your dog, or those inevitable training mishaps. Rob White, the Director of Cleaning Systems at Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, tells The Spruce Pets that “Many rugs come with built-in protection against stains and moisture, which can simplify the cleaning process.” He also emphasizes the importance of addressing pet messes immediately—acting quickly leads to better results.

Most rugs recommend pairing them with a separate rug pad to ensure stability and protect your floors. However, Ruggable offers a unique solution by including the rug pad in each purchase, creating a convenient two-piece “Rug System.” The top layer of the rug attaches to the pad but can be easily removed for machine washing.

Ruggable boasts an extensive range of machine-washable rugs, with the Linear Striped design standing out as a favorite available in both multicolor and navy blue. If you need a durable doormat for your canine companion, Ruggable has options for that too.

The Ruggable cover is crafted from polyester with a water-resistant polyurethane barrier, making it resilient against spills from pets. Any stains that can’t be spot-cleaned can be tossed into a standard washing machine for thorough cleaning. The latex-free rug pad is also simple to maintain with spot cleaning. Together, the rug cover and pad are only a quarter-inch thick.

For dog-friendly homes, the Braided Wool Rug from L.L. Bean is an excellent pick. It combines heavy-duty texture with a soft feel. To assess its durability, we simulated a dog’s pawing with a pet brush; while some loose fibers appeared, the 13×13 area rug held up well overall. Plus, its reversible design adds to its longevity.

Daily upkeep is straightforward—vacuuming is a breeze, and we found that coffee grounds were easily picked up with a handheld vacuum. Chocolate syrup, on the other hand, required a cleaning solution and cloth for effective removal; using paper towels resulted in shredded bits sticking to the fibers. Although wool naturally resists stains, it’s not as effective against wet messes compared to many synthetic materials.

During testing, placing a non-slip rug pad underneath enhanced the rug’s stability and comfort. The intricate braiding of the wool was more impressive in person than in photos, giving it a timeless aesthetic. Available in four shapes (oval, circle, runner, rectangle) and six colors, each hue intertwines beautifully.

Our Selection Process:

In our latest evaluation, we tested over 50 rugs but purchased 30 specifically for real-world assessments by volunteers. Our criteria included:

Each volunteer performed two controlled tests focused on stain removal and durability (using coffee grounds and chocolate syrup), then recorded how the rug fared during everyday use over two months.

They utilized a stiff pet comb to scratch the rug and checked for signs of wear or damage. Observations about resilience and fiber strength were noted.

Feedback was collected across several categories: quality, visual appeal, accuracy of online representations, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

With this detailed feedback, we organized and ranked our top choices based on high ratings from our testers.

Additional Recommendations:

Best Wool:

The Hable Cross-Vine Hooked Wool Rug from Garnet Hill offers softness and comfort underfoot. Made entirely of wool with a cotton canvas backing for stability, it doesn’t necessitate an additional rug pad in typical home settings. Available in three rectangle sizes and as a runner, it comes in two versatile color schemes (navy multi or beige multi) that fit seamlessly into various decors. Testing revealed that while multiple passes with an upright vacuum were needed to remove coffee grounds, this Home Carpet is ideal for spaces like bedrooms, studies, or living rooms. If you have a puppy in training or a dog that enjoys scratching at rugs, consider placing this rug in an area where they’ll only have supervised access.

Best Runner:

The Crystal Collection Runner Rug by Safavieh is designed for high-traffic areas like hallways or entryways. Crafted from synthetic polypropylene fiber with a low pile of 0.25 inches, it won’t shed and offers stain resistance.

During our home trials, the rug demonstrated impressive durability, effortlessly handling our deliberate spills of coffee grounds and chocolate syrup, which were easily removed using a vacuum, a gentle detergent, and a cloth. It boasts the Standard 100 certification from OEKO-TEX, an internationally recognized non-profit that performs independent assessments on textiles. This certification assures that the materials used in crafting this rug are devoid of over 1,000 hazardous chemicals that can be detrimental to human health. The runner stands up well against scratching and clawing, and it comes in a range of colors to complement virtually any interior. For added stability and a touch of softness, consider using a rug pad.

Best Outdoor Rug:

The Lydersholm Rug from IKEA strikes the perfect balance with its neutral tones, durability, and water resistance, making it an excellent choice for both outdoor and indoor use, especially in busy areas like entryways or kitchens. In our testing with a pet brush to scratch the surface, it showed no wear at all.

This rectangular rug is constructed from polypropylene, a soft and adaptable material that resists stains effectively. While it isn’t machine washable, it can easily be shaken out or vacuumed with a standard attachment. In our trials, coffee grounds were quickly picked up in one sweep, and cleaning up the chocolate syrup spill required just a few paper towels. For tougher stains, a damp cloth with mild detergent works well, and dry stains can be handled with a soft brush.

Top Floral Choice:

The Provence Joliette Power-Loomed Rug by Rifle Paper Co. proved its toughness during our at-home evaluations, successfully enduring the antics of pets. Its surface is plush and vacuum-friendly (coffee spills were easily cleared), crafted from a robust mix of 83% polyester and 17% polypropylene, making it resilient against stains and mishaps. The deep-hued backdrop showcases rich, eye-catching florals—a hallmark of Rifle Paper Co.—skillfully embossed into the machine-woven rug, resulting in a deliberately varied pile height while keeping an overall low profile.”