What Type of Rug is Easiest to Keep Clean?

Few people want to spend huge amounts of time cleaning their households. If you’re looking into buying a rug, one of your first questions may be: what type of rug is easiest to keep clean?

Luckily, there are a variety of rug materials that can last for years with low maintenance.

To help you select the best one for your home, let our experts help you with your search.

Factors that affect carpet maintenance

There are a number of factors that affect how easily a carpet is cleaned and maintained.

Carpet height

Carpet fibres come in different heights, which can affect how easy it is to clean and maintain the carpet. In general, carpets with longer fibres are more difficult to maintain because they provide more places for dirt and debris to accumulate.

On the other hand, level loop carpets have even, smooth fibres that are easy to maintain because they have less surface area for dirt and debris to cling to, and are less prone to snagging. Cut-and-loop and multi-level carpets, which have varying heights and textures, can also be more challenging to maintain.

Material

Carpets can be made from a variety of materials, including animal hair, plant fibres, and synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon are often easier to clean and more resistant to staining and crushing compared to plant fibres like cotton and animal hair like wool. This makes synthetic carpets more practical for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.

Colour

Medium to dark coloured carpets tend to be more resistant to visible staining and damage than lighter carpets. The darker colour helps to conceal marks and imperfections, making it easier to maintain the carpet's appearance.

Density

Carpet density refers to the weight of fibres in a specific area of the carpet, and it is typically measured in ounces per cubic yard. Carpets with a higher density are typically more durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic, but they can be more difficult to clean because there are more fibres for dirt and bugs to hide in.

If you prioritise ease of cleaning, you may want to consider a carpet with a medium density. These carpets offer a good balance of durability and cleanability.

Which rugs work best for messy households?

If you’re looking to buy the best low-maintenance carpet, choose one with these qualities:

Choose colour to hide dirt

Certain colours are better at concealing dirt and stains than others. Natural, darker hues such as browns, greens, and blues tend to be the best at hiding a variety of dirt that may be tracked into the home.

A rug that combines these shades, like this Lessons Learnt Rug by Anna Kosa Rugs, is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways.

Rug with fibres that don’t shed

Rugs that shed can create a mess by adding fibres to dust and dirt, making it appear even messier. To avoid this issue, consider choosing a rug that does not shed.

Rugs with a flat or woven weave are less likely to shed, as are those made from synthetic fibres like polypropylene. If you want a rug with a higher pile, opt for a synthetic fibre like polypropylene to minimise shedding.

Easy to clean fibres

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre that is known for its durability and stain resistance, making it a popular choice for rugs in high-traffic areas. While new wool rugs may shed a bit initially, they are generally shed-resistant and easy to clean.

To remove stains from a wool rug, start by blotting the affected area with a clean, dry cloth. Then, test a small, inconspicuous area with a mixture of clear dishwashing soap and warm water. If the colorfastness of the rug is not affected, gently press the soapy cloth against the stain and blot until the stain is removed.

Avoid throwing wool rugs in the washing machine, as this can damage the fibres. Instead, gently vacuum the rug once a week to remove dirt and debris.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft, comfortable fibre that is easy to clean, making it a good choice for rugs in areas like kitchens, playrooms, and dens. Many cotton rugs can be machine washed in cold or warm water, but should not be washed in hot water to avoid shrinkage.

Consider the size of the rug and whether it will fit in your home washing machine before purchasing. If the rug is too large, you may need to use a commercial machine. Once the rug is clean, it should be hung to air dry rather than placed in the dryer.

Seagrass

Seagrass fibre rugs are a good choice if you are concerned about stains, as the waxy coatings on the fibres provide a smooth texture and natural sheen that helps to repel water and other liquids. Seagrass rugs are also suitable for humid environments and can be cleaned with spot cleaning and light vacuuming.

If the size of the rug permits, you can also shake it out to remove dirt and debris. Seagrass is naturally available in a limited range of colours, including sage green, tan, and khaki.

Jute

Rugs like the Jute Loop Brown Rug by Attic Rugs, are made from a natural fibre that offers a softer texture than seagrass. Like seagrass, jute rugs are resistant to liquid and can be cleaned with a baking soda solution.

To remove stains from a jute rug, gently blot the affected area with a cloth that has been dampened with a baking soda solution and then wrung out.

Polypropylene and Other Synthetics

Polypropylene rugs are a popular choice because they are durable and easy to clean. They are made from synthetic fibres that are resistant to water and stains, making them well-suited for indoor/outdoor areas like sun porches, mudrooms, and entryways to backyard pools.

These rugs can be easily cleaned by vacuuming as needed and can withstand scrubbing to remove stains. They hold their shape and remain soft even after repeated cleaning, and they resist mildew, making them a good choice for areas where pets may spend time.

In conclusion

Life can be messy. Make one aspect of it easy to clean up with rugs best suited for a busy, happy, and sometimes messy household.

We’ve been curating our luxury furniture range since 1985 and we have one of the widest collections of luxury rugs available in the UK. We work with only the best brands and designers from all over the world so we can offer you high-quality, exclusive rugs for your home.

Need more inspiration and guidance before getting started? Book a consultation either virtually or in person, and an experienced design specialist will work with you on reimagining your space from top to bottom, down to the last detail.