Juggling two kids, a husband and a dog keeps me constantly hunting for home decor that looks good and holds up. So I was delighted to find washable kitchen runners during my kitchen refresh.
My washable runner added a touch of color and texture to the kitchen, cushioned my feet, and shielded the floor from everyday wear. If your household is anything like ours, with spills happening all the time in busy spots, a machine-washable rug can make life much easier!
I bought the Hendesi Heriz Abalone Runner from Ruggable for my kitchen, and it has far outperformed what I hoped for. It fits snugly between the cabinets and the island, and it has held up well against cooking mishaps, including red ones (think pink icing, watermelon and strawberries).
Cleaning is effortless. I follow the care label, wash it on the delicate cycle, and run it through the dryer on low heat a couple of times. Then I let it hang on a drying rack for 24 hours to dry fully before putting it back down.
If you're weighing your options for the best kitchen runners, here are some of my top picks, complete with photos and shopping links! Most are machine-washable, and a few others have lovely patterns that are stylish and simple to care for.
Get ready to find the ideal rug to add warmth, style and practicality to the center of your home!
Which rug material works best on kitchen floors?
Kitchen rugs are most often made from polyester, wool or polypropylene, with polypropylene being the most hard-wearing. Those are the go-to choices, but slim jute rugs are another natural option if you'd rather skip synthetic fibers.
- Wool rugs are a timeless, luxurious choice that wears well, resists stains and insulates naturally. They tend to cost more, though, and usually need professional cleaning. Long-lasting, certainly. Easy on a budget with frequent cleaning? Not really.
- Polypropylene rugs are an inexpensive, easy-care substitute for wool. They shrug off stains, fading and moisture, so they suit messy kitchens well. On the downside, they feel less plush and don't last as long as wool, and their synthetic fibers flatten more readily.
- Polyester rugs give you the best of both worlds: they're affordable, simple to clean, and available in countless colors and patterns. Their fade-resistant, sturdy fibers make them a good fit for busy traffic zones.
10 Favorite Washable Kitchen Runners to Refresh Your Space (Plus a Few That Aren't Washable)
Here are ten of my favorite washable kitchen runners. If you've read my full honest review of my first Ruggable rug, it won't surprise you that the first five come from Ruggable. Nearly all of their rugs are polyester with a chenille-like feel. There are a couple of non-polyester picks on the list, too!
1. Ruggable Hendesi Heriz Abalone Runner
This is the rug I picked, pictured here in a different kitchen to show how well it adapts. Its detailed, Persian-style design looks refined, and I'm smitten with the abalone blue and green palette.
2. Ruggable Calabria Cream & Gold Rug
What sets this runner apart is its dainty floral print and neutral palette, which makes it easy to pair with many different kitchen looks.
3. Ruggable Juliet Sage Green Runner
The standout feature here is its Regency-inspired print in a calming sage green. It's shown in a bright hallway, so picture how soothing it would look in your kitchen.
4. Ruggable Lila Ivory & Soft Blue Rug
The Lila Ivory & Soft Blue Rug is a lovely pick if you want a bit of color in the kitchen without overpowering the room. Soft blue and green florals sit on a warm ivory base, creating a light, vintage feel that suits traditional, cottage and transitional décor beautifully.
I'm especially fond of the understated border, which makes it look a little more refined. Because it's machine washable and resists both stains and water, it's a gorgeous yet practical choice for a hectic kitchen.
5. Annie Selke Kali Natural Machine Washable Rug
If you like the relaxed, woven look of natural jute but want something more practical for cooking, this is a lovely option. Its warm natural tone and simple lattice motif add plenty of texture without fighting with the rest of the room.
Unlike classic jute, this one can go in the washing machine, repels water and stains, and comes with a built-in non-slip backing, which is ideal for kitchens with kids and pets.
6. Urban Outfitters Hannah Printed Rug
Its bold, colorful print and playful style make this rug a showstopper in any kitchen. It isn't machine washable, but its sturdy polyester build copes well with everyday wear.
7. Loloi II Wynter Runner
This runner stands out for its timeless floral motif in blue and ivory, which adds a note of elegance. It isn't machine washable, but it's polyester with a low pile, so it's sturdy and simple to wipe clean.
8. Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Frances Collection Runner
If you want natural materials, this hand-tufted wool and jute runner is a beauty. It has a clean, grid-based design and a soft, understated palette.
9. Anne Selke Washable Herringbone Indoor/Outdoor Rug
This polypropylene piece is a solid choice for toughness and low upkeep. I love the classic herringbone pattern in a flexible denim and ivory palette.
10. Nama Standing Mat
I adore the charming look of this anti-fatigue standing mat, and nothing beats the comfort it gives your feet. Its surface resists water and stains, and it has a non-slip base. Mats like this are usually placed where you spend the most time standing, such as at the sink or stovetop. They come in many sizes, including runner shapes.
Taken together, each of these rugs brings its own mix of style, material and practicality, helping your kitchen look and feel better while making everyday life a little easier!
How to Stop Kitchen Runners From Sliding
Ruggable rugs come in two parts: a non-slip pad that goes down first, and a thin rug top that fastens to the pad, much like Velcro.
For other rugs, you have several options and can mix them if necessary.
- Corner grippers do just what their name says. These are thin rubber triangles with adhesive backing that you stick under each corner of the rug.
- Full-size grippers are thin rubber sheets that cover the entire underside of the rug, much like a pad would.
- If you want more cushioning, a foam rug pad is worth considering. Rug tape is another option, and it works best with lighter, thinner rugs.
I hope this guide has sparked some ideas for finding your perfect kitchen rug! New styles seem to appear almost daily.
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