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Can you Dry a Rug using a Dryer: What to Consider

Caring for your rugs is an essential part of improving their cleanliness and promoting their longevity. In the process of cleaning your rug, you may wonder if you can dry a rug using a dryer. Some rugs are indeed approved for dryers, but others can be destroyed when put in a dryer. Keep reading to determine which category your rug falls into.

Learn More About Drying Rugs

  1. Can You Dry a Rug Using a Dryer?
  2. Factors to Consider Before Drying a Rug in a Dryer
  3. Types of Rugs Suitable for Dryer Drying
  4. Types of Rugs Unsuitable for Dryer Drying
  5. Alternative Drying Methods
  6. Tips for Safe Dryer Drying
  7. Professional Rug Cleaning and Drying
Queen Size Runner Rug

Can You Dry a Rug Using a Dryer?

In some cases, yes, you can dry a rug using a dryer. The first facet to consider is if your rug is small enough to fit into the dryer. Remember, the rug will need some room to tumble in the dryer in order to actually remove the excess liquid from washing. Machine washable area rugs can typically be dried in a dryer, but other rugs that call for hand washing can often be damaged by the excessive heat of the dryer. Wool is one example: this high quality material is not able to withstand the heat of the dryer, and if it is thrown into a dryer, the rug may shrink or the fibers may become brittle.

Factors to Consider Before Drying a Rug in a Dryer

Before you put your rug in the dryer, look at your rug’s tag and the manufacturer’s care instructions. If the dryer isn’t an approved drying method, then your rug’s fibers may be damaged in the drying process. Some consequences may be that the rug will shrink and ripple, or the colors may even bleed or fade. Even if the rug is approved for the dryer, follow the specific care instructions. These instructions will often tell you to use a lower heat and tumble setting to preserve the rug’s quality. Not following those directions may damage your rug’s quality and appearance.

Round rug for queen size bed
Queen Size Runner Rug

Types of Rugs Suitable for Dryer Drying

Small and medium machine washable rugs and certain synthetic rug materials can be tried in the dryer. Polyester, polypropylene, and olefin are three popular synthetic rug materials that may be safe for the dry. There is a caveat here because if the rugs are thrown into a dryer that is too hot or tumbling too strongly, these rugs still may be damaged in the drying process. Your rug’s tag will specifically state whether your rug is approved for the dryer and how to dry the rug in this way.

Types of Rugs Unsuitable for Dryer Drying

Natural materials like wool and fur are never suitable for dryers. Cotton rugs may also shrink in the high heat of a dryer. Aside from specific materials, hand-knotted or hand-made rugs should also not be thrown into the dryer. The force of the tumbling is more likely to damage these rugs. In fact, these rugs often have very specific care instructions for how to clean and dry them to preserve their quality. 

Rugs with rubber backings should never be placed in the dryer. The heat of the dryer makes the rubber more brittle and can cause it to disintegrate inside your dryer. Not only does that create a massive mess, but it also ruins the backing of your rug and can cause it to shrink and ripple.

Round rug for queen size bed
Queen Size Runner Rug

Alternative Drying Methods

Air drying the rug and allowing it to dry at a natural pace is often considered more healthy for the rug’s fibers and longevity. However, you can safely speed up this process in several ways. Fans can create airflow and expedite the process, as can having the windows open. Hanging your rug on a washline helps expose it to natural air and wind, but keep in mind that some rugs are prone to fading in excessive sunlight and should be hung indoors or in the shade to avoid that issue.

Tips for Safe Dryer Drying

If you are using a dryer to dry your rug, there are a few measures you can take to improve your results and the overall condition of the rug. First and foremost, set the dryer’s temperature settings to a lower number in order to avoid heat damage. Set the tumble setting to a more delicate level if possible, and even then, place your rug inside a protective mesh bag. Run your dryer for less time than you believe necessary so that you can check on the rug’s progress part way through and adjust your timing accordingly. This simple practice will help you ensure that the rug isn’t over exposed to heat during the drying process.

Round rug for queen size bed

Professional Rug Cleaning and Drying

Whether your rug is an easy to maintain machine washable rug or something more delicate, it is worthwhile to seek out professional rug cleaners when you’re unsure of how to care for the rug. These professionals have deep knowledge of different rug materials, dyes, and construction methods. This knowledge enables them to better care for the rug with general cleaning, stain removal, and drying.


Properly caring for your rug can help extend its lifespan, maintain its comfort, and ensure that the rug isn’t damaged by improper cleaning methods. If you are looking for low maintenance rugs that are typically approved for dryers, consider machine washable rugs. These rugs are easy to maintain with their ease of cleaning, stain treatment, and tight weaves. In cases where the rug isn’t approved for the dryer, take the time to clean and dry your rug according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While it may take longer, it will have a big impact on the rug’s longevity, comfort, and beauty.

Protection Information
Protect against common mishaps, such as:
Accidental rips, tears
Accidental stains from food and beverage or human and pet bodily fluids
Delamination, loose threads and torn seams
Minor burn and heat marks (up to 1 inch)
Protection Plan also includes:
  • No deductibles or hidden fees
  • Receipt-less claims process
  • 24/7 customer support

See the full Terms and Conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I purchase the Protection Plan?

It’s as easy as adding the Protection Plan - along with the product you want covered - to your cart and checking out!

What happens after I purchase the Protection Plan?

Once you purchase coverage, you will receive a welcome email, giving you access to your dedicated portal (where you will be able to view your coverage information and file a claim).

When does my plan coverage begin?

Accidental damage coverage begins day 1 of purchase, while defects in materials and workmanship are covered as soon as the 30-day return period expires.

How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim by going to getmulberry.com/login and by logging into your portal. Or you can simply contact the customer support team 24/7 via [email protected].

What happens after my claim is approved?

If damage is beyond repair, Mulberry will replace your product or will reimburse you for your product. If a repair is needed, Mulberry will coordinate technician cleaning or repair. Mulberry will repair your product up to its original retail price.

What if I return my product or want to cancel my Protection Plan?

You are able to cancel your Protection Plan by contacting Mulberry or by logging into your customer portal. Within the first 30 days of purchase, you will receive a full refund.

What if I exchange my product for another?

You can exchange your product for an identical product, without it affecting your warranty purchase. If you exchange your product for a different item, you will need to cancel your existing coverage and purchase a new plan, as coverage is tied to the specific product with which it was purchased.

What countries is coverage available in?

Currently, coverage is only available in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Are there any coverage exclusions?

The Protection Plan does not cover damage that occurs during product delivery, pet damage (other than bodily fluids), odor elimination, intentional abuse of the product, or theft or loss of the product.

Can I purchase the Protection Plan for someone else?

Yes. All protection plans are transferable in ownership.

Coverage by

Mulberry is a best-in-class extended warranty provider that works with retailers to provide customers with accidental damage protection on their purchased products.

The Mulberry Protection Plan is a 1- and 5-year extended coverage program that protects against accidental damage to your rug.

Mulberry provides a quick, online claims process and does not require a receipt to file a claim.

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