How to Wash a Lorena Canals Rug
One of the biggest selling points of a Lorena Canals rug is right there in the name of most of their collections: washable. But "washable" doesn't mean "throw it in like a bath towel" — there's a right way to do it that keeps the natural fibers, colors, and shape looking new for years, and a wrong way that can shrink or felt the rug permanently. Here's how to actually do it.
Check the Care Label First
Not every Lorena Canals rug is machine washable in a standard home washer. Compatibility depends on the rug's size and weight versus your machine's capacity — a smaller shaped rug like the Washable Rug White Daisy or Washable Rug Ginger the Cat fits easily in most home machines, while a larger piece like the Washable Play Rug Swan Lake may need a bigger-capacity machine or professional cleaning. Always check the care label sewn into your specific rug before washing anything.
Machine Washing (For Machine-Washable Cotton Rugs)
For cotton rugs rated machine washable — like the Washable Rug Vichy Ivory or Washable Rug Vichy Matcha — use a front-loading machine without a center agitator, since agitators can damage the pile. Wash on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 86°F (30°C), using a mild detergent free of bleach or fabric softener, both of which can break down natural fibers and dull the colors over time.
Drying: The Step Most People Get Wrong
This is where most rug damage actually happens. When tumble drying is permitted on the care label, use low heat and remove the rug promptly — don't leave it in the dryer longer than needed. Otherwise, reshape the damp rug by hand to its original dimensions and lay it flat to air dry rather than hanging it, which helps shaped rugs like the Washable Rug Swan keep their silhouette instead of stretching out of proportion under wet weight.
Spot Cleaning Between Full Washes
For everyday spills, a full wash isn't always necessary. Blot (don't rub) the spot immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward. Vacuum weekly on low suction to remove dust and loose dirt between washes — this alone significantly extends the time between full washes for rugs in high-traffic spots.
A Few Things to Never Do
Never pull a loose thread — trim it carefully with scissors instead, or you risk unraveling more of the weave. Avoid washing machines with a central agitator, and skip fabric softener entirely, since it coats natural fibers in a way that dulls both texture and color over repeated washes.
Shop our full collection of Lorena Canals washable rugs — including the Floor Cushion Butterfly and Washable Area Rug Color Lines — at littlewild kids.
Shop the full Lorena Canals collection at littlewild kids →
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With love, Doris & Zoey
