Highest Quality Washable Kitchen Runners

For many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the house. It's where we gather with family and friends, prepare delicious meals, and create lasting memories. However, all that love can take a toll on your floors.

From spills and stains to crumbs and pet hair, kitchen floors see a lot of wear and tear. An effective solution is to use a washable kitchen runner. These long rugs protect your floors by absorbing messes and are easy to clean by simply throwing them in the washing machine.

Benefits of Washable Kitchen Runners

Washable kitchen runners offer a variety of benefits that make them a smart addition to your home:

• Protect floors from spills, grease, dirt, and stains
• Provide a non-slip surface for safety
• Absorb sound and add comfort underfoot
• Hide existing wear, scratches, or discoloration on floors
• Bring color and style to your kitchen decor
• Conveniently machine washable to keep clean
• Durable and long-lasting with proper care
• Affordable way to refresh the look of your kitchen

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Washable Kitchen Runner

With many options on the market, keep the following factors in mind when selecting the best washable kitchen runner:

Size

Measure the space you want to cover and add an extra 12-18 inches on each side for overhang. Standard sizes include 2x3 ft, 2x4 ft, 2x5 ft, 2x6 ft, 2x7 ft, 2x8 ft, and 2x10 ft. For high traffic areas, size up for maximum coverage and protection.

Material

Common materials include:

• Cotton - Natural fiber that's soft underfoot but stains easily
• Polyester - Colorfast and stain resistant but can pill with friction
• Nylon - Durable, easy to clean, resistant to dirt, spills, and mildew
• Rubber - Waterproof with excellent traction but can feel hard underfoot

Weave

Tightly woven or low pile rugs conceal dirt best. Loop pile construction is common for kitchen runners. Prioritize stain hiding over plush softness.

Backing

Non-slip latex or rubber backing prevents slides and falls on slippery floors like tile, wood, or vinyl.

Care Instructions

Look for "machine washable" labels and washing guidelines. Cold water gentle cycles are ideal. Line dry or tumble dry on low.

Types of Washable Kitchen Runners

With many materials and constructions to choose from, select the right kitchen runner type for your needs:

Cotton Kitchen Runners

Pros:

• Absorbent and super soft underfoot
• Available in endless colors and patterns
• Natural, breathable fibers

Cons:

• Prone to staining
• Shows dirt, spills, and footprints
• Frequent washing can cause fraying

Polyester Kitchen Runners

Pros:

• Colorfast and stain resistant
• Dries quickly after washing
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Can pill or shred with friction
• Not as soft as natural fibers
• May fade over time

Nylon Kitchen Runners

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long lasting
• Easy to clean stains
• Resists mildew, mold, and bacteria

Cons:

• Can show oil, grease, or food spills
• Prone to static electricity
• May lack cushioning of natural fibers

Rubber Kitchen Runners

Pros:

• Waterproof and protect floors from any liquid
• Non-slip with excellent traction
• Easy to clean by hosing off

Cons:

• Can feel hard underfoot
• Limited style and design options
• Vulnerable to punctures and tearing

Key Features of High Quality Washable Kitchen Runners

Look for these ideal features when selecting the best washable kitchen runners:

Absorbent Material

Whether cotton, polyester, nylon or microfiber, absorbent materials soak up spills quickly to protect floors. Materials like rubber repel liquid.

Slip Resistant Backing

Rubber or latex backing grips floors securely. This prevents slips, trips, and falls on slippery surfaces.

Colorfastness

Dyes shouldn't bleed or fade with frequent washing. Nylon and polyester are more colorfast than natural fibers.

Stain Resistance

Materials like nylon and polypropylene resist stains from dirt, food, grease, and drinks. Pre-treatment can help remove stains.

Durability and Longevity

Well-constructed kitchen runners last for years with proper care. Prioritize quality over price for longevity.

Top Brands for Washable Kitchen Runners

We've evaluated many brands to find the best washable kitchen runners:

Crate and Barrel

Boasting simple designs and affordable pricing, Crate and Barrel's nylon and cotton rug runners come in tons of sizes. The durable, skid-resistant backing keeps them in place.

Pottery Barn

Known for quality, Pottery Barn's machine-washable runners feature trendy patterns and come in nylon, cotton, jute, and wool. The latex backing prevents slips.

Wayfair

With one of the largest selections online, Wayfair offers washable kitchen runners in every style imaginable. Helpful customer reviews help you choose.

Target

For budget-friendly pricing, check out Target's wide range of vividly colored and patterned machine-washable cotton runners perfect for any decor.

Ikea

In true Ikea fashion, their colorful cotton and durable polypropylene rug runners offer tremendous value. The low pile hides dirt and is easy to clean.

Measuring and Sizing Washable Kitchen Runners

A kitchen runner looks best and functions optimally when sized appropriately for your space. Here are some tips:

Standard Sizes

Common sizes range from 2x3 ft up to 2x10 ft. Standard widths are 2 ft, 2.5 ft, 3 ft, and 5 ft. Lengths range from 3 ft up to 10 ft.

Measuring Your Space

Determine the length and width of the space you want to cover. For high-traffic paths, add extra width for full coverage. Allow space for pulling out chairs or opening appliances.

Allowing for Overhang

Add 12-18 inches of overhang on each end to prevent the rug from creeping. This extra length allows for washing shrinkage too.

Custom Sizing

For uniquely sized spaces, custom-cut runners ensure a perfect fit. Or piece together multiple sized rugs. Bind edges with rug tape to prevent fraying when washing.

Styles and Designs

Kitchen runners come in endless colors, patterns, and designs:

Solid Colors

Available in any color, solid rug runners seamlessly coordinate. Neutrals like gray, beige and brown hide dirt well. Bold hues add drama.

Patterns and Prints

From modern geometrics to traditional florals, patterns disguise footprints. Choose darker palettes over light to conceal grime.

Borders and Shapes

Runners with borders add definition along edges. Shape variations include wavy, scalloped, zigzag, and diagonal designs.

Contemporary vs Traditional Styles

Contemporary runners feature bold solids and abstract prints. Traditional styles showcase delicate florals and ornamental patterns.

Cleaning and Care

Follow these tips to keep washable kitchen runners looking fresh:

Frequency of Washing

Wash kitchen runners every 1-2 weeks or whenever visibly soiled. Areas with pets or kids may need washing every few days.

Washing Methods

Toss in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water. Air dry or tumble dry on low. Don't bleach or iron.

Drying Considerations

Lay flat to dry to prevent shrinkage. Place a towel underneath while damp. Use a fan to speed drying time.

Stain Removal Tips

Pre-treat stains with carpet cleaner before washing. Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda can also lift stains.

Ensuring Longevity

Take time between washes to fully dry. Rotate runners to spread out wear. Promptly treat spills to avoid permanent stains.

Placement and Usage Tips

Strategically place washable kitchen runners in high-traffic areas prone to messes:

In Front of Sink

Protect against splashes, grease, and leaks from the sink and dishwasher area.

In Front of Stove

Shield your floors from grease splatters, food spills, and hot pans straight from the oven or stove.

Spanning Entire Workspace

Cover your main food prep surface, sink, stove, and fridge areas with an extra long runner.

Layering Rugs

Use a kitchen runner over an area rug for added protection and the ability to clean the top layer easily.

Non-Slip Pads

Add grippy pads underneath to keep your runner firmly planted in place and prevent slips or movement.

High vs Low Traffic Areas

Target the busiest kitchen zones like between the stove, sink, and fridge to optimize functionality.

Costs and Budgeting

Quality washable kitchen runners offer great value at reasonable price points:

Price Ranges

Budget polyester runners start around $20. Mid-range cotton options run $50-100. Higher-end styles like wool cost $150-300+.

Material Differences

Polyester and nylon cost less than natural fibers like cotton, jute, and wool which have higher price tags.

Sales and Discounts

Check major holidays for rug sales up to 70% off. Mass retailers often discount overstock items.

DIY Options

Sew your own rug from absorbent fabric like microfiber towels or fleece. Bind edges with rug grip tape.

Top Places to Buy Washable Kitchen Runners

From big box stores to specialty shops, numerous retailers offer quality washable kitchen runners:

Online vs In-Store Shopping

Browse larger inventories online but visit stores to see textures and colors in person. Check return policies either way.

Amazon

Boasting tens of thousands of options with thousands of reviews, Amazon is a rug buyer's paradise at every price point imaginable.

Overstock

Frequent sales paired with a huge in-stock selection make Overstock another reliable online destination for affordably priced rug runners.

Home Depot

The home improvement giant carries a variety of sizes and designs including slip-resistant options perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

Target

Target's in-house brands offer a budget-friendly selection of machine-washable cotton and nylon runners to instantly refresh your space.

Pros and Cons

Compare multiple retailers online for the best price, design, and materials for your needs. Read reviews before buying.

FAQs

How do I spot clean a kitchen runner?

Use a small amount of carpet cleaner on a clean cloth. Gently blot the stain and avoid rubbing aggressively. Rinse with cool water and allow to fully dry before replacing.

Can kitchen runners go in the dryer?

Most cotton and nylon rug runners can be safely tumble dried on low heat as long as the care label indicates "machine washable." Lay flat to dry is best for longevity.

How do I keep kitchen runners from sliding?

Choose a runner with a rubber or latex backing for grip. You can also use double sided rug tape or purchase non-slip rug pads to keep them securely planted.

The heart of your home deserves special treatment. Washable kitchen runners provide style, protection, comfort, and convenience all in one functional floor covering. Just be sure to measure properly, choose the right materials, allow for overhang, select quality construction, and care for your runner properly. With the wide range of sizes, textures, patterns and colors available today, you're sure to find the perfect washable kitchen runner to suit your space and lifestyle.