8 min readFor years, I was against having a washable rug in my apartment: the thought of cleaning it in the same drum where I launder my undergarments grossed me out. However, as I continued to hear my colleagues rave about their washable rugs, my interest piqued, and when I moved back into my parents’ house briefly two summers ago (and needed a rug in the guest bedroom), I decided to give them a try. I ended up getting Tumble’s 5' x 7' Petra rug in the Sand & Sea color because no one on my team had tried this brand before and I wanted to see for myself if it was worth buying over other labels like Ruggable and Revival.
For those not familiar with the Los Angeles–based company, it was founded in 2021 by Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett. The rugs are affordable, machine-washable, and spill-proof—all buzzwords that caught my attention. After I received my Tumble rug, I assembled it and put the Petra through the wash and dry cycles to see how the rug held up—and jotted down all my notes ahead. Am I now a washable rug convert? You'll just have to read on to find out.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 3.9/5
Best for: People who want a washable low-pile rug that is also 100 percent spill-proof because the liquid beads instead of soaking into the rug!
Not ideal for: Those who prefer more colorful and varied design options, since Tumble’s rugs feature more subdued prints.
Price at review: $399
Bottom line: If you want an affordable, washable rug in neutral shades that’s easy to assemble and actually spill-proof, go with Tumble. Its ability to repel liquid is the biggest draw.
Key Features of Tumble Rugs
Machine-Washable
Similar to Ruggable and Revival, all Tumble rugs, no matter the size, are machine-washable. The brand offers rugs in various sizes, from a 2.5' x 7' runner to a 9' x 12' area rug, but you should note that certain designs may not be offered in the full size range.
Spill-Proof
If you have kids and/or pets, Tumble is a great choice because the low-pile, 100 percent polyester rugs are spill-proof. The moisture-resistant surface will make any liquid, including coffee and red wine, bead up so you can wipe it away. I spilled water on my rug to test this claim and oddly enjoyed watching the liquid bead up and sit on the surface.
Additionally, if you're thinking polyester? Is that safe around babies and pets? The short answer is yes! Tumble says all their rugs are OEKO-TEX certified, which is a third-party certification that lets a brand's consumers know that all their products have been tested for nontoxic materials. You can find on Tumble's website the exact chemicals they check for, including BPA, Phthalates, Formamide, and VOCs.
Cushioned Pad Included
Beneath each design, Tumble's rugs feature puzzle-piece–like cushion pads that remind me of children's playmats. These pads are very thick and sturdy, providing excellent support. The 1/4” cushy pieces are included with all the rugs and fit into corner pockets, ensuring everything stays securely in place.
Delivery and Assembly
I ordered the 5' x 7' Petra rug in the Sand & Sea color because I wanted it to go underneath my bed or a desk. The delivery was seamless: It came in a big but slender box, and once I opened it, all my pieces were packaged tightly and securely. All I had to do was open the box and start assembling! I did not read the instruction manual, which was just a simple sheet of white cardboard paper printed with instructions, before I started because I hate reading manuals, and the rug was highly intuitive to put together.
I connected all the rug pads first, which were all numbered for ease. It really did feel like I was putting giant puzzle pieces together. Then, I laid the rug on top and tucked the pad into the corner pockets. (Note: the rug is larger than the pad because after the initial wash, the rug will then shrink slightly.) My rug had a few creases from being folded up, but Tumble says they smooth out within a week. You can also iron out the creases on the lowest setting.
My six-year-old rescue dog Willow was watching me assemble the rug—I'll call it Petra for short—and was definitely intrigued by the finished product. As soon as I was done, she climbed on top and demanded belly rubs. Suffice it to say, the Tumble rug is certainly pet-approved!
I haven't decided where I want to place the rug yet, whether underneath the bed or the desk, so I didn't use the included clear rug grippers. (Since this is my sister's childhood room turned guest bedroom, her white princess bed and my modern rug don't exactly match in style.) However, Tumble advises that once you've found a final place for your rug, just apply the corner grippers to secure the rug to the floor. If the grippers lose their stickiness over time, you can rinse them with soap and water to get their grip back. Additionally, when you wash your rug, leave the grippers adhered to the floor.
Tumble Rug Feel and Design
Tumble's rugs feel smooth to the touch, almost silky, and come in many different designs. You can filter through styles like “modern and geometric,” “Persian and traditional,” or “solid and textured.” They even have faux fur options with built-in rug pads, though these options are not spill-proof. I didn't like the look of the faux fur styles, so I opted for a more abstract rug design.
To be honest, I did have a hard time finding a rug design from Tumble that spoke to me. I typically prefer more Scandinavian-inspired designs (think Nordic Knots) and wool rugs that have more of a textured look and feel to them versus a “flat” look. Of course, wool is often not machine-washable, and I think washable rug designs are limited to accommodate them getting wet. Tumble could stand to step up their selections more, like Ruggable, which always seemingly has a new collaboration up its sleeve. Still, most people will likely be able to find a Tumble rug design they like, as everyone has different tastes.
Tumble Rug Wash-and-Dry Process
As soon as I was done setting up my rug, I tossed Petra into the washing machine to test how well it washed. The instructions for washing are simple: machine-wash cold with the design facing outward. Do not use detergent that contains bleach—I used my usual Tide Free & Gentle on it. Since I'm staying at my parents' house, I used their Whirlpool washing machine (the model is now discontinued, but they have a 27” front-load washer).
Petra folded up nicely, which is great—you won't have trouble getting even the biggest Tumble rug into a compact washing machine. It almost felt like I was folding up a heavy quilt for washing.
After the cold wash, I took Petra out, and surprisingly, the rug already felt dry. There was no water dripping from it, and Petra still looked fantastic. I then transferred it into the dryer. I'm not going to lie—I was a bit scared the rug would come out twisted and weird, even though I know Tumble has tested all their rugs in the dryer. Since I'm paranoid, I dried my rug on an extra-low setting (the brand said drying on just “low” is good) and after 30 minutes, I took it out to finish hang-drying. All the creases were gone post-wash, by the way, so this is another way to get rid of out-of-the-package creases if this bothers you.
Tumble Rug Pros and Cons
Washable rugs have more pros than cons in my opinion, and Tumble is no different. Here's what I like and don't like about the Tumble Petra Rug below.
Pros
- The rug's truly easy to fold up and wash at home
- The rugs come in many sizes, so you have options for your rooms
- Rug pad is durable and easy to piece together like a puzzle
- Putting the rug and pad together takes less than 15 minutes
Cons
- Design selections felt limited to me
How the Tumble Rug Has Held Up Over the Years
After my new apartment was ready and I moved out of my parents’ house, the Peta rug did not match my new space’s aesthetic, so I rehomed it to my sister-in-law's apartment. They needed a washable rug in their kitchen/dining area as a soft landing spot for their daughter. Suffice it to say, with a toddler around, the Tumble rug certainly has been put through the wringer more than my rugs in an adults-only household.
My sister-in-law and her husband report that two years later, the Tumble rug’s corners have started to curl, and it's looking a little worse for wear than when they first got it. They placed the Tumble in the kitchen, a high-traffic area, so it's exposed to everything from spills to oil splattering from a pan to both a toddler and a dog walking across it every single day. How you use the rug will affect its natural degradation, so this is something to keep in mind when you consider buying a Ruggable or Tumble.
For what it’s worth: one of the corners on my small Ruggable doormat also curled after washing it once! I imagine all washable rugs will have this issue just because they’re being tossed around in a washing machine drum. I suggest placing something heavy on the corner to flatten it out (I used a paperweight on my doormat for two weeks).
Are Tumble Rugs Worth Buying?
If you're thinking about trying washable rugs for the first time, I would recommend the Tumble brand based on price for value. Compared to similar rugs in material and size from brands like Ruggable and Revival, Tumble is more affordable. For instance, a rug similar to my Petra at those brands starts around $200+ if not on sale.
Tumble rugs are also easy to wash, unlike some of the larger rug options from other brands, and are perfect for busy households with kids who spill a lot. On the other hand, if you own several washable rugs already, Tumble's design selections may feel underwhelming. And if you prefer rugs with other textures, like jute or faux fur, you'll want to check out other brands.
Tumble Rug FAQs
Return Policy and Warranty
You can return or exchange your rug for free within 30 days, plus Tumble will cover shipping costs. For exchanges, the item has to be in “new and sellable condition.” According to the brand's return policy, “all returned items must have no visible damage, stains, or pet hair.” Meanwhile, Tumble rugs and pads have a 90-day limited warranty, which covers “unraveling or excessively fraying stitching/serging, printing inconsistencies or marks, incorrect rug sizing.”
Can You Vacuum Tumble Rugs?
You can vacuum all of Tumble's rugs as long as you're doing so on the lowest setting and not using a beater brush. The brand recommends not vacuuming the sewn edges, as this can damage the area. They also don't recommend using robot vacuums on the rugs.
Are Rug Swatches Available?
Yes! You can order up to six rug swatches for $10 each. The swatch measures 10” x 10”, and it's great if you're unsure about a design in your space or want to feel the softness of the rugs for yourself.
