There was a time when picking out rugs for your home was one of the biggest decisions you would ever have to make in your life. They had to be the perfect color: dark enough to hide future stains and universal enough that you wouldn’t get tired of looking at them for years. And, if you have pets or kids, they also needed to be cheap enough so you could afford to buy a new one every few years (or worse, every after a major accident).
This was the case—until Ruggable was born. In fact, this was how Ruggable came into existence.
The First Washable Rug
Jeneva Bell, who conceptualized Ruggable in 2009, first thought of the idea of a machine-washable rug after her dog accidentally ruined hers. “Many years ago, my dog ruined my new, expensive rug,” she recalls. “Because the odor from the accident sunk deeply into the thick, structured core, I set out to create a rug you could wash as easily as bedding or blankets.”
And that’s what she did. With the help of industry experts and an amazing team, she was able to secure a patent for a 2-piece rug system, with a Rug Cover that you can detach from the Rug Pad and put in your washing machine. Eight years later, Ruggable.com was born.
The rest, as they say, is history. What started out as a simple solution to a pet accident is now a highly sought-after necessity. Aside from being machine-washable, the product has also evolved to include other benefits: Ruggable’s Rug Covers now come with a waterproof barrier to prevent liquid from seeping into the pad and floor. Plus, it now comes in a variety of sizes and designs to accommodate every space requirement and style preference.
But just like every success story, Ruggable’s journey wasn’t a bed of roses. To tell us more about this, we sat down and talked to Jeneva. Here, she shares what that journey was like, what’s in store for our Ruggable shoppers, and the rugs she chose for her new Andalusian farmhouse-style home.
It’s been a decade since you launched the first washable rug, how has that been for you and company?
“It feels like an era that almost exactly coincided with my 30s. I gave this idea all of my focus and dedication and struggled for the first 8 years to make it a success.
Everything has improved over the years: the product quality, the designs, the team, etc. We make a constant effort to continue to do everything better and better.”
What has been your greatest challenge so far in running Ruggable? And what did you do to overcome it?
“The greatest challenge was having so many different challenges at the same time. I didn’t have enough funding, a team, the right suppliers, the right business model, but I had a product that I knew people wanted.”
How has the market and the rug industry changed over the years? Do people still think, use and buy their rugs the same way?
“The market hasn’t changed drastically, but people are moving away from high-priced rugs they can have ‘forever’ to designs and colors that are more current. And with Ruggable rugs, people have the opportunity to invest in stylish, affordable rugs they can also easily maintain.”
Social media has definitely changed the way we design our spaces. How has this helped (or hurt) Ruggable?
“Social media has been extremely helpful because it gets us in front of customers who are looking for new ideas and inspiration. Plus, we love seeing how people are styling Ruggable rugs in their own homes! We are so thankful that people are, as they say, letting us into their living rooms.”
As someone with a keen eye for style and beauty, what do you think is the next big thing in interior design?
“Interior design is very personal, but I’m seeing more people lean towards soothing environments, which means being surrounded by less ‘stuff’ and more creature comforts—from textiles, stone, wood and meaningful objects that can stand alone, like a sculpture, a piece of artwork or a unique rug.”
We heard you’re redesigning your house. Can you give us a teaser of what this home will look like? What’s your design inspiration?
“My inspiration is Andalusian farmhouse. I want to combine stone and vintage details to create nostalgia of the past, with modern conveniences like a large laundry room with two sets of washer and dryer. I should add that the property has horses and we will be tracking in a lot of dirt!”
How important is picking the right rug for your new home’s theme? And what factors are you considering when choosing the right rug?
“It’s essential! The size and scale of the design are key and that changes from room to room. I’m looking forward to the launch of our new sizes (potentially soon), which will work well in the kitchen and mudroom.”
Have you picked which Ruggable rug you’re using for your new home?
“I’m using the Vintage Daisy Bordered Grey Rug in the kitchen, the Herringbone Batik Natural Rug in my bedroom and the Diamond Trellis Black Rug in the mudroom, along with many others!”
Want more professional home decor tips from Jeneva? You’re in luck: Jeneva will be sharing more of her design journey with our followers, so make sure you follow along on our Instagram and blog!
36 Comments
We love our first Ruggable and are hoping to add another soon. Saving up:) Do you have any plans for round or differently shaped rugs to be added? Thanks!
I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday and tell you that I will hopefully be doing business with you soon!
I am anxiously awaiting your kitchen and laundry room rugs.?
My biggest challenge has been to what I feel like are limited sizes. I would to see a 4 X 6 size. Also an entryway size for doors.
Thank you
I bought a patchwork boho rug for my laundry room. I needed a rug my husband would not trip over and could be washed. We come in to this room from the garden. We wipe our feet but still we get a little dirt in my new floor. It came with a pad that holds it firmly in place. We washed it and it looked like new. I LOVE THIS RUG.
Thank You. Sharon
Just got my ruggable recently and love it so far. I was wondering if they are fade resistant?
My new rug is at my summer home and gets alot of sun so don’t want it to fade. Thanks.
Joanne
I love my Ruggables but they do fade after just one wash. Perhaps it is just the design I chose.
Hi, Marie! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please email our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com for assistance with this concern. Make sure to provide your order number and photos of the concern in the body of the email to best assist you. 😊
I wish Ruggables came in 2×3 or 3×3 size—to fit under dog dishes
I’m so excited to try it out! I’m so glad to hear that there’s finally another option!
Can you tell me the pile thickness of your rugs and where to find that under each rug? Also does the whole rug stick to pad or just edges?
Hi Sylvia! Ruggable rugs are low pile, measuring 1/4 inch for the rug system. Also, the rug pad includes a unique cling technology throughout the top surface which clings to the rug cover keeping it structured and in place. If you’d like to take a better look, samples can be ordered by emailing support@ruggable.com. 🙂
Thank you so much for this idea. I have two cats and they have been an experience in trying to keep my small apartment clean. I have hardwood floors, and I’ve used throw rugs to warm up the place, but my fur babies inevitably ruin them. From scratching to fur balls, to shedding – it’s been awful! And expensive! I just purchased my second ruggable and I am so excited about these rugs! Brilliant idea, wish I had thought of it first!
I have three of you rugs and mostly love them. I have one suggestion. I have one of the 5×7 that the edges will now lay down after washing. Maybe a heavier thread on the edges? Other than the one, others are perfect.
Hi. I just got my rug and realized the pad is made of rubber. Will this hurt my wood floor?I have been told that rubber rug pads hurt wood floors.
Hi, Tracy! We completely understand your concerns and are happy to offer some additional insight. Our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface and vinyl flooring! Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains.
However, we always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious or if you have any concerns. We hope this helps!
I have been so happy with my rugs!!! On top of that, when I had a small issue with the pad on my last purchase , they didn’t hesitate to send me another and they did that in record time!!!! If you are skeptical about how these do in the washing machine, I just washed my kitchen runner for the first time, and it looks as good as the first day it arrived. I am over the top impressed!
Liz Whitney- Salt Lake City, Utah
Hi to the Ruggable Team!
I just got the first runner (1 of 4 coming my way) and it was SO easy to roll out, put on the area where I was hoping it would look great and I got it down and smooth in 5 minutes – time clock was going before 350+ pounds of dogs would try to help. And it DOES look great – the dogs liked it immediately 🙂 Can’t wait for the rest of the Ruggables to get delivered, installed and put to the real test…mastiff slobber is no joke!!! Thanks for a seriously great home improvement product that’s beautiful and will stop the dogs from falling over when they’re playing/wrestling with each other. Welcome Ruggables to the mastiff rescue world!!!
Hello Ruggable Team!
I LOVE your products! However, I am in need of a round Ruggable.
Please make one soon! (White – I need a white one.;) )
Makes so much sense. Odd that you do not already have one!
I will keep asking….
Thank you!
Rachel Laghi
Winter Park, FL
I bought my first two Ruggable rugs after seeing one at my sister-in-law’s house.
Are there different pad thickness sizes?
Also, some less decorative design choices would be great. I mostly use runners for the dogs to wipe their feet on and to also keep them from slipping and sliding.
The two I bought were a “stretch” in design and really don’t quite fit in. But, I do love the concept.
Hats off to you for making a go of it. Many, many years of success to you! 👍🏻👍🏻
I was so happy to see this advertisement and was hoping someone would invent a product to put in a rug to prevent dogs from peeing on them and now you created this. I am so excited and will be looking forward to.buying a rug again. Thank you Soooooo Much.
Do these rugs fit in any washer?
If you purchase an 8 × 10 rug, do you need to take it to a commercial laundromat?
This is a really cool product and long overdue for those of us with fur babies. I purchased my first set a couple of months ago for my living room and just purchased two more sets for my kitchen. I would love to see some smaller sizes for the front door area, the bottom of a staircase, as well as for beside a bed (size of a small throw rug). Just so practical being able to wash them and I like the idea of being able to change them out. Thank you very much for inventing. Well done!
Wondering if you will be offering rugs in a 2×3 size!???
Here’s a question. Can I use this on carpeting?
Love my ruggables in my bathroom, kitchen and mud room. I am hoping one of the new sizes will 6ft round. ???
Where are your rugs made?
Hi. I ordered a rug from you mid -July , and have yet to receive it. I believe it was July 21. If you could find out and let me know where it is, I would love it. I spent over $200 on the rug. Thank you!
Any chances of getting more sizes for Ruggable? I’d love a 2’ x 3’ rug for in front of doors. I’d also love to see round rugs.
I would love to have Ruggables join us as a Corporate Sponsor or Vendor for a 40 year old event held in Birmingham, Alabama that raises money for the Great Birmingham Humane Society called Do Day Day. Who can I speak to about this? Our website is http://www.dodahday.org
Thanks
Linda
Executive Board Member, Treasurer
Hi Linda, thanks for thinking about us! Please feel free to email us with the details of your event at giving@ruggable.com.
Hi there. Can you tell me what material your rugs are constructed from (wool, cotton, polyester, other synthetic)? Thanks very much.
Jay
We’d be happy to offer further insight into our rugs, Jay! Our woven covers are 100% polyester (the top of the cover is made of woven polyester chenille style yarn and the bottom is a polyester knit). The two layers of fabric are bonded together and made of 100% polyester. This makes it possible to recycle the cover because it is all made of the same synthetic material. Another interesting note about polyester is that the fiber does not absorb liquid. Yes, liquid will be absorbed in between the fibers but not within the fiber. This is why stains and odors wash out so easily!
The rug pad is made of polyester (95% recycled fiber). The Cling Effect™ texture is created by heating the surface (think Crème Brûlée dessert). The non slip backing is made of Thermoplastic Resin (TPR) a latex-free synthetic material that is commonly used in yoga mats.
Where are your rugs produced please
Great question, Pam! Our rugs are made in and ship from the United States.😊