Start by throwing 1 oxygenated bleach pod into your washing machine. The rug needs plenty of room to move freely in the wash. Better Homes & Gardens notes that you can wash small braided or woven rugs in the machine was well. For a large number of rugs, you may want to head to the local laundromat and use a larger commercial washer. Place the mat in the washing machine and set the machine to a gentle cycle setting and the water temperature to a warm or hot setting, to kill any existing mold, mildew or bacteria on the bath mat. Better to just let air dry. They can be machine washed, just use a temperature appropriate for the color. Pour laundry detergent and a capful of white vinegar in with the mat to clean and sanitize. Add oxygenated bleach, laundry detergent, and borax to your load. Machine Washing Rugs vs. Hand Washing Rugs High quality Persian and Oriental rugs last for decades and are quite resilient if cared for properly. If you have two or three rugs that are exactly the same, they can be washed together. You'll save time and water by washing all the rugs at once. Technically. The dryer is where the rugs will fall apart. According to Good Housekeeping, rugs that are made of cotton or synthetic fibers—even those with a rubber, no-slip backing—can go in the washing machine. You could set to no heat, but I wouldn't recommend that. DO NOT place in the dryer. Afterward, add your laundry detergent (follow the manufacturer's recommendations) and pour in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of borax to kill mildew and mold spores.. Don't use bleach or vinegar as they can break down rubber backing and damage carpet fibers. Yes, kinda. After all, we walk on them, spill liquids on them, arrange heavy furniture on them, our pets and children play on them, … Set the machine for a large load on the delicate cycle, even if you're only washing the rug and a couple of towels.