We Tried Ruggable’s Washable Rug — and It’s a Total Game Changer (Bonus: It’s on Sale!)

New York City apartments are notoriously noisy, and it’s worse when you’re part of the problem. Recently, I ran into my downstairs neighbor and she jokingly asked if my husband and I were using a corner of our living area to host workout classes. She was referring to our dining area, which also doubles as my husband’s home office, an occasional co-working space for his colleagues, and the prime spot for guests to converge when we entertain. All that heavy furniture dragging back and forth likely causes a commotion downstairs, so, being a good neighbor, I pulled the easiest soundproofing hack: Putting a rug under the dining table. And it was the best decision I ever made.

Choosing the right rug was a bit tricky, but I went with a chic, vintage-looking style from Ruggable. For starters, all of their rugs are machine washable, so I don’t have to stress about spills and stains, plus the low-pile surface doesn’t attract irritants like dust, pet dander or pollen, which is another huge benefit, since I have mild asthma.

When the rug arrived, it came in two pieces — a 1/8-inch-thick, waterproof rug cover and a 1/8-inch-thick, non-slip pad, which has a cling effect to keep both pieces together. To assemble, I first lay down the rubber pad, then rolled up the rug cover and aligned the top two corners with the velcro tabs on the pad. Then I rolled it out. Done! Only I rushed through it and got my mat sticking to the pad in all the wrong places. After following this tutorial, things turned out perfect.

We’ve had the rug for a few weeks now, and I couldn’t be happier. It feels surprisingly plush, and I’m loving the warmth it brings to my dining space. It’s exhilarating to know that I can enjoy a messy plate of spaghetti or the company of raucous friends without having to stress about spills and splashes. In fact, we’ve dropped blood-red wine and stomped muddy shoes on the rug, but after running the lightweight top layer through the cold cycle and drying it on low heat, it came out totally stain-free. Whew! I also literally breathe easier knowing there are no loose threads or fabric pockets where allergens can thrive.

But back to my neighbor: I texted her last evening to check if she’s noticed any improvement in the noise situation over the past few weeks. Her response? A thumbs up. I couldn’t agree more!

If you want to try out a Ruggable rug for yourself, now’s the perfect time. From now through May 31, you can save 15 percent off some of Ruggable’s most popular styles with code STRIPES15.

Buy: Vintage Daisy Bordered Blue Rug, $177.65 (normally $209)