Tumble Rugs is trending right now because of their Labor Day sale. If you have kids, pets, or simply like being able to wash your rug instead of panicking every time something spills on it, washable rugs are incredibly convenient.
But as a mom, I also have to ask a very practical question before spending my money: Do I really need to pay $100 or more for a washable rug when I can find something similar for much less? This was what led me into buying a cheaper alternative on Amazon.
A year later, was that purchase worth it or would I be joining the bandwagon to order from tumbleliving.com? Here’s a completely honest review.
About Tumble Rugs
Tumble is a rug company that has become well known for its washable, pet friendly and family friendly rugs. The brand focuses on making rugs that are easier to live with, particularly for households dealing with children, pets, spills and everyday messes.
One of the things that makes Tumble different is its rug system. The rugs are designed with a cushioned pad underneath, while the rug itself is marketed as washable and spillproof.
It is a pretty appealing concept, especially if you want something that looks more like a traditional decorative rug without the traditional headache of trying to keep it clean.
The problem for me is the price. Depending on the design, a 5 x 7 Tumble rug can cost somewhere around $80 to $160 or more.
And that made me start looking around.
Tumble Rug vs Ruggable
Tumble and Ruggable are two of the better known names when it comes to washable rugs. Both brands cater to people who want attractive rugs that are easier to clean, particularly families and pet owners. Both offer plenty of patterns and sizes, so there is no shortage of choices.
Tumble has its own washable rug system with a cushioned pad, while Ruggable is known for its removable, washable rug covers and non slip pad system. They are both established brands, and I’m not here to tell you that either one is bad.
But, popular doesn’t always mean best value. If you are happy paying a premium for a particular design or the features that come with the brand, that’s completely fine.
But if your main goal is simply to get a pretty, comfortable, washable rug without spending a small fortune, I think it is worth looking beyond these two names.
My experience using a $50 Alternative from Amazon
I bought this Washable Area Rug 5×7 on Amazon for $49.99. When it arrived, I opened the box and put it right to use. My first impression was how incredibly soft it felt underfoot and how well made it looked for the price. It is thin but has a strong grip, it doesn’t slip when walked on. I placed it in the dining section, which made it look bigger than it actually is.
Still, after reading reviews of people who got the Tumble Rugs, thin rugs with a non-slip pad are best when you’ve pets and even kids. Mine doesn’t move all over the place and it’s fairly easy to clean.
After a full year of everyday use, I am not seeing wear and tear on my rug. It still looks good, the colors are still vibrant, and I haven’t had the rug start coming apart or looking worn out. It’s easy to vacuum and doesn’t trap pet hair.
Of course, I can’t tell you that it has the exact same construction, thickness or durability as a Tumble rug because I haven’t owned a Tumble rug myself. And I don’t want to pretend otherwise.
Tumble also includes features such as its cushioned pad and washable rug system, so you’re not comparing two products that are necessarily identical in every single respect. But here’s what I keep coming back to:
I paid around $50.
A 5 x 7 Tumble can cost several times that depending on the design. If I can get the aesthetic I want, something soft and comfortable underfoot, and a rug that has held up for a year without obvious wear and tear, I have to ask myself what exactly I am paying the extra money for.
Is It Actually Spillproof?
A rug in a family home with three hyper toddlers like me is certainly going to encounter spills. That’s just reality. But this Amazon alternative has been easy to live with and clean. Once my kid spills juice or water on it, I quickly dab with paper towel and off it goes, leaving no stain behind.
Can a 5 x 7 Washable Rug Fit in a 9 kg Washing Machine?
Yes, my 5 x 7 rug went into my 9 kg washing machine. That was honestly something I wondered about before buying it because “machine washable” sounds great until you realize you still need a machine big enough to actually wash the thing.
I washed it on cold this morning and laid it across a couple of diningroom chairs to dry and it dried (with an oscillating fan on it) in 6 hours without ever going into the dryer! You do have to reduce your vacuum suction to vacuum it but my shark does that just fine and I vacuum it every evening no problem.
So from my personal experience, the 5 x 7 size was manageable in a 9 kg washer. However, I wouldn’t automatically assume that every 5 x 7 washable rug from every brand will fit the same way. Rug construction, backing, thickness and weight can make a big difference.
Always check the manufacturer’s washing instructions and your machine’s capacity before doing the same.
Pros
• Pocket friendly
• Very soft and comfortable underfoot
• Vibrant, attractive colors
• Thin but doesn’t feel flimsy
Cons
• It doesn’t have the exact same rug system as Tumble
• Vacuuming feel slightly different from vacuuming a bare floor
Does Tumble Rugs Actually Have Better Quality?
I’ve a couple of mom friends in an online forum who think otherwise. After owning one for years, they’ve ditched it for a less popular cheaper alternative which they swear by today.
The general consensus is that you’re paying more for less when you buy from this popular brand. A cheaper alternative like the one I own delivers same outcome. So why pay more for less?
And this isn’t about saying Tumble is a scam or that you’re being ripped off if you buy one. You’re paying for the brand, the design, the construction and the particular rug system.
My honest takeaway
I’m a mom. I like pretty things, but I also like saving money.
If I can spend nearly $37 on a 5 x 7 washable rug instead of $100 to $160 or more and get something that looks good, feels soft, can go through my 9 kg washing machine and dryer, and has survived a year of everyday use without obvious wear and tear, I’m going to consider that a win.
I’m not saying everyone should skip Tumble.
I’m saying don’t buy a rug simply because the brand is popular or because there’s a big sale happening.
Compare the size, materials, washing instructions, customer reviews and, most importantly, the price.
Then check Amazon.
You may discover that you can get the look you want for a whole lot less.
And personally, I’d rather keep that extra money in my pocket.