How to clean and care for your Pappelina rug

Pappelina rugs are designed to last — woven in Sweden from phthalate-free PVC, they're built for real homes and easy cleaning. Find the right care routine for your rug below.

Our plastic rugs are machine washable up to 70 × 250 cm in a 6 kg front-loading machine

Plastic Rugs with polyester warp

Pappelina plastic rugs are woven in Sweden from phthalate-free PVC — a non-porous surface that repels moisture, resists stains, and can be wiped clean in seconds. Cleaning method depends on the size of your rug.

Rugs up to 70 × 250 cm can be machine washed in a standard 6 kg front-loading machine. Larger machines allow longer lengths — match rug to drum size before washing. Do not use a top-loading washing machine as the agitator can damage the material.

140 cm, 180 cm and 230 cm wide rugs must not be machine washed — the drum cannot accommodate them safely. Please wash by hand.

Plastic Rugs with linen warp

Plastic rugs with linen warp are woven with a natural linen structure that gives them a distinctive texture and feel. Because linen is a natural fiber, it needs a little more care at wash time than a standard plastic rug — gentle handling helps the rug keep its shape and look great for years to come.

Stain removal guide

One of the biggest advantages of a Pappelina plastic rug is how forgiving it is when spills happen. The non-porous PVC surface means most liquids sit on top rather than soaking in, giving you time to act. For the toughest stains, a little speed goes a long way — find the right approach for each stain type below.

Ketchup & tomato

Rinse immediately with cold water — do not let it sit. Blot from the outside of the stain inward with a clean cloth, working toward the centre to avoid spreading. If any residue remains, apply a small amount of mild dish soap, blot again, and rinse thoroughly.

Never rub — rubbing spreads the stain and presses pigment deeper into the weave.

Red wine

Blot as much wine as possible straight away, working from the outside in. Follow with a clean cloth dampened with cold water and continue blotting. A small amount of mild soap can help lift the remaining color — rinse fully with cold water once done.

Avoid warm water. Heat can set red wine permanently into the surface.

Coffee & tea

Blot while still warm to absorb as much liquid as possible. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and a small drop of mild detergent, then rinse with cold water and blot dry.

The non-porous PVC surface means coffee rarely penetrates — most of it sits on top and lifts easily.

Mud & dirt

Leave the mud to dry completely before touching it — wiping wet mud spreads it further. Once dry, vacuum or brush away the loose flakes, then wipe any remaining residue with a damp cloth and rinse.

Patience here pays off. Drying first makes the whole process significantly easier.

Grease & oil

Scrape away excess grease with a blunt tool without rubbing it in. Apply a small amount of mild dish soap directly to the spot, blot with a damp cloth, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Dish soap is particularly effective here — it's formulated to break down oil.

Other products

Beyond rugs, Pappelina makes blankets, cushions, kitchen towels, dish cloths, and trays — each with its own care needs. Find the right instructions for your product below.

Cushions

COVER
Machine wash or hand wash at 40°C with a light spin. No fabric conditioner, no tumble dry, no dry cleaning. Iron on low heat to restore the dirt and liquid repellent finish. Wipe off any dirt immediately with a damp cloth between washes.

INNER PILLOW
Machine wash or hand wash at 40°C with a light spin. No fabric conditioner and no tumble dry. Wash separately from the cover.

Blankets

Hand wash or dry clean only — do not machine wash. Skip the spin cycle and do not tumble dry. Iron at medium heat. Expect shrinkage of 0–4%.

Kitchen Towels

Machine wash at 60°C on a gentle cycle. Avoid softeners and bleach. Do not tumble dry. Reshape and iron while damp — they mangle beautifully. Expect around 5% shrinkage.

Dish Cloths

Wash in the dishwasher or machine wash at up to 95°C. For a deep clean, boil for 3 minutes. These are designed to be washed frequently and hold up well to high temperatures.

Trays

Dishwasher safe up to 95°C / 200°F, including industrial dishwashers. For everyday care, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.

LINA Limited Edition - 100% Linen Rug

Unlike our plastic rugs, Lina is not suited for wet washing. For day-to-day upkeep, vacuum regularly and remove any dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush. If spot cleaning is necessary, use a lightly dampened cloth and allow the rug to dry fully before use — avoid soaking or saturating the surface.