The Household Item You Need to Handle Messy Kids

You know those types of people who can’t seem to keep plants alive?

*Sheepishly raises my hand*

*Bets you did too*

Well, just like my black thumb, I also have a really hard time keeping area rugs alive.

With two cats, a messy toddler, and a husband who always forgets to take off his shoes indoors, our rugs get absolutely trashed. 

Let me tell you a “funny” story. 

(Funny is in quotes because it was my job to do damage control afterwards!)

When we moved in March, I really wanted to lay out a rug we had in our apartment. It was on of those rugs that folds up super small — so small that you could probably fit two or three in the washing machine.

Anyway, I unfolded it and instantly realized that my once beloved rug was stained with a variety of what I think was PlayDoh and baby food pouches. I stared for awhile and decided upon washing it. It was already ruined, so if I washed it that meant it would either stay ruined or look brand new. 

What could go wrong?

Short answer: a lot.

Everything washed just fine, but as soon as I pulled it out of the dryer it looked like my appliance swallowed Violet Beauregarde. 

There. Was. Blue. Everywhere.

I know, I know — I should have heeded instructions, but it was too tempting not to try. I mean, I don’t actually dry clean my clothes or hang my bra to dry, so I figured this had a shot too.

After a lot of whining and elbow grease, my dryer came clean and I headed over to Google to see if washable rugs even existed.

In my recent post on DockATot, I mention how we have hardwood floors, making rugs a crucial part of decor. With that said, I was ready to say goodbye to rugs forever if I couldn’t find one that I wouldn’t have to throw to the curb after 6 months or so. 

Lorena Canals was my final solution.

These rugs and cushions are machine-washable and fit into a standard washer and dryer. The dyes are natural, each rug is handmade, and proceeds support the Sakula project which provides schooling for children in India which is something I can definitely get behind.

Fox frequently requests to wear his “Baby 8” costume to play in and Star Wars paraphernalia is completely overtaking his room, so I just had to get him this cute space-themed Universe. At first I was nervous about buying a black rug because of cat hair and other fuzzies, but with it being machine-washable it’s been easy to take care of.

Each item is made in India and designed in Spain and they’re loved by publications like Vogue as a coveted baby product for celebrity nurseries. 

Here’s a link to the exact rug I picked up for Fox, but trust me when I say that you should peruse the entire site because everything is so very cute!