Washing rugs at the laundromat Ludwigsburg

What matters is whether the rug can be folded or loosely rolled without kinking or breaking. Then it moves in the drum like a big towel.

• Yes: washable runners, bath mats, rag and cotton rugs, small rugs with a washing symbol on the label
• No: rigid rugs that don't bend, for example with a hard, stiff backing

When in doubt, check the care label: if it shows a wash tub, the rug is meant for the machine.

A quick test at home: if you can fold the rug once in the middle and lay it flat again without the backing kinking or breaking, it's flexible enough. If it feels like a board, it's better left at home. For a rug the size of a bath mat, a normal 8 kg washing machine is often enough.

A rigid rug slams against the drum and door with full force during washing and spinning. That can damage the machine, and then it isn't available for the next customers. That is why the rule at all Wash&Go laundromats is: rugs only if they are flexible.

The machine isn't good for the rug itself either: a stiff backing can tear or warp during spinning. For rugs like that, a professional cleaner is the better choice. Anything soft and pliable, on the other hand, you can wash yourself quickly and cheaply.

1. Shake it out or vacuum it first so sand and crumbs don't end up in the drum.
2. Choose the large washing machine: a rug needs room. The 18 kg machine costs €13.50, with the discount card from €10.20.
3. Temperature as per the label, usually 30 or 40 °C.
4. Drying: if the label allows the dryer, use one of the 20 kg dryers on a low temperature. Otherwise let it dry lying flat at home.

Several small rugs, for example a bath mat and two hallway runners, often fit together into one large washing machine. Just make sure they can still move in the drum and that their colours go together.

• Not shaken out: otherwise sand and hair stay in the drum and the lint filter. One good beating outside saves trouble.
• Washed too hot: many rugs shrink or lose colour at high temperatures. The label has the final say.
• Dried too hot: a rubberised backing often can't take heat. When in doubt, choose 30 °C or let it dry lying flat.
• New rugs with light laundry: colourful cotton rugs in particular tend to bleed in their first wash, so wash them on their own.

Which dryer setting suits what is explained in the guide Dryer temperature at the laundromat.

Shoes, pet blankets, heavily soiled work clothes and dyeing are not allowed in the machines either. The reasons are in the house rules: it is about the machines and about everyone who washes after you.

A wet rug is heavy and a dry one is bulky, so it's worth coming by car: park right outside the door on Stuttgarter Straße or, if it's full, at the job centre (Agentur für Arbeit, approx. 50 m) or at Karlsplatz (approx. 140 m), all paid parking.

The laundromat Ludwigsburg is in the town centre, right next to the Friedenskirche on Karlsplatz and opposite the Residential Palace. It's open Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 10 pm, no appointment needed. Opening hours & directions