This rug is not the run of the mill rug.  It is soft on the top with beautiful color thick fibers and soft on the bottom with a soft material backing. Most rugs have a course loom that the fibers are pulled through. I believe this rug could be cleaned in an  industrial size washer.  The packaging was wonderful done with the new aerospace bags with the air removed. Who ever heard of shipping a rug in  envelope.  Not a single crease in the rug when it went on the floor.  It was as smooth as the floor itself. I love it!!