How to Choose a Non-Toxic Rug

Today we're sharing everything you need to know about choosing a non-toxic rug for your home, from what to look for to the best companies to buy from!

Goto HAOZE to know more.

This post is brought to you by Anne Garland from Grass Fed Salsa! Anne is a Nutritional Health Coach and incredibly knowledgable about all things detoxification ' especially in the home.

The idea to choose a non-toxic rug did not enter my mind until I became pregnant with my first child. I had just started researching the best products to purchase for my baby's nursery when I stumbled upon information regarding the toxins that are common in conventional furniture, finishes, and decor.

In my search for information, I found area rugs to be a heavy hitter in the toxic burden of the average home. Finding a safer option became a big priority for me as I was about to have my daughter crawling, tummy-timing, and roughhousing on the floor for the next several years!

The good news is: it's not all doom and gloom! I've done all the legwork in analyzing and simplifying the information you need to choose a non-toxic rug that is both beautiful and affordable.

Are eco-friendly rugs the same as non-toxic rugs?

There are several considerations when it comes to identifying a non-toxic rug, but I first want to distinguish between eco-friendly rugs and non-toxic rugs. An eco-friendly rug includes properties and features that focus on protecting the future health of the planet as a whole, while a non-toxic rug is created using materials that are focused on the health of the humans that come into contact with it.

In your search for a non-toxic rug, you will likely come across marketing claims like 'green', 'sustainable', and 'eco-friendly'. While these features are good to consider for the environment, they don't necessarily mean they're safer for your health, so don't be misled into assuming as much.

What are the main toxic offenders in most rugs?

When it comes to choosing an area rug, there are a variety of materials and additives you want to take into consideration. Marketing techniques might lead you to believe a rug free from one toxic component can be deemed 'non-toxic', but this just isn't the case.

I purchased a rug from West Elm made from wool with recycled cotton backing. It was Oeko-tex certified, flame-retardant-free, and stain repellent-free. Yet when I received it, the odor smelled so strongly of chemicals that everyone in the family got a headache from it. It took weeks for the odor to go away.

After researching what could have contributed to this chemical odor, I learned wool rugs require extra harsh dyes to color the fibers since wool is naturally stain resistant. Despite checking so many of the boxes for a safer solution, it had one factor that counteracted all of them, and it ended up contributing to the toxic burden of our home.

This is just one testament to share the importance of selecting a non-toxic rug with a holistic approach and to always look for reviews mentioning the smell or odor.

Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to the main toxic offenders in most rugs:

• Materials like polypropylene (also known as olefin or polyolefin), nylon, and polyester. These three are synthetic materials that are created through chemical processes. Synthetic materials aren't necessarily always harmful but can transfer chemicals to the skin depending on how it's produced.
• Flame retardant chemicals are incredibly toxic, not very effective, and almost always applied to the synthetic materials listed above.
• Natural materials like cotton and wool can also be an issue. These materials often are sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals when not properly sourced.
• The synthetic rubber backing of rugs and rug pads can contain endocrine-disrupting ingredients.
• Many rugs use toxic, high-impact dyes to color the fibers.
• Formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen and ear, nose, and throat irritant, is found in adhesives used to make many building products and furniture including area rugs.
• Stain and water repellent treatments are often made from perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). This chemical is known to get into the bloodstream and has been found in human breast milk.

Non-Toxic Rug Options

My undergraduate and graduate degree are both in Interior Design, so when I'm looking for healthy home furnishings and decor, I'm coming to it from a unique perspective: it not only needs to be safe, but it also needs to be beautiful. While there are some brands that offer safer solutions, they just don't fit the beautiful/trendy requirement and vice versa. These are several of my favorite rug options that meet both requirements.

FLOR is a brand that marries the convenience and durability of commercial carpet tile, with the colors and patterns you'd want in a residential area rug. FLOR comes in carpet tile, so you can make it whatever size you need.  If you're looking for no-odor, eco-friendly, and incredibly durable, this brand is perfect for you.

It's also a good option for families and pet owners, since you can swap out 1 tile if you get a stain instead of replacing an entire rug. FLOR also eliminates the need for a carpet pad.

Don't let the carpet tile aspect scare you off ' they have some fun and funky patterns like this palm print one! Pricing ranges from $8-32 per tile. For reference, an 8'x10' rug needs 30 tiles.

Safavieh is a brand sold by a lot of the big online retailers like Amazon, Overstock, and RugsUSA. When it comes to non-toxic options, it requires a bit more digging, as the majority of their options produced according to conventional methods. However, this brand has a good amount of beautiful and trendy options and is very well priced. I ended up purchasing 2 Safavieh rugs, neither of which had any odor upon arrival.

Here are my tips for finding a safer rug from Safavieh:

1. Use the 'filter' tool to search for rugs with natural materials like cotton, wool, jute, and sisal. Silk is another natural material but is only recommended for bedrooms due to durability concerns.
2. Double-check the material content listed for the rug! Often times I'd find a polypropylene rug that somehow was filtered under my natural material search.
3. Once you find an option you like, contact Safavieh customer service (they have a live chat feature on their website) to see if they use stain repellents and fire retardants on the rug you're considering.
4. Keep in mind the dyes used for these rugs are likely not low impact, but I look at this brand with a 'progress, not perfection' mindset.

That's it! I purchased this rug in 2 colors (it was confirmed free from all surface treatments) and I've been happy with the durability and look. This rug was only $245 for an 8'x10'. A steal!

Lorena Canals has rugs designed for children that are absolutely adorable. The only downside is the size limitations. As a designer, one of my pet peeves is a rug too small for the space. What I suggest doing if you choose to purchase a smaller rug from Lorena Canals is to layer it on top of a larger neutral rug. You can see two examples of layered rugs here and here. This look works really well with using an inexpensive, large jute or sisal rug as the base, and a more colorful, patterned, smaller rug on top.

Here's a combo I considered for my daughter's room ' one of Lorena Canal's fun rugs layered on top of a simple Hook & Loom rug (below).

Rugs are around $325 for 4'7' x 6'7'.

Hook & Loom offers affordable rugs in basic colors and patterns. You can use these to add a tonal texture to your room or to layer with a smaller, more heavily patterned rug like I shared in the Lorena Canals description.

I love the undyed supple wool option in the Perth pattern. Pricing for this rug starts at $42 and goes up to $ for a 10' x 14'.

If you're wanting to really invest in a rug, ecoFiber Custom Rugs is a great option. These rugs are non-toxic, beautifully made, and designed to suit your aesthetic. The price per rug is going to be higher and will depend on size and complexity in pattern.

Practical Tips for your Non-Toxic Rug

In a perfect world, these toxin concerns would be non-existent, and there would be no need for additional research. Unfortunately, that's not the case. This means you may end up with a rug that has questionable materials, treatments, and odors.

Or, you might feel as though you've made a great choice in sourcing a non-toxic rug, and so you want your investment to last! Here are tips for times like these:

What can I do if my rug isn't completely non-toxic?

If you can't find a rug that is free from all of the main toxic offenders I mentioned above, I suggest allowing it to off-gas outside, in direct sun. The sun will help speed up the off-gassing process. Leave it outside in the sun for as long as possible before bringing it into your house.

How can I minimize chemical odors?

Absorb some of the smell you may encounter when purchasing a conventional area rug is to sprinkle it with baking soda, leave it on overnight, and vacuum it the following morning.

What's the best way to extend the life of my non-toxic rug?

If you've worked hard to source a non-toxic area rug you love, you'll want to take care of it to keep it looking new. Here are 3 ways to do just that:

1. Use a rug pad, but not just any rug pad (see the 'toxic-offenders' section when I talk about backing). A rug pad helps protect the rug, keeps it from slipping, and is key to maintaining it. I like using felt or wool rug pads like this one, or a 100% natural latex rug pad like this one from Earth Weave.
2. Turn off the brush roll on your vacuum. When I was working as a professional interior designer, the number 1 thing every rug rep would tell us to maintain the look of their rugs is to never use the brush roll on them. It's stuck with me, and now unless the rug is seriously shedding, or my daughter tracked in a lot of dirt, I just use the 'hardwood' setting when vacuuming my more delicate rugs.
3. Take shoes off at the door! This tip is two-fold: not only does it help keep your rugs looking new, but it also stops you from bringing environmental toxins, like pesticides, into your home. A good habit to get into is to remove your shoes in your entry or mudroom, and put on a pair of house shoes instead.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and options for non-toxic area rugs and safer options, I'd love to hear what you choose! Comment below to let me know your favorites.

Anne Marie Garland is an Interior Designer turned Health Coach with a passion for healthy homes. She founded the wellness website Grass Fed Salsa where she shares holistic wellness articles, and Whole30 and AIP friendly recipes. You can find her on Instagram at @grassfedsalsa.

Rugs can be an overwhelming item to buy for a space. Often they can be pretty pricey, and they take up so much real estate in a room, so you don't want to make the wrong choice.

Rory's Nursery (Vintage Rug from this Etsy shop)

Rugs are vital when it comes to making a room feel comfortable, layered, and homey, so I don't want you to skimp out on buying a rug simply because you're overwhelmed with this task. Instead, I'm here to answer ALL of your questions on this worthwhile topic. Hopefully, after reading today's post, you'll feel more confident when buying a rug for your home.

Buying a Rug 101

How Do I Choose the Right Rug for Me? 

Condo Living Room Rug

When I pull a room together, my rug choice really sets the tone for the rest of the room. Sometimes I want the rug to act as a neutral in the space (like in my old living room above), and other times I want it to be the focal point (like in my current living room below).

Living Room Rug (9×12 Olive/Charcoal)

But before you even think about the LOOK of the rug, you must think about the FUNCTION of the rug. Is this a high-traffic area? Will there be spills on this rug? Will you be laying on this rug, so softness will be an issue? Think about how you will use the rug in your everyday life before you choose.

Condo Living Room Rug

In the past, I've opted for natural fiber rugs in high-traffic spaces. You can read more about the differences between natural fiber rugs in this post, but know that these rugs are very durable and affordable. That's why they're great for spots that will see a lot of use, like a family room, kitchen, or entryway, plus you won't feel bad if you have to replace them frequently, due to wear and tear. However, some can be a bit scratchy, so that option might not be great if you're on the ground playing with small kids all day. 

Main Bedroom Rug (9×12 Natural/Sand)

In the past few years, I've opted for more colorful rug choices in my home.  Much of the furniture in our house is neutral, so adding a pop of color on the floor is always a welcome idea. Plus, these colorful rugs can often hide any dirt or spills, so they can work well in high-traffic spaces too.

Should I Buy a Rug Online?

Home Office Rug (5×7.5 Red/Navy)

I buy most of my rugs online. In fact, I do a large chunk of my home shopping online. (For more tips on how to online shop for home decor, check out this post.)  It can be a bit scary ordering such a large piece online and not seeing it in person'I get that. But you've just gotta be smart about it.

Always read the reviews from other customers and check to see if they've posted photos of the rug in their space. Sometimes colors will look different in person, so it's always good to hear from a 'real person' about their experience.

Only order from places with easy return policies. If they won't take the item back after opening, or if you have to pay an arm and a leg for return shipping, find another online retailer!

Guest Bathroom Rug (Vintage from this Etsy shop)

And here's a little piece of advice'  If you're ordering a huge rug for a room and you're nervous about what it will look like in real life, try to order a sample or even a doormat of the exact same rug. Seeing the exact color and fabric in person could save you from making a bad decision on such a big purchase!

Where Do You Shop for Rugs? 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit latex in rugs.

My Brother's Main Bedroom Makeover (this rug is similar)

• RugsUSA: Wait until they have a big sale before you buy'sometimes up to 70% off!
• Lulu & Georgia: I love their unique collection of rugs. They have so many awesome colors and patterns that are right on-trend (like the rug I used in the bedroom above!)
• Loloi: I have lots of Loloi rugs throughout my home and I buy most of them on Amazon. Their patterns and colors are fantastic, plus the prices are good. However, please know that they're screen printed so the rugs have a very low pile. (It's hard to tell in pictures.)
• Wayfair: Sometimes you have to dig to find good ones, but they have such a variety and good prices.
• West Elm: You can't go wrong with one of my favorite stores! It's also nice that you can go into the store to view their rugs in person.
• World Market: They tend to have a lot of great rug sales, so wait to buy. I'm a big fan of their outdoor rugs. 
• HomeGoods: This is another good spot because you get to see the rug in person before you buy. The rug in my mom's bedroom was a steal from HomeGoods, so you really never know what you might find there. All of the smaller rugs near our entry doors are natural fiber rugs from HomeGoods because they're around $30 and I don't care if I have to change them up each year.

What About Vintage Rugs?

While I have lots of vintage-inspired rugs that are new and screen printed (like this one in just about every color), I really appreciate the beauty of a vintage rug that was hand-knotted and meant to last forever! That's why I went for a vintage Turkish rug in Rory's nursery, in our guest bathroom, and in our kitchen.

Vintage Kitchen Rug (from this eBay shop)

I actually have an entire blog post dedicated to the topic of where to buy vintage rugs. You can head over to this blog post for all of that information.

What About Outdoor Rugs?

Outdoor Patio Rug (7×10)

I'm all about an outdoor rug! It really makes your patio furniture feel more cohesive and gives the sense of an outdoor room. When buying outdoor rugs, I try not to spend too much money because they typically only last one season for me. We have harsh weather here in Chicago, so I don't count on my outdoor rugs lasting forever. I've had a lot of luck finding inexpensive outdoor rugs at Target ' like this one from our patio. If they get dirty, I'll often powerwash to get rid of any dirt or grime and that works very well.

What Size Do I Buy?

Living Room Rug (9×12 Olive/Charcoal)

By far the biggest mistake I see people making when it comes to rugs is buying the wrong size. And most of the time that means they're buying a rug that is way too small for their space. I outlined all of the dos and don'ts in this post, so read it carefully before selecting a rug for your specific space. It shares tips for choosing a size for each space in your home and it is a great resource. When in doubt, bigger is often better!

Can I Layer Over Carpet?

Finn's Basement Office Rug (9×12 Taupe/Stone)

Yes! Absolutely. If you hate your carpet, the best thing you can do is place a rug on top that you absolutely love. We plan to eventually replace the carpet in our basement, but for now, this large blue rug makes the space so much better. Rugs make a room feel cozier, so feel free to use them, even if you have wall-to-wall carpet. Even if you don't have carpet, you can still layer rugs. Because rugs can be so pricey, especially big ones, sometimes it makes sense to layer a small expensive rug over a large natural fiber rug that is more affordable.

Do I Need a Rug Pad?

Yes, especially if you have hardwood floors. Rug pads do a few things. They keep your rug in place; they add an extra layer of comfort; and they protect your floors! Natural fiber rugs can be abrasive and permanently scratch the hardwood floor underneath. If you place a rug pad underneath, you can protect your floors and avoid falling victim to permanent scratches down the road.

The good news is rug pads come in all shapes and sizes and are a fraction of the cost of the actual rug. Even if your decorative rug is an odd size or you can't seem to find the perfect rug pad, you can always cut down a rug pad to fit your rug's dimensions. In the past, I've used heavy-duty scissors, but I've found that a razor, with something underneath to prevent scratching your floor, works so much better. I like using this felt and rubber rug pad underneath my rugs.

How Do You Clean Rugs?

My Brother's Living Room Rug (8×12)

This is a really good question and sadly, I'm not an expert at this one! I vacuum our rugs regularly and always use spot remover if I find a spill or a stain. I've never had an area rug professionally steam cleaned, but from my research, this can be done once a year and it really improves the longevity of your rug.

Can I Donate Mine?

My Mom's Bedroom (rug from HomeGoods)

If your rug is in good condition, but just doesn't jive with the style of your home, or is the wrong size, you can definitely donate it! Most local thrift stores will accept large area rugs. However, if it's badly damaged, soiled from pets, or just reaaaaallly worn down, you should recycle it! This website can help you find out where to bring your used rug.

Can you Share All of the Rugs in Your Home?

Quick Rug FAQ

Jan's Living Room Rug

I had you submit your questions about buying a rug over on Instagram stories and figured I'd do some rapid-fire answers'

How do you do multiple rugs in the same room?

For rugs, there are usually geometric patterns, organic patterns, and then no pattern ' like a natural fiber rug. I'd pick from two of the categories if you're doing two rugs in the same room. For example, this jute rug and this rug with a more organic shape. Also, consider mixing up the textures and pile height.

Should you put a rug under a dining room table?

I've never done it, but it can be done. I think it depends on the space and how often you use the table. There's no way we could use one now, because a lot of Rory's food ends up on the floor and we would be cleaning up stains constantly. If you do go for a dining room rug, consult this post for sizing. And choose one with a low pile or else crumbs will get lost in there!

Is Ruggable worth it?

I don't have any Ruggable rugs, but my mom has one as her kitchen runner and loves it. She can toss it in the washing machine if it ever gets dirty and it comes with its own rug pad.

Do you prefer carpet or rug for a bedroom?

I prefer hardwood with a rug pad and rug.

How do you get them flat?

When I unroll them, I'll often put heavy objects on the ends to train them down. You can also try this carpet tape to keep them in place on the ends.

How thick for the rug pad?

Depends on the use and how thick the rug is. If it's a thinner rug, I go with 1/4 inch or thicker for the rug pad size. Also, be sure to think about any doors that are nearby and need to open over the rug. You don't want it to be too thick that the door gets stuck!

How long should a rug last?

A high-quality wool rug that is properly cleaned and cared for can last forever! The vintage rug in Rory's nursery is 50 years old and still looks great. Many families pass down rugs from generation to generation, so it can pay off to invest in a high-quality wool rug.

Favorite kid-friendly rug?

I love our living room rug so much. It hides EVERYTHING! Rory has peed on it, pooped on it, spit up on it, spilled milk on it. This thing has seen every spill imaginable, yet it hides everything. We just wipe up spills as they happen and use carpet cleaner if anything is super gross. It's a screen-printed rug, which I don't mind, and it's very soft and has a low pile. 10/10 recommend.

Go Forth & Buy a Rug with Confidence!

Wow, that was a lot about buying a rug! I hope I helped make the rug buying process a bit less scary. I know it can be overwhelming, but now you've got the tools you need to find the perfect rug for your home!

Casey

If you want to learn more, please visit our website NBR latex company.