When it comes to being toxin-free, I might let a few things slide, but my area rugs are not one of them. They must be be made with natural fibers and non-toxic, no exceptions! The unpleasant, strong chemical smell of a new rug is enough to make me question how safe they are to bring into my home.
Most rugs and carpets on the market today are made from synthetic materials such as Polypropylene, Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These synthetic materials are loaded with toxins[1a] that are known to cause various health issues[1b]. These rugs are dyed with chemical colorants and backed with PVC and chemical adhesives, all of which off-gas harmful fumes into your home[2]. What shocked me more than the chemicals were the so-called “natural rug brands,” which seemed great at first… until I read the fine print and saw that they coated their natural fibers with harsh chemicals.
That did not sit well with me, so I dug further to find eco-friendly, non-toxic rugs made with ethical standards[3] that I could trust. Below, learn more why non-toxic rugs matters and discover three natural rug brands you can feel great about adding to your home.
Why Non-Toxic Rugs Matter
Before choosing the best natural, non-toxic rug for you, it’s important to understand the basics. What is the issue with most of the rugs on the market? The answer can be quite complex, but in its simplest form, toxic ingredients can be found in the materials used for the rug itself, the dyes, or even the rubber backings. To top it off, they are treated with highly toxic PFAS[4], formaldehyde, pesticides, and other chemicals to make them stain-proof, moth-repellent, fire-retardant, and water-repellent.
Rugs made with natural fibers, including Wool, Cotton, Jute, Sisal, and Seagrass, generally do not release harmful chemicals and are healthiest materials for rugs. Opting for these natural, non-toxic area rugs for your home can help you avoid exposure to chemicals that enter your body through your skin or your indoor air.
3 Stunning Non-Toxic Rug Brands
Below are three trusted non-toxic rug brands. These brands have been vetted entirely, so you can feel safe bringing them into your home. These brands offer an exceptional selection of styles, from classical to modern, vibrant to muted, and patterns – so choosing a non-toxic rug doesn’t need to be a challenge or a sacrifice.
1. Hook and Loom
Hook & Loom offers a beautiful selection of non-toxic wool or eco-cotton rugs— without chemicals, dyes, latex, or glues. Additionally, their eco-cotton rugs use a unique, chemical-free process to recycle old rugs into new ones. They also offer GOTS-certified rugs made from (virgin) organic cotton.
Hook & Loom delivers an exceptional selection of styles, colors, and patterns. Not only are these non-toxic area rugs safe for your home, but also made with eco-friendly materials and processes.
Hook & Loom’s wool rugs are a testament to their commitment to quality and sustainability. They use only the sheep’s natural colors, without dyes, as part of their Loom Hooked Wool Collection. Known for its soft, springy feel, this collection is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms where you’ll enjoy walking barefoot.
On the other hand, Hook and Loom’s Flatweave Collection is a better option for those who prefer a firmer but still soft feel. Both styles are handwoven in a safe environment by workers who are paid a fair wage and treated compassionately.
2. Lorena Canal
Lorena Canals’ designs are so plush and gorgeous that it’s hard to believe they are so reasonably priced. Not only are Lorena Canal rugs toxin-free, but they are also adorable. No matter what theme you’re going for, this brand is bound to have a style you love. Since 1998, Lorena Canal has continued to grow and is now available in over 70 countries worldwide.
Known for making safe textiles for children, the company also offers Montessori-inspired designs that encourage interaction. Each purchase supports its foundation to provide education and daily meals to underprivileged children in India through its network of nurseries. In addition to kids’ rugs, Lorena Canal also offers non-toxic washable rugs for your living space, kitchen, bedroom, and more.
Lorena Canals’ eco-friendly, toxin-free rug line is handmade in India using fair trade practices and sustainable, chemical-free processes. They recycle water and repurpose cotton scraps in their RUGCYCLED® collection, making them a zero-waste company.
3. Grund
Grund is well-known for high-quality, organic bed and bath products. Their soft bath rugs are thick, plush, and luxurious. They are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and contain no chemical dyes. Even better, their non-slip backing is made from environmentally friendly rubber. Grund makes it easy to choose stylish, non-toxic rugs for your bathroom oasis.
Grund also offers carbon-neutral shipping on all orders, another effort that solidifies the company’s passion for making eco-friendly choices. There are three stunning organic bath rug collections to choose from Grund. The Asheville non-slip rug collection is perfect for adding a luxurious feel to your bathroom and is available in four sizes. This rug collection is completely washer-safe, too!
Grund’s other non-toxic bath mat collection includes the Reversible Puro collection and the Charleston lightweight collection.
Caring for Your Non-Toxic Rugs
Your non-toxic rugs are not stain-proof, waterproof, or dust-resistant. Vacuum weekly and wash regularly to minimize contaminants.
Remember to quickly blot up spills and treat any remaining stains with club soda, white vinegar, or baking soda for natural stain-fighting effects. Enzyme-based stain removers can also help; however, check the label for unwanted chemicals.
[accordions] [accordion title=”Research” load=”hide”]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132319304196
https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/does-carpet-cause-indoor-air-quality-iaq-problems-schools
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8457318
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/carpet
[/accordion][/accordions]
Also read: Natural Rugs & Carpets vs. the Usual Chemical Sh*t Storm