You may already know that rugs can bring a lot of unwanted toxins into your home. Even if you don’t have pets or little kids who are face-down in your rugs regularly, the toxins in rugs can migrate into household dust and be inhaled by everyone who lives there. Worse, the international rug industry is notorious for its use of child labor.
Don’t despair (and/or hate me for being the messenger of bad news!). There are some safe and beautiful non-toxic rugs out there. We’ve done the research to help you find safe and even organic rugs, free from both child labor and harmful chemicals.
(If you’re looking for non-toxic wall-to-wall carpeting, we wrote about that here, and you can shop our top pick here).
What’s Toxic About Most Rugs?
The variety of sketchy materials and chemicals that go into most rugs and related products is actually kind of crazy, and includes:
- Synthetic primary materials, which are full of harmful chemicals and shed microplastics
- Hidden materials, like synthetic latex, which contains endocrine-disrupting phthalates
- Toxic dyes and other harsh, dyeing-related chemicals
- Glues and adhesives containing formaldehyde and other offgassing chemicals
- Toxic pesticides and fungicides
- Flame retardant chemicals
- PFAs, which are forever chemicals found in stain and water-repellant rugs
In Praise of Wool
As you consider what type of rug to buy, I want to give a special shout-out to wool rugs. Wool might be the best natural material for non-toxic rugs. Here are a few reasons:
- Wool holds heat while also being breathable. Wool floor covering can reduce the heat transfer between floor and air space by a factor of 50% compared to other floor coverings.
- Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture from the air without feeling damp. A wool rug functions as a natural air conditioner. It absorbs moisture in periods of high humidity and releases it when conditions are dry.
- Wool is the most fire-safe textile material used in interior refinishing. Wool is difficult to ignite and forms an insulating char when it burns. Wool also emits far less smoke and toxic gasses than those formed during the combustion of synthetic fibers.
- Wool is a great acoustic insulator. Sound waves penetrate deep into the pile, rather than being reflected back in the room multiple times as they would with hard floors.
Our favorite wool rugs are these. You can even get a nice 100% wool rug from Pottery Barn, like this one.
How to Find Non-Toxic Rugs
Fortunately, there are a handful of truly non-toxic rug brands out there. When you have the option, choose natural fibers (silk, wool, jute, hemp, cotton). In most cases, these are the least toxic rug materials.
Nylon, viscose, and polypropylene rugs are all made of plastic, and even if they are not "toxic," they do shed microplastics.
Thanks to greater awareness about child labor, you can buy from several brands that don’t support bad practices.
For truly non-toxic and ethical rugs, look for the following certifications:
We’ve made it easier for you by compiling a list of our absolute favorite non-toxic rugs. What follows are the best of the best for ethically made and non-toxic rugs.
97 comments
Sara Cohen
Hi! I am trying to understand why all wool rugs are not non-toxic. What makes a wool rug toxic vs. non-toxic? Thanks!
Valerie
Hi, I would like to know if anyone else has has a problem with Hook & Loom? I’ve purchased 4 rugs from them and every single one smelled like mold. I even set them out to air out for weeks and still I can’t have them in my house. I’m so disappointed because I have multiple sensitivities and wax so hoping these would work. I purchased the cotton ones. Again I’m on a search for rugs ugh
Amanda Coleman
Hi! This was so helpful, thank you so much. One question— is there anything to look out for with regard to cotton backings? I am confirming there is no latex or glue in the back but wondering if I should ask anything else. Thank you so much!
Leslie
Thank you so much for this helpful article – I ended up choosing Hook & Loom and couldn’t be happier!! As someone with debilitating chemical sensitivities, I searched high and low for a rug that would truly fit my needs (after learning that most “natural†rugs are sprayed with chemicals). I got the thick wool flat weave and couldn’t believe when I unrolled it… not only was it gorgeous, but it literally smelled like NOTHING. The gripper pad had a slight natural rubber odor as expected, but it didn’t bother me (and vanished when covered by the rug). I am truly floored, and so so grateful to have found this company that offers such high quality at a price point that was at least within reach for me! Just incredible.
Megan
I’d love some thoughts on this as well as I’ve heard some mixed opinions.