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
- “Natural” materials laden with pesticides and other agricultural chemicals
- 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
- PAFs, which are chemicals found in stain and water-repellant rugs
Is Ruggable Toxic?
One confusing factor in rug shopping is that not all synthetic materials are toxic (even if they tend to be less Earth friendly). For instance, Ruggable rugs are untreated and should not off-gas in your home, despite being synthetic. They are made from polyester, polyurethane, and unspecified types of plastic.
Ruggable rugs do not make our best list, but they aren’t particularly toxic. Although they aren’t likely to off-gas, the rugs have been given a Prop 65 warning for containing methylene chloride.
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 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. Note: Wool is notoriously hard to dye. Companies like Earth Weave have created innovative ways of coloring wool without the worrisome chemicals.
How to Find Non-Toxic Rugs
Fortunately, there are a handful of truly non-toxic and eco-friendly rug options 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. Your choice will be a rug that’s both safer for you and less harmful to the planet.
Rating rugs is tricky! For instance, synthetic rugs aren’t always “bad”. Nylon, viscose, and polypropylene aren’t toxic, but they are almost always treated with fire retardants that ARE toxic. That’s why you should steer clear of synthetics and avoid polypropylene rugs.
Rugs and carpets can be made exclusively or primarily from natural and safe materials, while still being gorgeous and durable. Also, 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, organic, and/or eco-friendly rugs. What follows are the best of the best for ethically made and non-toxic rugs.
96 comments
martha
Hi Maia (and fam), can you share more about why you recommend/sell Lorena Canals cotton rugs and feel good about their dyes? All I’ve been able to find is that they’re “non-toxic”, which seems very vague, and meet general mainstream safety standards. I love their designs, but want to make sure it’s not greenwashing. Thank you!
Heather
What is your best wool carpet brand recommendation?
Sam
Hey, did Lorena Canals change recently bc their rugs all say 3% other fibers and some people I’ve heard are getting rugs that say 30% other fibers when they receive them?
zidane
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you
Parker
I am wanting to get a Ruggable rug only because it is going to be on carpet and the pad underneath help keeps the rug from buckling. They say they are non toxic even though they are synthetic but they do have a prop 65. Would you put one of these rugs in your home?
Lewis
I just received a cotton rug from hook and look and was immediately overwhelmed by the mildew/mold smell. Sending it back. Shame. Thought my search was over.
Ashley
Hi, do you have a suggested list for outdoor rugs?
Brie
How do you feel about recycled Polyester rugs like at Burrow?
Maia James
Oye, okay that is a problem. I would avoid synthetic rubber.
Elle
Are the Ruggable pads non-toxic? Their website says you must use their pads, which they say are synthetic thermoplastic rubber, similar to a yoga mat.
Dawn
I would love to know about IKEA rugs as well…very curious, especially since we have many of them in our apartment! Thank you :)
J.
what are you thoughst on ikea rugs? the non-wool ones (the 100% polypropene ones)?
Maia James
They are synthetic, but untreated with other chemicals, so not a bad option, actually.
Maia James
Yes, the Oeko-Tex certification is a good one.
Maia James
Nope, if it’s a cotton backing that is fine:)
Maia James
so glad to hear that you had a good experience!
Barbara Powers
FLOR is the best. Most reasonably priced for pure org anic w no toxins, no smell. Easy to clean. Often get free samples. Used for years.
Nicole E Bahena
Just want to plug Hook and Loom rugs! The most excellent and responsive customer service, and the rug was soooooo soft for my littles at home. Totally recommend!
Brittany Heppe
Hello, I ordered a rug from Lorena canals that comes with a gripper, but I believe the gripper is made of pvc. How toxic is that and do I need to contact the company to determine if the rug pad is treated with anything?
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.
Martha
Thoughts on Ruggable?
Roy Ovelock
Nontoxic rugs are very important to you and youre family. especially your children if you have.
Id rather use nontoxic, organic.
Tara
What is the name/website for Linda’s rug company that you said you now recommend??
Ali
How can I find out how safe Company C wool rugs are?
Pat
I am looking for rug grippers for use under rugs on Luxury Vinyl Plank in the kitchen and bathrooms
Lynnsey E Shaughnessy (Eakin)
agreed!
Victoria Pawlak
Hi would a nylon Oeko-Tex rug be considered safe? Thanks.
Amy
Thanks for this post! Are you familiar with UV stabilizers? I know some polypropylene rugs are treated with Hals 770 UV Stabilizer to resist sun fading. I’m betting they’re bad news, but since you didn’t mention them, I wonder. . .
Mike Fish
Hate to be frank here, but none of these are affordable. A family of four on a family-of-four budget with both parents making modest income still find the prices on all of these vendors ridiculous. Yes, I think we all would love a non-toxic area rug that won’t give my kids cancer. Ywt, $2000 or $1000 is just way too much. Wish you had some affordable suggestions on this list.
Maia James
Yes, that would be acceptable in my opinion. Thanks!
jen
I would like to offer the other side for hook and loom. We purchased a cotton loom woven rug from them 4 years ago for a room shared by two of our kids (one of whom has severe asthma and chemical sensitivities). It has held up to years of abuse and very frequent vacuuming with a beater bar and is in fantastic shape. No odor or chemical issues either, from day one!
We will always look to them first for cotton rugs!
Lindsay
Hi! Thank you for posting this. Any thoughts on the Whitfield rugs?
Lil
I’m also interested in a nontoxic doormat! Any suggestions?
Jennifer
Omg I order the pads from hook and loom also! I assumed they were fine because the rugs are good. My 2nd floor smelt so bad! I removed them right away. I am in the process of returning the rug pads. I will be buying the one recommended in this sight.
But I am 100% happy with the rugs they are made soooo well and looks great!
shannel
C is your wool rug still shedding?
shannel
Claire are the rugs still shedding?
Thanks!shannel
Did you order the cotton or wool?
Sarah
Hi, I ordered a cotton rug, but am wondering what can be done if it’s covered in pesticides or other chemicals? I confirmed there is no glue involved so it is supposed to be formaldehyde-free. Does it just need to be shampooed? Dropped off at dry-cleaner? It’s an 8×10 so it won’t fit in the washing machine…Thanks so much for any advice!
Whit Selke
Hi. I have not heard back from you since we bought you the vacuum you requested. I believe it does have a beater bar (revolving cylinder with rows of stiff brushes) which can be raised so it doesn’t contact the rugs and dislodge fibers. Please contact me if you would like more help. Thank you
Whit Selke
My name is Whit Selke. I founded and run Hook & Loom and handle all the emailed customer service. Our rug pads are made in the USA by a company who buys rubber from a formulator that includes a fire retardent called Alumina Trihydrate in their rubber. It is FSA approved, so it’s possible it could be in Maalox, but after seeing your comment, I searched the ingredients and it isn’t among them. There is nothing I want more than to be able to offer rug pads without a flame retardent and I am very sorry that I did not communicate this feeling to you well enough. Heathy rugs are our mission, which is why we make sure everyone knows that the pads we currently sell have a flame retardent. Again, I am sorry. Please email me if I can be any help in the future.
Amanda
My understanding is that only some of the rugs from both of those companies are oaky….. I’m still confused by it though!
Amanda
Would a polypropylene rug that is oeko-Tex certified be considered safe?
Linda Alexanian
Thanks for the feedback Tetiana.
You sent us 27 emails in 3 days, all of which we answered within hours.
Linda
Ashley Prisco
Can you recommend a nontoxic doormat?
Ashley
What about West Elm rugs? How about NuLoom?
Nick
Found a sweet collection of contemporary rugs. You should definitely check it out https://therugmall.com/contemporary-area-rugs-best-rugs-to-buy-in-usa/