Written by Maia, President & Founder
If you’re looking for non-toxic rugs you may already know that most rugs can bring a lot of unwanted toxins into your home. (The international rug industry is also famous for using child labor.) This is a bummer, especially if you have babies and young kids who spend a lot of time rolling, crawling and playing on the floor.
RELATED: Non-toxic playmat for babies.
Don’t despair (and/or hate me for being the messenger of bad news, are usual!). There are some safe and beautiful non-toxic rugs out there. We’ve done the research to help you find a safe area rugs (and if you’re looking for non-toxic wall-to- wall carpeting, we wrote about that 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 include:
- Synthetic primary materials, including plastics like polypropylene and nylon. And “natural” materials —like cotton and wool—that are not carefully sourced can be laden with pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, as well as chemicals used to process the fibers.
- In addition to the primary materials, rugs usually also include materials that are hidden from the eye but integral to the product, such as synthetic rubber that may contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates.
- Toxic dyes and other chemicals used in the dying process give area rugs their good looks. This is particularly true for conventional wool products; wool naturally resists color and has to be treated to extra harsh chemicals to achieve different colors. (Note: Companies like Earth Weave have created innovative ways of coloring wool without the worrisome chemicals.)
- Glues and other adhesives often can contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that off-gas into the home environment.
- Toxic pesticides and fungicides are common.
- Flame retardant chemicals are also common (and toxic, and not particularly effective!). For instance, nylon, polypropylene and viscose aren’t toxic in and of themselves, but they are almost always treated with fire retardants that ARE toxic.
- Rugs that boast about being stain-resistant and water-repellent often get those properties from yet another class of worrisome chemical (PFCs).
7 Companies That Make Non-toxic Rugs
Like I said, there are a lot of good non-toxic rug options out there. 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.
Here are my favorite brands for non-toxic rugs:
Earth Weave Wool Non-toxic Rugs
Earth Weave makes area rugs out of their ultra-natural wool carpet material, bound in a variety of sizes.
We sell these in our online store, and have them in our own homes, too.
(We also cover shipping for these rugs, making them more affordable than anywhere else online.)
ecoFiber Custom Rugs is based in Colorado and sources its rugs from Nepal. The company emphasizes natural, safe materials, sustainable practices, and no child labor. To purchase from ecoFiber, you must go through a design professional.
Hook & Loom 
rugs are both safe and affordable. Rugs are made from un-dyed natural wool or from recycled cotton fabric, in a variety of colors, patterns, sizes, and thicknesses.
Hook & Loom does not use any chemicals, dyes or latex in the production of their rugs, and they ship for free in minimal packaging.
Hook & Loom is based in Massachusetts and the rugs are made in carefully selected workshops in India that do not employ child labor.
2021 update: Hook & Loom has a beautiful new organic line, and we love love love it.
Lorena Canals Non-toxic Rugs for Kids
Lorena Canals offers my
favorite rugs for kids, though many of their designs are sophisticated enough to use elsewhere in your home.
These rugs are made entirely from naturally dyed cotton. They’re machine washable (score for parents!) and are hand-sewn in India in facilities that do not employ child labor.
The variety of colors, shapes and designs is really fun. It seems like the company is always debuting new styles, which you can now find in online store.
Merida has 
revived a corner of the American textile industry by producing its made-to- order rugs in a traditional mill town in Massachusetts. They make very high-quality, customizable rugs using a variety of natural materials (like wool, mohair, jute, and sisal). To purchase from Merida, you must go through a design professional.
Organic Weave rugs are the only area rugs on the market to earn GOTs certification. All rugs are handmade in India by skilled women artisans. Organic Weave sells everything from shag rugs to rugs for kids to yoga mats to organic wall-to-wall carpets. Use code GIMMEGOOD at checkout for 5% off your order.
Under the Nile rugs are hand-loomed with leftover scraps from their clothing production. The durability and softness of these rugs is great for play or for decoration in baby’s room, bathrooms or any room in the house. Each rug is handmade and finished with decorative tassels on two ends.
Non-toxic Rug Pads & Grippers
Rug and carpet people recommend that you use rug pads and/or grippers to prevent slipping, increase cushioning, prolong the life of the floor covering, and protect the floor underneath. Most of these products are at least as toxic as conventional rugs and carpets themselves.
Thankfully, Earth Weave sells natural rug grippers made from 100% natural latex. They also offer natural rug pads made from a combination of wool and plant fiber (and no glues, dyes, flame retardant chemicals, or mothproofing
chemicals). They also sell
Please comment below with brands you’ve found that make natural, non-toxic rugs!
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Rachel says
What are your thoughts on FLOR tiles? https://www.flor.com/
Kamal says
What are your thoughts on IKEA rugs?
B Healthy says
I suspect that antique oriental rugs, made by nomads from wool dyed with vegetable dyes, are probably toxin free; although they’ll be full of 100+ years of dust and will need to be aired out and beaten.
These rugs are expensive; but, because they’re wool, they aren’t flammable like synthetics (and aren’t covered with flame retardants) and they’ll last another 100 years if you take care of them.
Does anyone know of any reason why they wouldn’t be safe?
Maia James says
You’re right–the rugs you’re describing would definitely be safe (once cleaned!).
Mina says
Just a thought- Doesn’t wool..even though it is natural- still need to be processed and is mostly processed with chemicals? Or are you saying that because a rug is made out of wool – it is safe and no chemicals have been added?
Thank you.
Amy says
This is great! Thank you!! Do you know anything about the rugs at Cost Plus World Market?
Maia James says
I’m sorry but I don’t know about those!
Tiffany says
How about Home Depot area rugs that what I got in my living room : (
Maia James says
It really depends on what material it’s made from–it may be fine!
Caroline says
I read somewhere that any rugs sourced from overseas must be sprayed with pesticides upon arrival in the US, so even if the company doesn’t apply any chemicals at the factory, the chemicals may be applied during the import process. (I also read the same about wooden toys sourced from overseas.) Is there any truth to this?
Laura says
Thank you for the above information and everything you do in this space. Do you know that sisal or jute rugs (like from Merida) do not have pesticides applied? I do not know if they can stay in their natural state or if chemicals are applied.
Also, I do believe that antique rugs can have moth-proofing chemicals applied…but not always
Kindly,
Laura
Anaka says
Hello,
Do you know if Lorena Canals rugs are fully free of ANY flame retardant and formaldehyde? I emailed the company 3 days ago, but have not heard back yet.
Thanks
Anaka
holly says
Anaka did you find out about Lorena Canals rugs?
Anaka says
Hi Holly – I did receive a response from Lorena Canals company a couple days ago. I have copied their response below. If you contact them directly, they will also send you copies of their certifications. Although, it might have been nice to hear back from Gimmethegoodstuff, given that they have endorsed the product here :
)
EMAIL –
our products do not have fire retardant treatment because they are incompatible with the concept of our brand, a great percentage of our products can be washed in conventional washing machines, and the treatment applied to make a product fire resistant is not water resistant.
Linda says
Thanks for writing this. Antique rugs are a wise choice! I would love to be included in any future articles…my company makes GOTS certified organic area rugs.
Cathy says
Hi Linda — Please post a link for your company — I’d love to buy a GOTS certified rug from you right now!!!
Maia James says
See above–we now recommend Linda’s rugs!
Tava says
Just a heads up that the Hook and Loom rug pad has fire retardant chemicals. I found out the hard way. But they are looking for another option. Their rugs are lovely.
Jennifer says
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!
Kelse C Kwaiser says
Here is a great resource: http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Welcome+to+Toxipedia
Megan says
Thank you for this information. I was excited to find several options for an area rug for our living at an affordable price point from Hook and Loom. However, their rug pads, though natural rubber, contain a flame retardant. It is not clear whether the rug pads from Earth Weave, the other company you recommend for pads, also contain a flame retardant. My children would not be touching the pad regularly but my understanding is that we wouldn’t want them regularly inhaling the flame retardant chemical either. Do you have any further information or insight to add on this topic?
Thanks!
John says
Does Hook & Loom tell people that their pads have flame retardants in them? If not, they should! After all, why would people go to the trouble of buying a non toxic rug and then pair it w/a toxic pad? That would not be good business practice in my opinion.
Maia James says
No, the Earth Weave rug pads are 100% natural rubber (which is why they are pricey).
Natalie says
Yes they do…
“Consisting chiefly of sustainable natural rubber, this is a very high quality low-profile non-skid rug pad. Not 100% green, as the thin mesh fabric inside is made from virgin polyester, and not chemical free, as an FDA approved chemical to retard flame is added, but we feel it is currently the best on the market. As our sales and buying power increase, we plan to develop a 100% green offering.”
No, it’s not perfect, however, I do appreciate their transparency and honesty. I would consider this as the best option over any other at the moment until they can come up with something better. I hate guessing what may or may not be in something, and I feel better knowing exactly what it is even if it’s not perfect.
Sherry says
Does anyone have experience with how Hook & Loom Green Eco-Cotton rugs hold up to toddlers/children? I’d like to put a healthy, toxin-free rug in my son’s playroom, but know that it will take a beating! I’d love advice on which of these healthier options clean well and hold up to kids.
Unfortunately I can’t do FLOR tiles because I will be placing the rug on top of foam tiles (for a basement).
Thanks!
Ashley says
I have a giant H&L rug in our playroom and another 5×8 one in a bedroom, and they’ve both done pretty well. I’m about to order a third to put on our covered/roofed patio. We also have a retriever mix who hangs out on both rugs and/so I vacuum frequently…they’ve done just fine.
shannel says
Did you order the cotton or wool?
Louisa says
I have the black and white Hook & Loom Oslo rug in my kids’ playroom and it’s held up wonderfully. I had initially wanted a brighter rug but I’m glad I got that one. I have 4 kids and we’ve had it for a year with no issues. I highly recommend it!
Maia James says
I’m so glad you’ve found a great non-toxic rug!
Maria says
Check out ragpadcorner.com for non-toxic, chemical free rug pads.
Minnie Mueller says
Thank you for this information. I was excited to find several options for an area rug for our living at an affordable price point from Hook and Loom. If you had more insight i will greatly appreciate it.
Robyn says
Hey thanks so much for your post. What are your thoughts on flor tiles and rugs by Stark?
william says
Hey, Great post. Recently I’ve got the interior of my entire house. Reds, strong blues and vibrant greens in particular. Please suggest me the best octagon Area Rug, as I have a wooden Dining table in my dining room with vintage cutlery set and blue color painted walls, Suggest me something which goes absolute fabulous with this combination. . I’ve been purchasing the rugs from https://therugmall.com/product/kaleen-transitional-helena-3211-17-area-rug-collection/they have the great collection of rugs.
Mel says
I strongly recommend against supporting Hook and Loom. I have one of their rugs and I *HAD* their non-skid rug pad. The rug is fine, but then I went on their website regarding the non-skid rug pad and it states “Not 100% green, as the thin mesh fabric inside is made from virgin polyester, and not chemical free, as an FDA approved chemical to retard flame is added, but we feel it is currently the best on the market.” As soon as I found out that the non-skid rug pad had flame retardants (which I feel is completely unnecessary), I had to throw out the rug pad.
According to RugPadUSA, this rubber pad for putting under rugs to prevent slipping does not have flame retardants added: https://www.rugpadusa.com/products/natures-grip?gclid=CjwKCAjw5ZPcBRBkEiwA-avvk0LeNOhI9nzKPMUK7Cvyb0uF6Z8D8FQVpfPFDcmwhpoXIFt5uhnLBRoC0lsQAvD_BwE.
Although their customer service was a little offputting because I called twice with different times, and during the second call, the man acted like it was weird that I was calling again with more questions.
I called Hook and Loom regarding why they add flame retardant to the non-skid rug pad. They said they purchase the product elsewhere, and could not give me a better answer than, “We use the same flame retardant that the put in Maalox.” I replied, “I can’t believe Maalox puts flame retardant in something that humans consume orally. Hook and Loom customer service seemed very put off by the fact that I was suggesting that they not sell something with flame retardants. Will likely not patronize this company again. I’m sure there are other rug companies that are not put off by customer suggestions, and that care about the health of consumers.
Maia James says
Thanks for your feedback, and sorry for this frustrating experience!
Whit Selke says
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.
Emma Fisher says
Thanks for the post!
Maia James says
sorry to hear about this frustrating experience!
Meggie says
I was very interested in Hook& Loom and sent some questions to them. The first response was thorough but when I asked for more detail, was basically told that perhaps I would be happier purchasing elsewhere. I can promise my questions were fair and clear, based on health and safety, and I was a bit surprised to basically be told to go somewhere else … which I will!
Suzanne Weaver-Goss says
Wow! That’s amazing and can tell us a lot about their health and safety standards. Good for you for asking the questions. As consumers the more we ask the more businesses will respond and the safer our products become. Thanks!
Alice says
What about 100% jute rugs? Like the ones from RugsUSA.
Maia James says
Yes I would consider those fine.
C says
Hi there – I have the same problem. I purchased the wool ones, is that what you have? Was hoping it would stop shedding after a period of time….
shannel says
C is your wool rug still shedding?
John says
Thank you! Thank you! I will def. no shop at Hook and Loom.
jen says
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!
tetiana says
Organic Weave rugs from Linda, has horrible customer service..
When I asked questions she said she will not sale rug to me!!!
Linda Alexanian says
Thanks for the feedback Tetiana.
You sent us 27 emails in 3 days, all of which we answered within hours.
Linda
Alia says
Did you purchase their wool or cotton rugs?
Suzanne Weaver-Goss says
Do you mean did we personally buy any of these rugs? I have personally bought the cotton Lorena Canal rugs because you can throw them in the laundry which I love. I also have an Earth Weave wool rug.
mallory says
Are the pads from rugpadsusa.com the good stuff?
juanita says
Nice blog, I really appreciate it. It is nice to décor area with rugs. A rug can make your house perfect and decorative. I am also choosing rugs from https://therugmall.com/product/amer-contemporary-amanya-ama-1-area-rug-collection/, they have a nice collection you must check it out.
Nick says
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/
Ashley says
What about West Elm rugs? How about NuLoom?
Amanda says
My understanding is that only some of the rugs from both of those companies are oaky….. I’m still confused by it though!
Ashley Prisco says
Can you recommend a nontoxic doormat?
Amanda says
Would a polypropylene rug that is oeko-Tex certified be considered safe?
Maia James says
Yes, that would be acceptable in my opinion. Thanks!
Whit Selke says
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
Sarah says
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!
shannel says
Claire are the rugs still shedding?
Thanks!
Lil says
I’m also interested in a nontoxic doormat! Any suggestions?
Lindsay says
Hi! Thank you for posting this. Any thoughts on the Whitfield rugs?
Mike Fish says
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.
Lynnsey E Shaughnessy (Eakin) says
agreed!
Amy says
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. . .
Victoria Pawlak says
Hi would a nylon Oeko-Tex rug be considered safe? Thanks.
Pat says
I am looking for rug grippers for use under rugs on Luxury Vinyl Plank in the kitchen and bathrooms
Ali says
How can I find out how safe Company C wool rugs are?
Tara says
What is the name/website for Linda’s rug company that you said you now recommend??
Roy Ovelock says
Nontoxic rugs are very important to you and youre family. especially your children if you have.
Id rather use nontoxic, organic.
Martha says
Thoughts on Ruggable?
Megan says
I’d love some thoughts on this as well as I’ve heard some mixed opinions.
Leslie says
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.
Amanda Coleman says
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!
Valerie says
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
Sara Cohen says
Hi! I am trying to understand why all wool rugs are not non-toxic. What makes a wool rug toxic vs. non-toxic? Thanks!
Brittany Heppe says
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?
Nicole E Bahena says
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!