This post contains affiliated links. Please read my disclosure page.
Non Toxic Rugs – What Non Toxic, Natural Rugs Are Best?
Now that we have some new furniture in the house, I wanted to get some area rugs to protect our newly installed floors. I didn’t have rugs placed in some of our furniture before so I know furniture can scrape and damage hardwood floors from an experience. When I get the area rugs for my house, I wanted to get rugs that were made with non toxic materials. Rugs with synthetic materials will most likely to contain harmful chemicals and emit harmful volatile organic compounds. Therefore, I decided to do research further to get non toxic rugs. In this post, I share with you how rugs can be toxic, what to look for when buying a non toxic rug, and what non toxic rugs are available.
How Rugs Can Be Toxic
How Rugs Can Be Toxic – Synthetic Fibers and Toxic Chemicals
Many rugs in the market are made of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester or nylon. Synthetic fibers are made from petroleum based chemicals or petrochemicals. These synthetic fibers go through heavy chemical process and they can have harmful chemical residues left on fiber. For example, dihydric alcohol and terephthalic acid are used for polyester fiber manufacturing and they are often left as residue after manufacturing. Once, polyester fibers are wet, these toxic chemicals can enter the body through the wet skin if skin is exposed. That can cause dermatitis and respiratory infections. The synthetic fiber rugs will also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petrochemicals. Synthetic fiber rugs will have the ‘new carpet’ smell when you first get these rugs new. In addition, if rugs made of synthetic fibers are treated with stain, antimicrobial, moth-proofing or waterproofing treatments, that will add additional toxic chemicals. According to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many synthetic carpets and rugs are treated with perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs to prevent stains and waterproof them. Perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs are possibly carcinogenic and linked to hormone disruption and birth defects. Sometimes fibers are treated with antimicrobial coatings such as Ultrafresh to prevent bacterial growth in the fibers. Triclosan in Ultrafresh is a hormone disruptor.
How Rugs Can Be Toxic – Cotton Or Wool With Pesticides And Chemicals
Even natural fibers such as cotton or wool are often sprayed with pesticides and go through harsh chemical process when manufactured. Although cotton is natural, it is one of the crops that use the most chemicals. Pesticides or defoliants are heavily used to protect crops from pests and facilitate harvesting. The Environmental Protection Agency listed seven of the 15 pesticides commonly used on cotton in US as carcinogens. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some pesticides such as the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Some others may irritate the skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens or may affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body. Tribufos and dimethipin, defoliants used for cotton crops are classified as possibly carcinogenic.
Toxic chemicals are also used for wool. Sheep goes through a sheep dip process where insecticide and fungicide are used to protect sheep from infestation against itch, mite (Psoroptes ovis), blow-fly, ticks and lice. Just like cottons, wool can have harmful pesticide chemical residues. Both cotton and wool fibers are given harmful pesticides, fertilizers, processing chemicals, bleaches and dyes during processing. Due to their toxic chemicals and use of water and land, they are not good for environment either. One way to avoid toxic chemicals used for cotton and wool is to buy certified organic cotton and wool fibers. Some people are against using wool due to the animal cruelty done in some sheep farms.
How Rugs Can be Toxic – Rug Backing
Rugs can be hand-knotted, hand-woven, hand-tufted or machine made. Both hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs are made by hand. Hand-knotted rugs (oriental rugs) require a longer process to be made and more skilled artisans than hand-woven rugs (flatweaves) do. Therefore, they are more expensive. Hand-knotted rugs don’t have any backing to them. Handwoven/ flatweave rugs can be used reversed. Hand-tufted rugs are also made with hand but they are not knotted and they are made using a hand-tufting gun. They take a lot shorter time to finish and do not require same complex skills to complete as hand-knotted or hand-woven ones do. Therefore, they are less expensive. They are finished by gluing a fabric lining to the back. A latex coating adhesive is applied to the back to keep the woven fibers together. Then another layer of fabric is used to cover the coating. Machine made rugs are made by machines called power looms. They can be made quickly and they are less expensive than hand-made rugs such as hand-knotted rugs. They also have a latex coating applied to the back of the rugs.
The problem with a latex backing or adhesive is that this latex can be made with synthetic rubber, not natural latex. A synthetic rubber is made from petroleum-based chemicals. Most common chemicals used for a synthetic rubber is derived from styrene and 1, 3-butadiene. Both styrene and 1,3-butadiene are known carcinogens. Synthetic rubber backings will emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in to the air we breathe in. Two of the main volatile organic compounds emitted is 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), a byproduct of the synthetic rubber and styrene. 4-PCH is a VOC that causes the ‘new carpet’ odor. It is also what caused numerous employees of EPA headquarters respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms from 27,000 yards of newly installed carpets in 1987. Consequently, the carpet was removed. 4-PCH can also react with other chemicals and emit formaldehyde which is a known human carcinogen. A rug backing can also be made with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is the most toxic plastic. It is made from vinyl chloride which is a carcinogen. It also has high chlorine content. Exposure to PVC often includes exposure to a toxic chemical called phthalates which is an endocrine disruptor.
If you want to get a non toxic rugs, go for hand-knotted or hand-woven rugs (flatweaves). Most machine-made or hand-tufted rugs have backings that off-gas chemicals. If your rug has a latex backing, verify that it is made of natural latex, not synthetic latex. Avoid synthetic latex, PVC or other plastic backings. You can purchase a rug pad that is made with natural material separately for a rug that has no backing. (Check out a natural rug pad.)
How Rugs Can Be Toxic – Flame Retardant Chemicals
Most rugs have toxic flame retardant chemicals since all carpets and rugs manufactured, imported or sold in US must meet the government flammability standards. Especially, chemicals in synthetic rugs are highly flammable. Therefore, they are often treated with flame retardant chemicals. Small carpets and rugs not meeting the standards can still be manufactured, imported or sold in US as long as they have a label indicating the following: FLAMMABLE (FAILS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE STANDARD FF 2-70): SHOULD NOT BE USED NEAR SOURCES OF IGNITION. You can find out if rugs are treated with fire-retardant chemicals or made of fibers that have had fire retardant chemicals by looking at their label. Those rugs must be labeled with the letter ‘T’.
Flame retardant chemicals can be released from rugs into dust and into the air. Babies or toddlers are especially vulnerable to exposure of flame retardant chemicals due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Researchers have found that children have higher concentrations of flame retardants in their bodies than adults. Flame retardants can cause cancer, reproductive toxicity, endocrine and thyroid disruption, impacts to the immune system, neurologic function or adverse effects on fetal and child development.
How Rugs Can Be Toxic – Toxic Dyes
Dyes and chemicals are used to make variety of colors in rugs. Two types of dyes can be used: synthetic or natural dyes. Synthetic dyes are derived from petrochemicals so they contain toxic chemicals such as lead, toluene, benzene, mercury, chromium, copper, formaldehyde, dioxin, aniline, alkylphenol ethoxylates and sodium chloride. Many of these harmful chemicals can cause cancer. There are different type of dyeing types. Some of dyeing types include azoic dyes and synthetic mordant dyes. According to the The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI), Azo dyes can break down to aromatic amines; arylamines. Breakdown to arylamines can happen during storage (with temperature change) or in contact with the body’s own enzyme system. Arylamines released from the azo dye can be absorbed by the skin and accumulate in the body. Azo dyes such as Cogo red, aniline yellow, C.I. Direct Black 38 or C.I. Acid Red 114 are carcinogens.
Natural dyes derive from minerals, insects, flowers, plants, roots, leaves, etc. However, some natural dyes can be harmful as well. For example, a natural dye, logwood is very poisonous. Indigo can irritate skin, eye and respiratory system. Natural dyes can also come from natural crops that are genetically modified (GMO) or that had Pesticides, herbicides, defoliants used on them. Natural dyes must use mordants. Mordants or fixatives (such as metallic salts of iron, copper, aluminum, etc.) are binders to attach natural dyes to fibers. Without mordants, colors will just wash out. Some mordants are toxic and harmful for workers and our environment. However, natural dyes are biodegradable and still safer than synthetic dyes which contains carcinogens. Some cotton or wool rugs are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. That means all chemical inputs including dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals must be evaluated and meeting basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability. Also, azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited.
Non Toxic Rug Materials
So then what non toxic rug materials are available? Here are some natural fiber rug materials that are non toxic. Each material has pros and cons, and can be used for different areas of the house. Let’s take a look!
Sisal – Non Toxic Rug Material
Sisal is natural fiber derived from ‘agave sisalana‘ cactus plant. Sisal carpet is very absorbent and doesn’t build up static.
Non Toxic: The material is non toxic and it won’t emit volatile organic compounds. There is with little need for fertilizer or pesticides. It is all natural, requiring no chemicals to treat or produce. It is also fully biodegradable.
Durability: It is one of the most durable carpet materials available. It is stronger than other natural fibers such as jute. It is a tough material that often used for rope or twine. It will be great for high traffic areas since it is strong and durable.
Maintenance: Maintenance is easy since it doesn’t trap dust and only vacuuming is required for maintenance. However, it can not be used with liquid cleaning solutions and can not be steam cleaned since it is very absorbent. Spills should be removed quickly. Liquid can cause a sisal rug to be stained.
Staining: It doesn’t absorb dirt. Generally stain resistant but tough stains can be hard to remove. Keep in mind most cleansers will discolor the sisal. Liquid or water can leave watermark behind.
Colors: Many colors are available since sisal fiber takes dye very well.
Feel: Sisal fibers are coarse. If you are looking for a soft material, this material may not be right for you.
Good for: Living room, hallways, entrance ways, avoid in outdoors, kitchens and bathrooms
Jute – Non Toxic Rug Material
Jute is a natural fiber derived from the plants Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis. It is one of the softest natural fibers.
Non Toxic: This natural fiber is non toxic, biodegradable and have little need for fertilizer or pesticides.
Durability: It is less durable than sisal.
Maintenance: A jute rug can be maintained easily with vacuuming but it can not be steam cleaned or used with liquid cleaning solutions. Water or liquid spills should be removed quickly. Jute natural fiber can shed a little.
Staining: It doesn’t absorb dirt. However, water or liquid can stain or damage fibers. Most cleansers will discolor the Jute.
Colors: Many colors are also available since jute fiber takes dye very well. However, color selection is more limited with jute rugs than sisal rugs.
Affordability: It is also one of the most affordable natural fibers and is considered second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses of vegetable fibers according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations. A jute rug is more affordable than a sisal rug.
Good for: It will be ideal for light traffic areas or areas that needs softer, more comfortable feel such as bedrooms, dining rooms or family rooms. Jute material is very absorbent. Therefore, avoid using at areas that have some moisture to avoid mold and mildew. Therefore, do not use it in kitchen, bathrooms or outdoors.
Seagrass
Seagrass is flowering plants growing in the sea. Seagrass fiber is natural.
Non Toxic: Seagrass fiber is non toxic and it doesn’t emit any harmful volatile organic compounds. It is environmentally friendly since it contains no chemicals. It is fully biodegradable. It is also hypoallergenic.
Durability: It is very strong and durable.
Stain: It is naturally stain, dust and dirt resistant. It is also naturally static free. It is most stain resistant compared to other natural fibers such as sisal or jute. It is water repellant but a lot of water can cause fibers to shrink and damage.
Maintenance: You should blot water or liquid spills quickly. Once water dries, the water spot should return to its normal color. Other liquid spills such as coffee or food, you can use a damp towel and water, then dry. That should clean the spot. Seagrass rugs are easier to clean up spots than sisal or jute rugs. Sisal or jute rugs may possibly leave permanent mark if you try to clean it. Overall maintenance is easy, just regular vacuuming is required. Do not steam clean or shampoo a seagrass rug.
Color: It doesn’t dye well so your choice of color is limited. Seagrass rugs come in its own natural color which is a little bit greenish brown which turns to brown over time.
Feel: It feels softer on your feet than sisal.
Affordability: Seagrass is one of the least expensive of the plant fibers.
Good for: It can be placed in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, entryways, or hallways. The fiber is very smooth so it could get slippery over time so it is not recommended in places like stairs.
Organic Cotton
Cotton fibers comes from cotton plants of the genus Gossypium.
Non Toxic: Cotton is natural, however, it is the crop that is sprayed with most chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers. Not only that According to the USDA, 94 percent of cotton grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. Often, pesticides residues are left on the cotton fabric. Organic cottons do not use genetically modified crops or harmful pesticides or fertilizers.
Durability: It is not the most durable material. It is not recommended in high traffic areas.
Stain: It is very absorbent and dries quickly so it stains very easily. Spills should be quickly blotted.
Maintenance: Many cotton rugs are machine washable. For maintenance, you can vacuum regularly.
Color: Cotton dyes very easily and can be dyed about any color. Many different color rugs are available. There are cotton rugs that use GOTS approved dye.
Feel: It feels soft.
Affordability: Cotton rugs are affordable and cheaper than wool rugs.
Good For: Children’s rooms, Kitchens, bathrooms
Organic Wool
Wool is nature fiber from the coat of a sheep, goat or camel. It is the most common material used for rugs.
Non Toxic:
Wool itself is natural and does not use any chemicals. However, many sheep farmers dip their sheep in poisonous insecticide baths to prevent lice and ticks and use chemicals to clean wool. Also, pesticides are applied on sheep. Toxic chemicals are often used to bleach or dye wool as well. In addition, animal cruelty exist in some sheep farms . You can find many videos about animal cruelty done to sheep on YouTube. If you want to ensure that no chemical is used for wool, you can find wool that is organic-certified. Wool, on the other hand, is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It is also naturally fire resistant so harmful flame retardant chemicals do not have to be used.
Durability: It is very tough and durable. It also recovers quickly from indenting by furniture and retain its original appearance. If maintained right, it could last for decades.
Staining: It is naturally water repellent so it is hard for spills to penetrate wool. Therefore, if you blot spills quickly, it won’t damage the rug at all. However, a lot of liquids can damage a rug so it should be avoided. Exposure to high humidity will cause mold and mildew. Wool is also naturally resistant to stain, dirt, dust mites, bacteria growth, mold and mildew.
Maintenance: Regular vacuuming is required for maintenance. If you are using a stain remover or cleaner, use wool safe products. When deep cleaning, have a carpet professionally cleaned by cleaners who has experience cleaning wool rugs. A wool rug can be steam cleaned but some steam cleaners may damage wool.
Feel: It feels soft and comfortable on your feet.
Color: Many different colors are available. There are wool rugs that use GOTS approved dye or not dyed.
Affordability: A wool rug is typically more expensive than other natural fiber rugs. It is actually one of the most expensive rug materials.
Good For: Wool rugs are good for high traffic areas such as living rooms or dining rooms. Avoid a wool rug in the areas with moisture to prevent mildew. Avoid areas that have a lot of direct sunlight. Exposure to constant direct sunlight can make the rug fade.
Coir
Coir is fiber from the outer husk of the coconut.
Non Toxic: It is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Little to no chemicals are being used to process coir rugs.
Durability: It is durable and great for medium to high traffic areas. It is naturally insect repellent. It is also susceptible to staining and fairly water resistant but moisture should be avoided. Coir can shed over time.
Maintenance: It is fairly low maintenance and it washes and vacuum easily. Use powder cleaning products rather than liquid ones.
Stain: It draws in dirt but doesn’t show dirt easily. It is absorbent so it could stain easily.
Colors: Styles and colors are limited. Its natural color is often used.
Feel: It has rough texture.
Affordability: It is very affordable.
Good for: It is well used for a doormat material. It has strong texture and it is very rough on bare feet. Therefore, if you want softer texture, a coir rug may not be ideal. It may not be suitable for bedroom or children’s room.
Non Toxic Rugs
Non toxic rugs will use natural fibers such as sisal, jute, seagrass or coir. They could be also made with GOTS certified organic cotton, hemp or wool. If you want to avoid dyes, you can choose rugs that have fiber’s natural colors. Some rugs have fiber’s natural colors without any dyes or chemicals. Some rugs are GOTS certified which means rugs do not have toxic dyes and they only use GOTS approved dyes. Also, you can avoid synthetic latex adhesives by choosing hand knotted rugs or reversible hand woven rugs. If backings are used, ensure that latex used is natural latex. If you choose to purchase a rug pad to place underneath a rug, you can also opt for a natural material rug pad.
Organic Cotton Rugs
Organic Weave Shop Organic Cotton Flatweave Rug – Non Toxic Rugs
Material: 100 % GOTS certified organic cotton
Handmade: Handwoven
Dyes: GOTS approved organic dyes
Backing: No Backings
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: Handcrafted in India
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Organic Weave Shop Organic Cotton Handtufted Rug – Non Toxic Rugs
Material: 100 % GOTS certified organic cotton
Handmade: Handtufted
Dyes: GOTS approved organic dyes
Backing: Organic Weave uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified natural rubber (or latex) in the manufacture of handtufted rugs. The latex is used to secure (or glue) the pile of the rug to the backing (organic cotton canvas).
Underpad: Handtufted rugs must be used with an underpad. Their Handtufted rugs must be used with an underpad.
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: Handcrafted in India
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Organic Weave Signature Cotton Shag – Non Toxic Rugs
Material: 100 % GOTS certified organic cotton
Handmade: Handtufted
Dyes: GOTS approved organic dyes
Backing: Organic Weave uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified natural rubber (or latex) in the manufacture of handtufted rugs. The latex is used to secure (or glue) the pile of the rug to the backing (organic cotton canvas).
Underpad: Handtufted rugs must be used with an underpad. Their Handtufted rugs must be used with an underpad.
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: Handcrafted in India
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Rawganique Savannah Organic Cotton Deep-Pile Bathmat & Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: Made from 100% organic cotton pile and 100% organic cotton backing
This rug is chemical-free, non-toxic and vegan. It contains no detergents, no chemicals, no bleach, no dyes, no dioxin, no formaldehyde, no fire retardants.
Backing: Backing is PVC free and not rubberized. It is made from 100% organic cotton and nothing else.
Color: It is untreated, unbleached & undyed and has natural color.
Machine Washable: It is machine washable, but try to minimize washing for longest product life.
Made In: It is made in USA. Sweat-shop free.
Grund Puro Series Organic Cotton Bath Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Organic Wool Rugs
Organic Weave Shop Wool Flatweave – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% Certified Organic wool
Handmade: Handwoven
Dyes: GOTS approved dyes
Backing: No backings
Underpad: A non-slip underlay is recommended.
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: handcrafted in India.
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Organic Weave Shop Wool Handknotted Tibetan 60 Know Rugs – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% Certified Organic wool
Handmade: Handknotted
Dyes: GOTS approved dyes
Backing: No backings
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: Their rugs are skillfully knotted by hand by master artisans in India.
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Organic Weave Shop Handtufted Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: GOTS certified organic wool
Handmade: Handtufted
Dyes: GOTS approved dyes
Backing: Organic Weave uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified natural rubber (or latex) in the manufacture of handtufted rugs. The latex is used to secure (or glue) the pile of the rug to the backing (organic cotton canvas).
Certification: Certified organic by GOTS, GoodWeave certified (certified free of illegal child labour)
Made In: Handcrafted in India
5% Discount Code :GONEWMOMMY
Rawganique Malibu Organic Hemp Wool Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: organically grown European hemp & cruelty-free European wool
These rugs are not treated with stainguard or stain-proofing chemicals. There are no formaldehyde, no dioxin, no outgassing, no chemicals.
Colors: Undyed and unbleached natural color
Machine Washable: These are not machine washable.
Made In : Made in-house at their European Atelier. Sweatshop-free.
Organic Hemp Rugs
Rawganique Homestead Organic Hemp Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% organically grown European hemp
These rugs are not treated with stainguard or stain-proofing chemicals.
Colors: Undyed and unbleached natural color available. fiber-reactive bio-degradable dye Sage, Earth Brown, Burgundy, Indigo, Black, Forest Green, Indigo.
Hand Made: It is hand-woven.
Machine Washable: It is machine washable in the smaller sizes, airing and beating rather than machine washing is recommended.
Made In : Made in-house at their European Atelier. Sweatshop-free.
Coir Rugs
Kempf Natural Coco Coir Doormat – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% coconut fiber
Backing: The fibers are weaved on the bottom of the mat, so there is no synthetic rubber or PVC backing. This allows water to easily drain through the mat Outdoor plain doormats are perfect as outdoor doormats, because it is tough and able to withstand heat, water, snow or mud.
Jute Rugs
NaturalAreaRugs Handmade Chunky Calvin Jute Rug
Material: 100% Jute
Handmade: Handwoven
Backing: Reversible with no backing
Color: No chemicals or artificial dyes used. Due to natural fiber used to create the rug, slight color variation is expected.
Non Slip Pad: You will need to get a non slip pad separately.
Hand Made: Handwoven
Made In: India
Recommended For: low-to medium-traffic areas of your home
NaturalAreaRugs Handmade Chunky Capital Jute Runner Rug
Material: 100% Jute
Handmade: Handloomed
Backing: Reversible with no backing
Color: No chemicals or artificial dyes used. Due to natural fiber used to create the rug, slight color variation is expected.
Non Slip Pad: You will need to get a non slip pad separately.
Hand Made: Handwoven
Made In: India
Recommended For: low-to medium-traffic areas of your home
Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Jute Area Rug – Non Toxic Rugs
Material: 100% Jute
Backing: Reversible with no backing
Non Slip Pad: You will need to get a non slip pad separately.
Hand Made: Handwoven
Made In: India
Recommended For: low-to medium-traffic areas of your home
nuLOOM Handwoven Rigo Jute Rug – Non Toxic Rugs
Material: 100% Jute
Hand Made: Handwoven
Backing: Reversible with no backing
Non Slip Pad: You will need to get a non slip pad separately.
Made In : India
Recommended For: low-to medium-traffic areas of your home
Natural Area Rugs “Elsinore” Beige Braided Jute Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% Jute
Hand Made: Handwoven
Backing: Reversible with no backing
Non Slip Pad: You will need to get a non slip pad separately.
Made In: India
Recommended For: low-to medium-traffic areas of your home
Seagrass Rugs
NaturalAreaRugs Opulence Natural Seagrass Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% Seagrass
Backing: It has a natural dotted cotton backing to prevent slipping.
Color: It has natural fiber color. Due to organic fibers used to create the rug, slight color variation is expected.
Non Sip Pad: Not needed. Rug Pad Is recommended to prolong the life of your rug and to get additional comfort (Sold Separately)
Made In: Handcrafted in USA
Recommended For: High traffic areas in your home
NaturalAreaRugs Optimum Natural Seagrass Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: 100% Seagrass bound by hi-end cotton / canvas
Backing: Natural latex
Color: It has natural fiber color. Due to organic fibers used to create the rug, slight color variation is expected.
Made In: USA
Recommended For: High traffic areas in your home
Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection NF115P Herringbone Seagrass Area Rug – Non Toxic Rug
Material: Sustainably harvested seagrass
Backing: It has a natural latex backing.
Non Slip Pad: Non needed.
Made In: China
Recommended For: High traffic areas in your home
Final Thoughts
I really like Organic Weave Shop’s non toxic, hand-knotted or hand-woven rugs. They use non toxic, good quality materials and will probably last a lot longer than any rugs including rugs made with natural fibers such as sisal, jute or seagrass. However, I really love natural fiber rugs. Not only they are a lot more affordable but also they offer a unique, natural, aesthetic look. I am getting seagrass rugs for our living room (9 x 12) and dining table (8 x 10), jute rugs for our bedroom (8 x 10) and our daughter’s room (5 x 8), organic cotton rugs for our kitchen and bathrooms (2 x 3). I wanted more durable materials in our high traffic areas such as front door entry, living room and dining room. I wanted materials that are softer on our and our daughter’s feet in the bed rooms. Also, I didn’t want to use any sisal, jute or seagrass in the kitchen or the bathrooms due to the moisture. Therefore, I am getting organic cotton for those areas. When choosing rugs, find out what you prefer in different areas of your home. Often our bare feet are on the rug or babies can also crawl directly on it. Choosing non toxic rugs is one way to limit harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds being emitted at your home.
For non toxic rug pads, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Rug Pads – Non Toxic Rug Pads That Do Not Damage Your Hardwood Floors.‘
If you are interested in non toxic, solid wood platform bed frames, please read my post ‘Solid Wood Bed Frame – What To Look For When Buying A Solid Wood Platform Bed‘.
If you are interested in organic latex mattress, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic, Organic Mattress – The Best Organic Latex Mattress Brands‘.
If you are interested, how mattresses can be toxic, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Mattress Guide – Chemical-Free, Organic Mattress‘.
For non toxic sofa companies that you can shop from, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Sofa Guide – Which Sofa Brand Is Non Toxic?‘
If you want to find out which bottled water brands are safe, please read my post ‘Safe Bottled Water Guide: Which Bottled Water Brands Are Safe?‘
Amazon links for rugs not working…
Hi Steve,
Which product link are you referring to?
Hi,
wanted to know the jute rugs you selected for your bedrooms. Are they soft for crawling and sitting? Don’t they leave marks on the skin for kids especially?
Thanks,
Savvy
Hi Savvy,
I find NaturalAreaRugs Chunky Calvin Jute Rug soft. My 3 year old and my dog also like it (and my husband). However, baby’s skin can be more delicate than my 3 year old and my dog. I guess it would also depend on how sensitive baby’s skin is. I feel that it should be soft enough for crawling (sitting should be fine) but I can’t say it for sure since I got this rug when my daughter turned 3.
This was a very well written and informative post. I have just found your website which has been very helpful with my search for non-toxic options in my home. I never leave comments but I wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your research.
Thank you!