Nontoxic Rugs & Carpeting: A Better Choice For Your Home
When it comes to decorating our homes, we often focus on aesthetics and comfort, but we may overlook the health implications of our choices. Rugs and carpeting can significantly affect indoor air quality and overall well-being, especially if they contain harsh chemicals or toxic materials. Fortunately, nontoxic rugs and carpeting options are available that not only promote a healthier environment but also add beauty and comfort to our living spaces.
There are a few reasons you might want to consider choosing truly nontoxic rugs or carpeting. If you have been impacted by an autoimmune disease or cancer, if you are planning to have a baby, or especially if you already have one crawling around, then this post is for you. (Hey, they’re not called “rug rats” for nothing!). You will find out which rugs are a better option for your living room and where you can get them. Also, you will get some tips on how to reduce your exposure to chemicals if you already have rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting in place. Don’t get discouraged: the good news is a solution exists!
Nontoxic Rugs & Carpeting: How To Choose The Right One?
To begin with, rugs and carpeting made from synthetic materials are not the best option. Indeed, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants (FR), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates from scented products and plastics, and those that are on the carpet itself (source).
More specifically, chemicals in synthetic carpets can include toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, styrene, and 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC). These substances can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other more serious health problems. Consequently, opting for eco-friendly alternatives ensures a safer environment for you and your family.
What Is Wrong With Conventional Rugs & Carpeting?
First, typically, conventional rugs and carpets have undisclosed synthetic petroleum-based fabrics. That is to say, manufacturers often do not inform consumers about the components of their synthetic materials. They may claim to produce nontoxic rugs but usually fail to provide certification or any information to back up their claims. For instance, a truly nontoxic rug will have a GOTS certification, ensuring sustainability and commitment to ethical practices of the entire manufacturing process.
Second, conventional rugs may have concerning stain-resistant and water-repellent finishes containing perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) (source). These can contribute to health problems including cancer, birth defects, and hormonal disruptions (source).
Third, unlike nontoxic rugs, conventional rug options often contain dyes, glues, and petroleum-based rubber that can release toxic materials into your home. (Learn more about synthetic rubber and natural latex in my Non-Toxic Yoga Mat Guide.)
Last, many conventional carpets have backing made of polyurethane foam which is flammable and requires flame-retardant chemicals. These chemicals can leach into our environment and may contribute to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental problems in children. (Learn more in my post PVC Yoga Mats: Safe or Toxic?.)
Solution If You Have Synthetic Carpeting At Home
Now, I realize that wall-to-wall carpeting is quite popular in the US. Oftentimes, when you move into a new home, you don’t even have a choice because the carpeting is already there. Clearly, removing carpeting and installing new floors is an expensive endeavor, and not everyone can afford that. So, what can you do with the synthetic carpeting you already have? Doing something is better than doing nothing. Hence, consider the following tips:
- Vacuum regularly with a true HEPA filter: Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly. Regular vacuuming helps keep your rugs clean and free of allergens. Check out vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters in my Amazon shop.
- Run an air purifier: To keep the air in your living area clean and fresh, run an air purifier on a consistent basis. Consider Air Doctor or Austin Air purifiers. Personally, I have both in my 1000 square foot open-plan kitchen and living room.
- Wash your hands: Interestingly, a step as simple as washing your hands before touching food can reduce the risk of ingestion of flame retardants. In fact, this study showed that exposure to individual flame retardants was reduced by about half by one week of increased hand washing, house cleaning to reduce dust, or combined activities.
Solution If You Are Looking For Nontoxic Rugs
Alternatively, if you have bare wooden or concrete floors in your house and are looking for a little something to cozy up your living space, there is a solution for you.
The good news is there are plenty of nontoxic rug alternatives made from natural materials. When shopping for an eco-friendly rug, look for natural and sustainable fibers like wool, organic cotton, jute, and sisal. Read on to find out where you can actually purchase these!
Wool Rugs
To start with, wool rugs are a fantastic option for those seeking natural beauty and functionality. Indeed, made from renewable resources, wool is naturally fire-resistant, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. Unlike synthetic materials, which can harbor dust mites and allergens, wool’s natural properties help keep your indoor environment healthy.
Additionally, wool rugs are stain and dirt resistant due to the natural protective layer of scales that repel moisture and dirt. Plus, they are durable and can last for years. Also, because they are dense, wool rugs can absorb sound and make rooms quieter.
Most importantly, wool rugs come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile choice for any decor style. Look for rugs made from 100% wool to ensure you are avoiding any synthetic blends that may introduce toxic materials into your home.
Cotton Rugs
Next, cotton is another excellent natural material that is soft, breathable, and easy to clean. Look for rugs made from organic cotton, grown without harsh chemicals or pesticides. These rugs are not only gentle on the skin but also safe for the environment.
Cotton rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas like the living room, as they can be easily thrown in the washing machine when they need a refresh, unlike a wool rug. And typically, cotton rugs cost less than wool rugs. They may also keep their color longer than wool rugs which can fade in direct sunlight.
Jute And Sisal Rugs
Finally, jute and sisal rugs bring a touch of natural elegance to any room. These plant-based fibers are biodegradable and renewable, making them eco-friendly choices. Jute is softer, while sisal is more durable, making both materials suitable for various living spaces. Being a stiffer fiber, sisal is ideal for outdoor rugs, entryways, hallway runners, and homes with pets. Soft jute, on the other hand, works better in living rooms and bedrooms.
However, keep in mind that these rugs can be less forgiving on the feet than wool or cotton, so consider layering them with a soft rug pad for added comfort.
“Natural” Vs “Organic” Nontoxic Rugs
To begin, the difference between “natural” and “organic” rugs is not only in the absence of pesticides and herbicides but also in peace of mind.
It is crucial that manufacturers back up their claims to have “organic” products with a certificate from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Indeed, GOTS ensures that materials like wool and cotton are grown organically and that the safest dyes, glues, and backing materials are used. Additionally, GOTS verifies that the organic wool or organic cotton nontoxic rugs are made in GOTS certified facilities. To check if the rug or carpeting in question has GOTS certification, simply type the name of the company into the GOTS certified suppliers database. If it comes up, you have peace of mind that the manufacturer is being truthful.
Conversely, when a manufacturer does not provide the GOTS certification, all we can do is rely on their word that their materials are truly “natural” and free of synthetic additives. This lack of transparency can lead to concerns about the safety of the dyes, glues, finishes, and backing in the rug.
Nontoxic Rugs By Organic Weave
If you are looking for an organic wool or cotton rug, then Organic Weave is the place for you. Run by Linda, who is dedicated to providing truly nontoxic rugs, the company offers organic wool and cotton rugs handmade in India. All the products have GOTS certificates as well as a Good Weave certification to ensure they are free of child labor.
In addition, the master weavers use three techniques: flat weaving, hand tufting, and hand-knotting. Each technique has its unique appeal and durability. As a result, the Organic Weave rugs are not only beautiful but also luxurious to the touch (judging by the samples I received from Linda).
Furthermore, Organic Weave ships their healthy nontoxic rugs and carpets worldwide. But the best news is that my readers get a 5% discount with the code READLABELS5 at checkout.
How To Take Care Of Your Organic Rug
I believe in the importance of following maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. Thus, Organic Weave suggests the following steps in taking care of your nontoxic rugs:
- Vacuum frequently: Apply longer strokes to minimize back-and-forth movement and avoid using a beater brush. Use a vacuum cleaner with a true HEPA filter (check out some options in my Amazon shop).
- Address spills promptly: Blot the area with a clean cloth and mild soap solution, avoiding harsh chemicals. As an option, use an all-natural stain remover, like Pure Haven Master Blaster. This stain remover contains effective enzymes that do wonders; that is why it is my go-to product for every stain. Just be careful not to inhale it.
- Address solid substances the right way: Remove any dry, solid substance by gently scraping it away with a spoon; do not rub.
- Handle loose fibers: Clip any loose fibers instead of pulling them.
- Rotate regularly: To prevent uneven wear, rotate your rugs every few months.
Also, to keep your rug in place, you can use a rug pad. Look for a rug pad made from natural materials (e.g., natural latex).
Conclusion: What Are The Best Nontoxic Rugs & Carpeting?
When Shopping For Your Nontoxic Rugs Or Carpeting, Go For Natural Materials, Preferably GOTS-Certified Organic, Such As Eco-Friendly Wool, Cotton, Jute Or Sisal.
To sum up, choosing nontoxic rugs and carpeting is a significant step toward creating a healthier home environment. However, many of you must put up with wall-to-wall synthetic carpeting already installed in your house. Consider the following solutions:
- Vacuum regularly with a true HEPA filter: Check out vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters in my Amazon shop.
- Run an air purifier non-stop: Consider Air Doctor or Austin Air purifiers (I own both).
- Wash your hands before handling food: This reduces the risk of ingestion of flame retardants.
Conversely, if you are looking for nontoxic rugs for your bedrooms and living room made from eco-friendly natural materials, like organic wool and cotton, and don’t know where to start, here is the solution for you. Visit Organic Weave, which carries GOTS certified organic wool and cotton rugs handmade in India. Use the READLABELS5 discount code at checkout to get 5% off.
To see options of other non-toxic products for home and body, visit my IRLFY non-toxic shop as well as my Amazon shop. Also, be sure to browse the I Read Labels For You blog for tons of helpful information on how to live healthier. And check out my unprecedented e-books and services to assist you in your healthy journey.
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