Finding the best non-toxic rugs can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The vast majority of rugs available bring unwanted, harmful contaminants into your home. This is especially a problem for young babies or kids who play on the floor or for people who are very sensitive.
Good news though! There are healthier alternatives and I’ll share some of my favorite sources for those below. But first, let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when trying to find a non-toxic rug.
For wall-to-wall carpet, see my review of Earth Weave Carpet and scroll down for non-toxic rug pads
What To Look For To Find The Best Non-Toxic Rugs
- Material the rug made of
- What type of backing does it have
- Was it treated with finishing chemicals
Materials
Generally speaking, natural fibers will provide some of the safest options. Look for materials like wool, organic cotton, hemp, sisal, jute, linen, etc. (FYI natural fibers will shed more initially)
You also want to see if it has any glues, adhesives, or dyes.
Not all synthetic materials are unhealthy, though few are good for the environment. Polypropylene is considered a safer plastic and is very durable and stain resistant. Look for recycled and/or recyclable options to not contribute to more plastic waste.
Backing
This is where a lot of rugs get in trouble. I’ve written about Phthalates before and here are the Cliffs Notes. You want to avoid bringing anything vinyl into your home. A lot of the synthetic foam backings are also problematic. These can not only expose you to phthalates, but also have heavy metals, BPA, and PVC.
Natural rubber latex is a good option. If you’ll be using a rug pad anyway, look for a rug with no backing or a natural backing, like cotton.
Chemical Treatments
The toughest of all because this is the least disclosed! Most manufacturers treat rugs with chemicals. Most commonly stain guard, pesticides/insect repellents, and flame retardants. Both stain treatments and flame retardants expose your family to PFAs. Which, in my opinion, is one of the biggest baddies to avoid bringing into your home.
The Best Non-Toxic Rugs
While this isn’t a complete list of all the options available, these are some of my favorite trusted sources!
Photo via Cold Picnic
Cold Picnic
They use natural materials like hemp and wool to create beautiful, chic, and modern rugs. This is my top choice for fun, colorful rugs. They confirmed via email that the rugs contain no finishing chemicals.
Shown above: Follow The Summer Around The World 4’x6′ $390
Photo via Green Building Supply
Green Building Supply
100% natural wool rugs with a wide range of sizes. They even carry Earth Weave rugs, which is the brand we used for wall-to-wall carpet upstairs.
Shown above: Catskill, Heron 4’x6′ $543.63
Photo via Hook + Loom
Hook + Loom
Committed to making rugs that are healthy for both you and for the planet! This is an excellent source for wool and cotton rugs.
Shown above: Toulouse Blue/White Eco Cotton Loom Hooked Rug 4’x6′ $16
Photo via Lorena Canals
Lorena Canals
Fun and whimsical rugs, along with more sophisticated versions. All rugs are either cotton or wool and free from any harmful substances.
Shown above: Washable Rug Kaarol M 4’7″x6’7″ $299
Photo via Parachute Home
Parachute Home
One of my favorite sources for home textiles! They have a variety of woven wool and jute rugs.
Shown above: Chunky Jute Rug 3’x5′ $158
Photo via Under The Nile
Under The Nile
They make a GOTS certified cotton rug that comes in almost endless color choices.
Shown above: Their standard washable rug. 4’x6′ $125
Vintage
Image via 1st Dibs
I’ve had really good luck finding wool and cotton vintage Turkish rugs on Etsy and they’re also available other second hand sites like 1st Dibs. There are some things to know before you shop. First, only go with reputable sellers that have gotten great reviews. Second, communicate with the shop owner to ensure the rugs will arrive to you clean and untreated with any other chemicals.
The two Etsy shops I’ve bought from have sadly both closed, so I don’t have a specific seller to recommend. But there are a ton of options if you search vintage Turkish rugs on Etsy. The shops I dealt with cleaned the rugs and then shipped them directly to me. The rugs I have were all made between 1920 & 1940.
Non-toxic rug options I’m on the fence about…
After multiple conversations with in-store sales associates and over the phone, I was told their rugs aren’t treated with chemicals. So I’ve purchased 2 or 3 rugs from them before. However, for the purposes of this post, I wanted to get something in writing. As of now, I’ve been told that the information I’m looking for is hard to obtain and they need additional time to research it. Should I get a confirmation one way or another, I will update this post.
While not fully non-toxic, Ikea has seriously upped their game. They’re one of the most committed larger brands to kicking toxins out of their products. They keep much higher standards so many of their products are actually pretty safe. For rugs, I recommend sticking to natural fibers without synthetic backing. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions about what it’s been treated with.
Non-Toxic Rug Pads
Photo via Parachute Home
Thinner Pads:
Nonslip Eco Rug Pad $29-119
Nature’s Grip Jute and Natural Rubber Prices vary
Thicker Pads:
J Mish Natural Wool Pad Sold by the roll
I hope this guide helps you on your search for the best non-toxic rugs! As always, if you have any questions be sure to leave them below.
