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Non Toxic Area Rugs
Totally organic cotton and wool area rugs, and non-toxic options, too. Click the rating symbols below each rug for more information about its material health. Scroll down to see the rugs I have in my home, plus how to find a healthy-ish rug on the “big” websites.
A fantastic collection of organic and healthier-than-average rugs. Some have GOTS certification, some have OEKO-TEX, and their standards for health are higher no matter what. You can always confirm about the Big 5 (see below) for individual rugs if you’d like. They also have washable rugs, which are great for removing any tracked-in toxins from the outdoors and dust, and also means you’re not relying on toxic PFAS for stain protection instead!
Tuft Love makes 100% GOTS certified organic, washable (!) cotton rugs. No added chemicals, plastic backings, or toxic dyes. Small curated collection that come in lots of sizes.
Quince has a nicely curated, non-overwhelming selection of natural rugs. Inventory changes often, so ask about the Big 5 before purchasing any individual rug. No certifications, but I appreciate that many are 100% wool or wool-cotton blend rugs without backings that are affordably priced. And their customer service actually gets back to you with believable, quick answers. Imperfect, but a good step toward healthy.
Tuft Love offers a great 100% natural rubber latex rug pad with open-weave construction for good air flow and no-slip padding. Available in several sizes and you are able to cut it down to fit your rug perfectly if needed.
OEKO TEX certified rugs that are impressively made of cotton and wool, an important difference that sets them apart from other trendy brands. OEKO TEX prohibits PFAS, azo dyes, and pesticides on natural fibers, and Parachute confirms that they don’t use BPA or Flame Retardants.
Rugs I Have
The olive green rug I use under my couch is from Birch Lane. This one is made of mostly wool, without a backing, and I confirmed they didn't use any of the "big 5" in it — read more below.
I have this rug under my bed. This one is also mostly wool, with a simple canvas backing, and they don't use any of the "big 5" in it.
I thought it was a good idea to put this mostly-white wool rug under the dining table. It wasn’t! It’s hard to keep clean! But I don’t care, it’s just so pretty. This is 100% wool, made without a backing, and I confirmed they didn't use any of the "big 5" in it.
More Healthy Design for You
More About Non-Toxic Rugs
Click on bolded statements for links to research and more information.
Are there any healthy rugs on Etsy, Wayfair, or Rugs.com?
Potentially, yes! For any company making rugs without a health focus or GOTS, OEKO TEX, or MADE SAFE certifications— including Wayfair, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Etsy, etcetera— these rules apply.
There are so many rugs without any certifications that can still be healthier than standard. These are often more affordable than a fully organic one, if that’s not an option right now. Here’s how I recommend choosing one that still ensures it’s less toxic:
First, choose one made with natural fibers and no backing. Backings are commonly made with PVC or synthetic rubber, softened with phthalates, and the glued to the back of the rug with adhesives that may contain formaldehyde or other high VOC glues. Delightful!
Second, specifically ask the manufacturer about the “Big 5”— these are very commonly added to rug fibers, even natural fibers. You can reach out over Live Chat or email.
Flame Retardants
PFAS
BPA
Azo Dyes
Pesticide fumigants
If you’re happy with their answer, it’s a go!
Are OEKO TEX certified rugs healthy?
They can be a step in the right direction! OEKO TEX prohibits the use of PFAS and azo dyes, as well as pesticide fumigants on natural fiber rugs. A small amount of BPA (typically used to make rugs colorfast) is allowed, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester — so I would simply contact the manufacturer and ask to make sure these aren’t included (if that’s important to you) — when choosing an OEKO TEX certified rug.
Where can I get my rug cut?
It’s so hard finding a rug that’s the right color, texture, price, health level, and size. I got my living room cut at a local rug cleaning shop. If you’re having a hard time finding a similar place on Google in your area, ask an Interior Designer— that’s where they often get area rugs professionally cut to the perfect size for their clients.
Are vintage rugs healthier?
Potentially! PFAS and BPA started to be added to commercial products in the 1940s, and Flame Retardants were introduced in the 1970s. A vintage rug older than this may be one way to reduce your exposure to these chemicals. A sniff test before buying is not a deeply accurate way to check its health, but can immediately tip you off to cigarette smells or fragranced cleaners. Check yourself or ask the seller these questions directly.
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