10 Easy Pieces: Non-Toxic Rugs

I recently bought a new area rug and being that I have a young child, I didn’t want to invest too much. We bought it from a big box store and when unpacking and unrolling the rug in our living room, it smelled distinctly toxic. The formaldehyde was palpable. It instantly felt like a mistake and not worth exposing my family to toxins on a regular basis. We returned the rug and its replacement, a natural wool rug, is world’s better—and world’s healthier.


Even if your rug is made from natural fibers, however, we encourage further research into its makeup as rugs may have been treated with pesticides, fungicides, and/or moth repellants to avoid mold and insect infestations in storage. Additionally, synthetic rubber backings may contain carcinogens such as phthalates.


Synthetic rugs on the other hand are inherently problematic with glues and adhesives containing formaldehyde, PAFs which are chemicals found in stain- and water-repellant rugs, toxic dyes, and flame-retardant chemicals.


[Editor’s note: While we’ve done our best to research the issue using credible sources, we are not scientists, doctors, or environmental toxicity experts. Details on certifications and materials used within mattresses change often and may have changed since this article’s publication date. We welcome any additional constructive insight in our comments section below.]
Above: Nordic Knots rugs are made from natural materials that have not been treated with any coatings and are made without a synthetic backing. Shown here is the Grand Rug in powder blue.
Above: Kvadrat rugs are made of natural materials and are coated but with a fluorocarbon-free coating that is also PFAS-free. Read more about their health and sustainability initiatives which have just sorted out as of this year (2024). Shown here is the Harvest Cross Coloured Fringes Rug at Kvadrat.
Above: Cold Picnic rugs are made from TEX New Zealand wool, bamboo silk, organic cotton, and deadstock material with cotton woven backing. Shown here is the Freya in Gold Rug.
Above: Hook & Loom rugs are made from undyed wool or recycled cotton and without toxins, dyes, or latex. Shown here is the Tottenham Thick Woven Wool Rug.
Above: Ferm Living rugs are made of all natural materials such as New Zealand wool, organic cotton, and jute. Shown here is the Stille Tufted Rug.
Above: Organic Weave rugs are GOTs certified made of organic, natural fibers. Shown here is the Signature Solid Strie Wool Rug.
Above: Lorena Canals rugs are made from naturally-dyed cotton or wool and are washable. Shown here is the Reversible Washable Rug Twin Amber.
Above: Parachute rugs are made of OEKO-TEX-certified wool and cotton. Shown here is the Ladder Stripe Wool Rug.
Above: Armadillo rugs are made entirely in natural materials such as jute, wool, silk, cotton, linen. Shown here is the Agra Rug.
Above: Peace Industry Felt Rugs are made of 100-percent wool with toxin-free dyes and without a backing. Shown here is the Eclipse Rug.
Above: Earth Weave is able to dye wool rugs without the use of chemical-laden dyes. Shown here is the Rainier Carpet.
Above: The Citizenry makes rugs from OEKO-TEX certified materials such as New Zealand wool, jute, and cotton. Shown here is the Hand-Knotted Area Rug.


For more non-toxic household goods see our posts:



* 10 Easy Pieces: Natural, Non-Toxic Mattresses

* 10 Easy Pieces: Natural, Non-Toxic Sofas

* 10 Easy Pieces: Clean Cookware

* 10 Easy Pieces: Latex-Free Paints | bit.ly/3XLoEJb


http://dlvr.it/TDvYmy