A variety of textiles are used in Rug manufacturing, from natural to synthetic and anywhere in between. Rug aesthetics are composed of both the fabrics used and weave techniques, in addition to dyes and any performance treatments. For natural fabrics, the primary ones used are Cotton, Wool, Jute, Sisal, Linen and occasionally Hemp (though not often as it’s pricey). Synthetics are primarily Polyester, Polypropylene and (often recycled) PET. All three are plastic-based textiles, which are petrochemical based plastics that are converted into fabric using a chemically intensive process. Both natural and synthetic textile-based rugs will often have backings, frequently synthetic latex, which can offgas VOCs. Dyes used in rugs are 99% synthetic and petrochemical-based; though there are some natural plant-based dyed options out there, these are by far the minority. 

What we’re looking to avoid within Rugs are the conventional processing inputs and dyes used in non-Organic natural textiles, and the equivalent ones used in synthetics. These inputs are often carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting and reprotoxic (see our materials section on Textiles for more detail). Dyes in particular can be some of the most toxic inputs when it comes to textiles - especially Azo-based disperse dyes, which are often used on synthetic textiles and can release aromatic amines, which are genotoxic carcinogens. With the performance treatments used in Rugs - even as PFAS are phased out of use, the potential for regrettable substitutions remains high, and we would recommend against performance treatments for this reason - as many will still contain problematic inputs like formaldehyde and phthalates. Rugs are subject to high degree of abrasion through use, especially if shoes are worn in the house (don’t wear shoes in the house), which can cause the release of both bound chemical compounds in natural and synthetic textiles, and microplastics in (plastic-based) synthetic textiles. Microplastics are a growing area of concern linked with a multitude of negative health consequences - including hormonal disruption and infertility. Unfortunately, our pets and children are subject to higher ingestion levels and potential effects, due to being lower to the ground, and having smaller, still developing bodies. 

That’s a whole lot of things to be cautious of! Not to worry - we have some great options to recommend below. What we look for in Rugs are natural textiles that are cleanly processed, better if Organically grown and carrying advanced applicable certifications. As Rugs act like spongers for whatever is in the air, which can/will lead to microbe accumulation over time, we recommend those that are machine washable - which will help keep Rugs clean and Non-Toxic through time. (Of course, there are many machine washable rugs that we wouldn’t consider Non-Toxic - we recommend only those that achieve both). We do not recommend any synthetic based rugs for all the reasons above.  

Prioritize Natural textiles, Organically grown and cleanly processed, dyed using (as best can be) Non-Toxic inputs - though we do look for beautiful undyed Rugs wherever we can find them. For any Organic claims, we look for full GOTS certification. 

Avoid Synthetic textiles (all those listed above), natural textiles that are conventionally processed and dyed, even if they are machine washable. Avoid any and all performance treatments when it comes to Rugs - we sacrifice a great deal in terms of health when it comes to convenience, and this is no exception. Far better to have a Non-Toxic, machine-washable Rug rather than a rug releasing toxic compounds into your indoor air.