Are Rugs Toxic? Some Are, Some Aren’t

We often think of toxicity coming from cleaning supplies, but did you know that some rugs are toxic? These rugs and other VOCs in the room, which can cause various health problems in the future. However, many modern rugs are designed with safety in mind.

Rugs can be toxic because they often release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Rugs made of some types of seagrass, wool, cotton, and jute can be made without harmful additives. Unroll and leave your rug outside for a few days to remove the toxins.

Throughout this post, I’ll show you why a rug can be toxic, what rug materials are safe and non-toxic, and how long it takes to off-gas a rug.

Can a Rug Be Toxic?

A rug can be toxic because many manufacturers use various harsh chemicals to clean, dye, and produce the rug. These chemicals are released into the air in your home in forms known as VOCs and PFAS. Both substances are known to cause several long-term health problems.

According to Ecology Center, rugs are listed as one of the biggest contributors to PFAS in homes. These chemicals stick around for several years, sometimes decades. The good news is that you can try these three tips to prevent these rug toxins from entering your home:

1. Get a non-toxic rug.
2. Off-gas the rug outside.
3. Detox your rug with steam, heat, and air filtration.

One of the best ways to know if your rug is toxic is to smell it. That ‘new rug’ smell people often love is actually a handful of chemicals off-gassing from the fibers. This scent often sticks around for weeks or months, but it’s constantly sending toxins into the air.

You might’ve noticed new outdoor rugs don’t have the same smell for too long. This is because the heat and constant breeze outside remove the toxins from the rugs and prevent them from sticking to paint, floorboards, carpets, and other materials.

What Rug Material Is Non-Toxic?

Non-toxic rug materials include natural latex, jute, and wool. Some cotton rugs are non-toxic, too. There are many rugs that can be made with other materials without being toxic. Always check the tag or label to know if the product is all-natural and free of dyes and other contaminants.

For example, the nuLOOM Hand-Woven Area Rug is an all-natural rug that’s made of jute. You don’t have to worry about toxins, VOCs, PFAS, and other additives. This rug comes in black, navy, natural jute, off-white, and a few other colors. You can also select one of many sizes.

Polypropylene is a common household rug material that’s quite toxic. Look for this material, and don’t forget to check for synthetic latex and other treated materials. These are all toxic substances that can make your rugs hazardous.

You might not notice the effects of a toxic rug for many years. However, they can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and many illnesses.

Don’t forget to clean the space under the rug. It can harbor mold, bacteria, and toxins that trap themselves for a long time. When you off-gas a rug, you shouldn’t neglect the mat or fibers underneath it. Speaking of which, let’s discuss what you should expect while off-gassing a rug below.

How Long Does It Take for a Rug to Off-Gas?

It takes a rug between one to four days to off-gas. The off-gassing part is a crucial step in the process of eliminating harmful toxins from a rug. You can speed the process along by leaving the rug outside to prevent the PFAS and VOCs from getting trapped in your home.

While waiting for your rug to off-gas, consider steam cleaning it. Not only does it remove toxins, but it also helps flatten your rug. Rugs often flatten on their own, but why not let them off-gas and flatten simultaneously?

How Do I Detox My New Carpet?

To detox your new carpet, apply these techniques:

1. Unroll your new rug and place it outside in the sunlight for a few hours daily. Rugs release most of their toxins when they’re hot. Use the sun’s natural warmth to detox your rug so that it won’t release VOCs and PFAS into your home.
2. Steam clean your rug outside to remove the VOCs and PFAS. Steam vacuums quickly heat, soak, and remove most of the harsh chemicals used to create, design, and preserve rugs. Don’t worry; steam cleaners won’t remove the dyes or fibers from your rug.
3. Use baking soda or carpet deodorizer to detox your rug. I use Fresh Scentsations Carpet Odor Eliminator because it smells incredible and lasts several days. This deodorizer removes debris from the rug, letting you vacuum most of the toxins on the first try.
4. Point multiple floor fans toward the rug while it’s outside. While they’re not as effective as steam cleaning, you can use floor fans to blow away all of the off-gassing coming from your rug. Remember to ensure the fans are facing directly at the rug to lift them as much as possible.
5. Turn on your air conditioner to filter the chemicals out of the air from the rug. Check the filter’s rating compared to the size of the potential VOCs, PFAS, and other toxins in the rug. If your air conditioner filter has a fine enough mesh, it’ll remove most of the toxins. Clean the filter afterward.

Whether you’re using a rug to stop squeaky floors or updating your home decor, removing the toxins from the rug is paramount. If none of these steps sound quick enough, you can mix 1:1 white vinegar and hot water, then scrub the solution on the entire rug.

Wrapping It Up

You shouldn’t have to handle a rug that releases toxins into your house. After all, people get rugs for warmth, decor, and more. Leaving your rug outside and steam cleaning it can make a big difference. Once you get rid of the harmful VOCs and PFAS, your rug will be good to go.