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Ideas & Advice > Rug Size Guide > Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe or Toxic?

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Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe or Toxic?

Polypropylene rugs are rising in popularity because of their affordability, durability, and diversity. Since this is a synthetic plastic-based material, many have raised concerns over the nature of the fabric and if it is safe for homes. That is the topic that we will be addressing today, along with the pros and cons of using polypropylene rugs in your home.

Learn More About Polypropylene Rugs

  1. What Is Polypropylene?
  2. Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe?
  3. Pros of Polypropylene Rugs
  4. Cons of Polypropylene Rugs
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Polypropylene?

Polypropylene, also known as olefin, is a synthetic material frequently used in packaging, labels, textiles, and reusable containers. The material is quite diverse in its usage, and the fibers can be crafted to look exactly like wool, sisal, and other rug fibers. The fibers are then machine woven into stylish, comfortable rugs.

Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe?

The short answer is yes, polypropylene rugs are safe. Due to their synthetic nature and other chemicals used in the construction of the rug, polypropylene area rugs will likely have some volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The method of off-gassing (releasing these chemicals in the air) can trigger headaches in some sensitive individuals. Some of these rugs may also have a distinct smell when they first enter the home. Fortunately, both these issues can be taken care of with proper ventilation and airflow to create a healthy, safe space.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Pros of Polypropylene Rugs

Knowing that polypropylene rugs are safe for the home, you may now consider other reasons why adding one of these rugs is an ideal way to create a comfortable space. 

Stain Resistant

  • Since polypropylene is a naturally stain-resistant material, these rugs are easy to clean from most messes and spills. Stains should still be treated as soon as they occur, but this material resists moisture and dirt more than other popular materials.

Soft Look and Feel

  • Polypropylene may not be as soft as natural materials like wool, but this material is still extremely comfortable and soft. Combine this rug with a rug pad and you will have a soft, more plush-feeling rug fitting for any room of the home.

Cost

  • Because these rugs feature a man-made material that is easy to reproduce, they tend to be more affordable than natural rugs. Plus, they are often machine-made instead of handwoven, so this dramatically lowers the price as well.

Pros of Polypropylene Rugs (Continued)

Lightweight

  • Once again, because of the weight of the material itself and the backing that it is made on, these rugs tend to be more lightweight than some of their natural alternatives. That means that even the largest polypropylene area rugs are easy to move and maneuver whenever you need to change the room’s layout or clean the rug.

Easy to Clean

  • Since these rugs are naturally stain resistant, they are easy to clean through stain removal, frequent vacuuming, and spot-cleaning. Like any other rug, it is vital to look at the tag and specific materials for care instructions to extend your rug’s life and beauty.

Good for Outdoor Use

  • Polypropylene is a naturally moisture resistant and water repellent material. These rugs are also crafted to be extremely durable through their material and their backing. Because of that, these rugs are resilient enough to stand up to wear and tear indoors and outdoors. 
Round rug for queen size bed

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Cons of Polypropylene Rugs

Although there are plenty of benefits to using polypropylene rugs inside the home, there are several facets to consider that may sway you towards choosing a different material. 

Environmental

  • Polypropylene is a synthetic plastic material, which means that these rugs take a long time to decompose when they are done being used. As they decompose over the course of hundreds of years, they cause more damage to the environment because of their long-lasting chemicals. 

Heat Sensitive

  • Polypropylene is a plastic-based material, so it does not take kindly to heat. Although the melting point is at 300 degrees, colors may bleed or fade when they are exposed to high levels of heat. 

Off-gassing issues

  • As mentioned previously, there are some chemicals used when creating these polypropylene area rugs. The off-gassing may create unpleasant smells or cause headaches in rooms without proper ventilation. 

Oil-Absorbent

  • These rugs tend to absorb oils, whether that be oil from the skin or kitchen oil. That is why these rugs are not recommended for kitchens in particular. As a part of that, soil is hard to clean out of the rug, since soils are oil-based stains.
Queen Size Runner Rug

Frequently Asked Questions About Polypropylene


Is a polypropylene rug safe for babies?

Polypropylene is not a toxic material; in fact, this plastic-based material is frequently used throughout the home in packaging, labels, textiles, and reusable containers. However, the rug may be treated with several chemicals to make it stain-resistant and fire-resistant. If you are using a polypropylene rug in a baby’s nursery or playroom, be sure it is a well ventilated area and the rug is properly cleaned to eliminate any odors.


Are polypropylene rugs safe for pets?

Similar to the answer above, polypropylene rugs are indeed safe for pets. In fact, these rugs are often placed in rooms that pets use because they are stain resistant, resilient, and durable. These rugs are ideal for homes with pets and are a great option for you and your pet alike. 

Frequently Asked Questions (Continued)


Do polypropylene rugs smell?

If the polypropylene rug is treated with certain chemicals and emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), then your rug may emit a smell when it first enters the home. Fortunately, this smell usually diminishes over time. To get rid of the smell, baking soda can be sprinkled on the carpet and be left to sit overnight. Then, vacuum the whole rug in the morning. 


Is polypropylene a good material for rugs?

There are many reasons why polypropylene is a good material for rugs. It is appealing for many because of its soft texture and comfort, but practically, it is also easy to clean, stain resistant, and easy to move. These rugs are also quite durable and are frequently crafted to stand up to outdoor elements. For these reasons, polypropylene is a great material for rugs. 

Round rug for queen size bed

Polypropylene rugs are a common option for homes and different rooms around the house. Now that you have the knowledge of what polypropylene is, how safe it is, and what pros and cons it provides, you can choose this material for your home or select a material better suited for your personal needs.

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