Question from Van
Hi Debra,
I would like to get the most natural and safest carpets out there. Everything I’ve read seems to suggest that Earthweave amd Nature’s Carpet are the best natural wool rugs. The problem lies in there cost- too expensive. Are there cheaper alternatives? For example, Ikea and others carry natural wool area rugs but I can’t seem to find out if the carpet backings are treated with adhesives or if the carpets are treated with moth-proofing agents or other chemicals. Sisal or jute seem to be good alternatives as well, but again are these fibers tyically treated with chemicals?
Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
You are correct, The most natural carpets are Earth Weave and Nature’s Carpet. And they are expensive. But there are some other carpet resources as well, with lower prices. Take a look at Natürlich Natural Home for more wool carpeting, and The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Carpets for “low emitting” synthetic carpets that may meet your needs.
You can find links to all these at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Flooring.
It is very difficult to tell if natural fiber area rugs are treated with chemicals. Since they aren’t labled, it’s just kind of “buy and try.” I bought a 100% wool area rug for $39 from Lowe’s a few years back that’s covering up an unused heater vent in the floor–no odor at all. On the other hand, many years ago I bought a jute rug at Macy’s that had an odor I thought I could remove and was never able to. Try to sniff out odors on rugs in the stores and make sure you can return it if you get it home and find there is a strong odor.
