Question from Jenna

Hi Debra,

I need some advice on buying a rug. I need a large healthy rug that can withstand pets and children in the living room. I’ve been researching for many months now and am no closer to figuring out what is best. Ideally, I would buy an organic wool rug but I don’t have the budget for one. Here are my options, as I see it:

1. I thought about buying a large cotton rug but I wouldn’t be able to fit it in my washing machine, as it would inevitably get dirty a lot.

2. Flatweave wool/cotton rug from ikea, like this one – http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30251742/. I could vaccuum it and can blot up stains. The thing that worries me is the moth treatments etc. on the wool. Maybe I could hose it down with cold water and blot it dry when I first buy it?

3. A polypropylene rug. I know these are not ideal but I wondered if I let it off-gas for a while and regularly hose it down outside or wash it in the tub/shower, if it would be a good choice? http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20203563/

We do have a fresh air exchanger in the house and all wood floors, just to give you an idea on our environment. All of our beds are organic as well and no polyurethane foam in the house expect for a couple of small chairs I’ll be getting to next.

I would really appreciate the help. Thanks so much.

Jenna

Debra’s Answer

1. Well, we don’t know for sure if it has moth treatments, or not, or what type. Please call IKEA and find out.

2. I’m more concerned about the polypropylene rug. Polypropylene is not that toxic, but synthetic latex can outgas. So I would pass on this one.

It’s good that the wool rug is only wool and cotton, and no jute or latex. Find out about the moth repellants.

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