Polypropylene Rug – The Ultimate Guide to Find the Best

A polypropylene rug is a great way to add a splash of color or pattern to your home without breaking the bank.

They’re also durable and easy to care for, making them a great choice for busy households.

But what exactly is polypropylene, and what are the pros and cons of using it in your rug? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at polypropylene rugs, exploring everything from their construction to their care.

So whether you’re considering buying one of the best polypropylene rugs or just want to learn more about this popular material, read on!

Polypropylene rugs

Polypropylene rugs are made from synthetic fibers that are spun into yarn and then woven or tufted into the finished product.

The fibers are often treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process, which gives them added stain- and water resistance.

Polypropylene Rug Ideas

Which is all okay as long as the materials the rug is treated with are non-toxic.

Much more on that later.

Polypropylene rugs vs. polyester rugs

First, let’s compare polypropylene rugs to another popular type of synthetic rug: polyester rugs.

Polypropylene and polyester are both man-made fibers that are often used in textiles and carpets.

Both materials are durable and easy to care for, but there are some key differences between them.

Polypropylene rugs are usually less expensive than polyester rugs, making them a great choice if you’re working with a tight budget.

Bear in mind, however, that this is generally true, and not necessarily carved in stone for each and every item you are about to buy.

A polypropylene rug is also more stain-resistant than polyester rugs, so it’ll be easier to keep clean in busy households.

On the other hand, polyester rugs in most cases tend to be more comfortable and softer underfoot, making them a better choice if you’re looking for a cozy rug to curl upon.

Another consideration may be that polypropylene rugs are less likely to fade in direct sunlight than polyester rugs, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to use your rug in a sunny room.

By and large, both polypropylene rugs and polyester rugs will last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. This, of course, hugely depends on the use itself: whether you put it in a heavy-traffic area of the house, whether kids or pets are around, and all those things.

This might not sound like a lot, but the flipside of the same coin is that you do not commit yourself to the same design for decades to come.

Synthetic Rugs

While polyester and polypropylene are the most widespread choices for rug materials, these are not the only synthetic fibers that you can come across when shopping for a new rug.

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that is often used in synthetic rugs. PVC rugs are durable and resistant to stains, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.

However, PVC is not as soft as other materials, and it can be harsh on bare feet.

Latex is another popular choice for synthetic rugs. Latex rugs are softer and more comfortable than PVC rugs, but they are not as durable.

Vinyl is another option for synthetic rugs. Vinyl is a plastic material that is similar to PVC in terms of durability and resistance to stains.

However, vinyl is softer than PVC and can be more comfortable to walk on. Have I mentioned already that it’s usually much more expensive, too?

Viscose is a type of rayon that is often used in synthetic rugs. Viscose rugs are soft and comfortable, but they are not as durable as PVC or latex rugs.

Long story short: there are plenty of options out there when one is buying synthetic rugs.

But also, there is a reason why, among all these materials, polypropylene is by far the most popular choice.

Is polypropylene good for rugs?

I think, by now we have established that polypropylene is a great raw material when it comes to rugs.

But why would you buy a synthetic rug in the first place?

What are the pros and cons of polypropylene rugs?

Let’s have a look.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy a polypropylene rug over any other type of rug.

First and foremost, polypropylene rugs are very affordable. You can easily find a high-quality polypropylene rug for under $200.

In comparison, natural fiber rugs such as wool or silk can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Polypropylene rugs are also very easy to care for. They are stain-resistant and can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a mild detergent.

Polypropylene rugs are also mold- and mildew-resistant, making them a good choice for damp or humid areas of the house.

On the downside, polypropylene rugs are not as durable as wool or silk rugs. They will show wear and tear over time and may need to be replaced after a few years.

Polypropylene rugs can also be more comfortable than wool or even silk rugs (for a fraction of the price). Being made of plastic, which is a highly versatile and flexible material, some of these rugs are much softer than any natural fiber can ever be.

All things considered, polypropylene rugs are a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-care-for rug.

True, they are not as durable or comfortable as wool or silk rugs, but they are much more affordable and easier to care for.

If you don’t treat your rug as an investment, in which case you really have to go for a high-end, luxury, premium quality rug, a vintage rug or an antique rug, a polypropylene rug, on the bottom line, will almost always be a more reasonable choice.

Polypropylene Rugs’ safety

This is something that comes up a lot when it comes to synthetic materials, especially when chemicals are involved in the production process – like it is with polypropylene rugs. So I’d like to spend some time on discussing the safety considerations of polypropylene rugs. In fact, this topic comes up so often that it might merit its post of its own.

So, let’s start from square one: polypropylene is a type of synthetic fibre that is commonly used in the production of rugs.

It is made from chemicals, and other chemicals are used during its production process, so there are some concerns about its safety. However, polypropylene is generally considered to be safe. It is not known to cause any health problems, and it is not toxic.

Let me repeat this: there are no chemicals in polypropylene that are known to be harmful to humans.

The main concern with polypropylene is that it is a synthetic fiber.

Are polypropylene rugs safe for your family?

Short answer: yes.

As long as the production of your polypropylene rug didn’t involve toxic materials, it should be absolutely safe for your family.

Unfortunately, some manufacturers cut corners by using toxic chemicals in their production process, especially when it comes to chemicals adding certain desirable characteristics to the synthetic fibers of the rug, like making it flame-retardant or stain-resistant.

This can lead to health problems for you and your loved ones.

Okay, but how do you know if the particular rug you’re about to buy is safe for you and your family? You ask. Because after all, that’s the only thing you care about, right?

Here’s the workaround: buy from a reliable and reputable rug brand and retailer that you can trust. Want a personal recommendation? Choose one of these women-run rug brands we especially adore!

Do you want to keep the research in your own hand? You can do that, too! The website of the retailer or the rug brand is a good place to start. If their products are non-toxic, and are ethically made, they will mention it somewhere in the About Us section. If it’s not there, chances are that there’s a good reason for that.

With a little bit of research, you can find a polypropylene rug that’s non-toxic and safe for your family. It’s worth taking the time to find a safe option for your home – after all, your family’s health is priceless.

Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe For Pets?

Pets, cats, and dogs alike, love to sleep on rugs.

Which means that they are even closer to the rugs than we humans are. If there are toxic materials in the rugs they will get even more exposed to them than we ever will.

In general, polypropylene rugs are safe for pets.

Polypropylene rugs by reputable brands on the market are non-toxic and made with pet-friendly dyes. It is still important to do your research before purchasing a polypropylene rug for your home.

Start by checking for a non-toxic badge from a reputable organization like Good Housekeeping or the Carpet and Rug Institute.

If you can’t find a badge, look for a disclaimer from the manufacturer stating that the rug is safe for pets (ie. entirely non-toxic). With a little bit of effort, you can find a polypropylene rug that will be both safe and stylish for your home.

Are polypropylene rugs safe for hardwood floors?

In almost every article and post you’ll read about rugs protecting your floors from scratches, damage, wear and tear. But is this really, always the case?

Not quite.

The devil, as always, is in the details.

Some rugs will over time damage your hardwood floor, altering its color, scratching its surface, and overall, wearing it way more than necessary.

Here’s what you need to look out for.

First, there’s nothing wrong with polypropylene on this front. Polypropylene rugs are, in general, perfectly safe.

It’s the backing that matters.

Not every polypropylene rug is made of 100% polypropylene. Some of them are accompanied by a backing made of a different raw material. Popular choices include natural fibers, like jute, or even wool, but more often than not, they are made of other synthetic fibers, like PVC, latex, or nylon.

And that’s where you have to use extra caution. If you want your hardwood floors to be unharmed under your polypropylene rug for years to come, by all means, stay away from rugs that come with a latex backing.

Latex, in the long run, will damage your hardwood floor, no matter the raw material of the upper side of the rug.

Are polypropylene rugs safe for vinyl plank floors?

As with hardwood floors, it’s the backing that you have to pay extra attention to.

And, as with hardwood floors, it’s the rugs that come with a latex backing that you might want to stay away from if you want your expensive and cool-looking vinyl floor to survive your polypropylene rug.

Now, what if you just love the design of that specific polypropylene rug that, to your great misfortune, comes with the latex backing?

Luckily, there’s a solution for that, too!

This is where rug pads come into play. Most rug producers will recommend the use of rug pads anyway, but in most cases, this is only to make you spend extra $$$ with them.

Not when you have a latex-backed polypropylene rug that you intend to put on hardwood or a vinyl plank floor. In this case, you will thank them for selling you that rug pad – and your investment will yield an extremely positive return.

Are polypropylene rugs toxic?

One of the main counter-arguments you will come across against polypropylene rugs is that plastic is bad for you.

That plastic is toxic.

But is it, really?

Is a polypropylene rug safe?

So in conclusion, as you know by now (if you read through the previous number of paragraphs), the answer is: it depends.

As we have seen, polypropylene is a type of plastic.

And, as we all know, plastics can release harmful chemicals into the environment.

However, not all plastics are created equal.

Some types of plastic are more harmful than others.

Polypropylene, for example, is in itself a perfectly safe raw material.

It all depends on the chemicals and dyes the rug is treated with to become more durable, stain-resistant, water-resistant, flame-retardant, and all that.

Some of these chemicals can be toxic.

But, in general, polypropylene rugs that are made with safe and non-toxic dyes and chemicals are perfectly safe to use in your home.

The best way to make sure you’re buying a safe polypropylene rug is to look for rugs that are certified by Oeko-Tex or the Safe Carpet Standard (SCS).

These certifications guarantee that the rug has been tested for harmful substances and found to be free of them.

Of course, these certifications come at a price, so they are not always available on the cheap polypropylene rugs you will find online.

Your best bet is to go with a reliable rug brand or buy from a reliable source. These will (a) most likely only sell you non-toxic rugs, and (b) in any case will be very transparent on the materials and methods used in the making of the rug.

Polypropylene Rugs and Allergy

Anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma knows that even the smallest irritant can cause serious symptoms.

For this reason, many people choose to furnish their homes with hypoallergenic materials, such as polypropylene rugs. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber that is resistant to dust mites, mold, and other common allergy triggers.

As a result, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a safe and healthy environment. In addition to being hypoallergenic, polypropylene rugs are also stain-resistant and easy to clean, making them a practical option for those particularly sensitive to floating particles and airborne dust. Whether you suffer from allergies or simply want to create a healthy home, polypropylene rugs are an excellent choice.

Are polypropylene rugs safe for babies?

If you take all the above into consideration, then you can rest assured: the polypropylene rug of your choice will be completely safe for babies.

As long as it doesn’t contain any toxic materials – once more, watch out for dyes, flame-retardants, and other chemicals used in the production of the rug -, then there’s nothing to worry about.

Is a polypropylene rug safe for pets?

This poses a different set of considerations, but in most cases, you’ll arrive at the same conclusion: yes, a polypropylene rug is perfectly safe for pets.

The question is more: is your pet safe for your polypropylene rug?

Pets are not as careful as we are, they have sharp nails that can easily tear the rug, and they tend to shed hair (or worse).

So, in order for a polypropylene rug to be safe for pets, it needs to be durable enough to withstand their abuse.

Polypropylene is considered to be a hypoallergic material, so you’ll pet will thank you.

Just one thing: make sure the rug’s color is in style with your pet’s color! It will be rather difficult to keep him/her off the rug.

You’ve been warned.

How to clean Polypropylene Rugs?

Now that we’ve established safety concerns, let’s move on to maintenance.

Because polypropylene rugs are not only affordable and stylish, but they are also easy to care for. However, like any type of rug, they require some upkeep in order to stay looking their best. Here are a few tips for keeping your polypropylene rug clean.

First and foremost: if it’s possible (and in most cases it is), remove your shoes before you step on the rugs. Polypropylene is known to be a durable material, but keeping it out of harm’s way will have the biggest impact on its longevity.

Vacuum regularly – at least once a week – to remove dirt and dust. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum more often.

Spot clean spills and stains as soon as they happen. The longer you wait, the harder they will be to remove.

For best results, have your rug professionally cleaned once or twice a year. This will remove any build-up of dirt and grime that vacuum cleaners can’t reach.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your polypropylene rug looking like new for years to come.

Do polypropylene rugs wear well?

This is a difficult question to answer with a simple yes or no.

In general, polypropylene rugs are quite durable and will last for years with proper care.

However, as we’ve seen in the previous sections, not all polypropylene rugs are created equal. And also, they won’t last forever.

At an official lifespan of 3-5 years, polypropylene rugs can easily be considered the “fast fashion” of the home improvement industry 🙂

On a more serious note, polypropylene is just a raw material: it says very little about the actual quality of a specific rug.

The quality of the raw materials used in their production, the manufacturing process, and the design – all these factors play a role in how well a polypropylene rug will wear over time.

A cheaply made polypropylene rug might start showing signs of wear and tear after just a few months, while a high-quality one could easily last for 10 years or more.

Do polypropylene rugs shed?

OK, so you’ve just bought a new polypropylene rug and you’re excited to put it in your living room. But then you notice that it’s shedding… a lot.

Don’t worry, this is totally normal! Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber, which means that it’s made of smaller fibers that are spun together.

When those fibers are first woven into a rug, they’ll naturally shed some of those smaller fibers.

The good news is that the shedding will decrease over time and eventually stop altogether. So if you’re patient, your new rug will be perfect in no time.

Oh, and by the way, the shedding will happen to most new rugs, polypropylene or not. That’s just part of life.

Are polypropylene rugs waterproof?

Yes, they are are waterproof, meaning they won’t be damaged by water.

However, the fact that they are not absorbent, doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to expose them to a lot of water.

For rugs that can handle more exposure to water, look for indoor-outdoor rugs or rugs that specifically say “waterproof” in their product description.

But if you are worried about the humidity of your house, you can rest assured: the rug will do just fine even in the most humid areas of your house (save the bathroom) – and even in basements.

Can polypropylene rugs be machine washed?

The raw material of the rug is just one of the things you need to consider when you decide if a rug is machine washable or not.

Machine washing your polypropylene rug is usually safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the product specifications for your particular rug just to be sure.

Polypropylene is machine washable, but the dyes and chemicals used on some rugs might not be. Machine washing could also damage the backing of your rug.

So, if you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take your rug to a professional rug cleaner.

Do polypropylene rugs feel like plastic?

Well, first of all, they ARE plastic, after all.

But the good thing about plastic is that it’s extremely flexible: some high-quality plastics can be extremely deceptive, and feel and look like much more expensive and luxurious materials.

So whether or not all of them feel like plastic depends on the quality of the rug.

Some polypropylene rugs are made with premium materials and high-quality craftsmanship, and as a result, they can feel extremely soft, luxurious, and comfortable underfoot.

However, other polypropylene rugs are made with lower-quality materials, and as a result, they can feel stiff, rough, and plastic-like.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the quality of the rug.

Do polypropylene rugs look cheap?

By now you probably figured that there is no “general” look for polypropylene rugs.

They cover a broad spectrum of products that come in different qualities at very different price points.

Some of them will look cheap. Others will look luxurious, even grandiose.

The tricky part is that, when you buy a polypropylene rug online, the way the rug appears on your screen is not necessarily equivalent to how the rug will actually look in your apartment.

To mitigate this effect you have a pretty reliable indicator: the price of the rug. More expensive rugs will usually look great.

Cheap rugs will almost always look cheap, though. But really, who could blame them for it, right?

Will polypropylene rugs mold?

Polypropylene rugs will of all rugs be among the last to mold.

So unless you expose them to really extreme conditions for a long time, you can sit back and relax: your polypropylene rug will put up with the humidity of your house.

Without mold, that is.

How long will polypropylene rugs last?

The official answer? 3-5 years.

The real answer? It depends.

The point is that polypropylene rugs won’t last forever.

If you are the type that rearranges and redesigns your apartment every now and often, a polypropylene rug will by all means the optimal choice for you.

Of course, if your goal is to have your rug in pristine shape for as long as possible, there are certain things you can do, like keeping it away from high-traffic areas, using a rug pad, or following the cleaning and maintenance instructions that come with the rug really closely.

Are polypropylene rugs any good?

So. After all this talk, should you buy a polypropylene rug or not, you ask. While the final call remains yours, I think we have provided you with more than enough pointers to make an educated decision.

But to make things super-sure here’s my assessment.

After considering all of the pros and cons, I believe that polypropylene rugs are definitely worth their price.

If you can afford it, you could go for a high-quality, premium rug that is coming from a reliable source to ensure all the perks.

If you do that, you can be sure that your rug was made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them a great investment for busy homes.

In addition, your polypropylene rug will be easy to clean and maintain, meaning that you can enjoy its good looks for many years to come.

So if you’re looking for a rug that will add a touch of luxury to your home, I highly recommend investing in a polypropylene rug.

What’s next?

Check out our roundup reviews that come with product recommendations, and find the perfect rug that was made specifically to cater to your unique needs!