Polypropylene Rugs
What are Polypropylene Rugs?
Polypropylene rugs (also known as olefin rugs) are a type of floor covering that is made from synthetic fiber. This fiber is derived from petroleum, and it is known for being very durable and resistant to staining.
Polypropylene rugs are often used in high-traffic areas, such as living rooms because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. These rugs are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can easily find one that fits your home’s décor.
Pros and Cons of Polypropylene Rugs
Pros
- Natural Look:Â
Unlike synthetic rugs made from materials like nylon or polyester, polypropylene rugs have a softer, more organic appearance that can help to warm up any room. - Stain Resistant:
These rugs are stain resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets. - Affordable:
They’re more affordable than other types of rugs, making them an affordable choice for many families. - Lightweight:
They’re incredibly lightweight, making them easy to move around and transport. - May be Used Outdoors
Polypropylene rugs are great for use outdoors. They typically can withstand all kinds of weather, making them ideal for areas that see a lot of foot traffic. - Low Static Electricity
They don’t build up much static electricity as other materials can. This makes them ideal for homes with pets, as you won’t have to worry about your furry friend shocking themselves (or you!) every time they walk across the area rug.Â
Cons
- Toxic Chemicals
Polypropylene rugs are often made with toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be released into the air, causing health problems for people who breathe them in. Some of the health problems associated with exposure to these chemicals include respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches. - High Heat Sensitivity
If you’re looking for an area rug to put in a room that gets a lot of sunlight or has high heat, you might want to steer clear of polypropylene. This material is pretty sensitive to heat and can start to warp or melt at high temperatures. Additionally, if you accidentally drop a hot pan on a polypropylene rug, it’s likely to melt. So, if you have a kitchen that gets a lot of use, this might not be the best type of rug for you. - Less Durable
Polypropylene rugs are less durable than rugs made of other materials. They’re not as strong, so they’re more likely to show wear and tear over time.
Wool Rugs
What are Wool Rugs?
They’re one of the most popular types of rugs, and for good reason! They’re durable, they look great, and they’re easy to care for.Â
They’re made from, you guessed it, wool! Wool is a durable and resilient material that can last for years with proper care. It’s also a natural fiber, so it’s eco-friendly. Wool rugs are available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes to suit any home.
Pros and Cons of Wool Rugs
Pros
- Durability
Wool rugs are definitely durable – they’ll last for years and years. Not only that, but they’ll also stay looking good for longer than other types of rug. - Environmentally Friendly
Wool rugs are eco-friendly because they are made from natural fiber. Wool is also a renewable resource, so it’s a sustainable choice for your flooring. - Color Retention
Wool rugs are often praised for their ability to retain color. If you’re looking for a rug that will stay looking vibrant and new for years to come, wool is a great option. - Softness
Wool rugs are incredibly soft, making them a great choice for areas where you’ll be spending a lot of time on the floor, like living rooms or bedrooms.
Cons
- Cost
Wool rugs may not be the most budget-friendly option out there. If you’re working with a tight budget, you might want to consider other materials like synthetic fibers or cotton. - Water Absorbency
Wool rugs can absorb up to 30% of their weight in water, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas, outdoor settings, or homes with pets. - Not Great For Overly Humid Places
If you live in a place with high humidity, wool rugs may not be the best option for you. They can absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, wool rugs may not be as durable in high humidity environments, as the fibers can start to break down. - Pests & Insects
Moth and carpet beetle larvae love to munch on wool fibers. If you have a wool rug or piece of clothing that’s been damaged by these pests, you’re not alone. These critters are attracted to natural fibers like wool, and can quickly wreak havoc on your belongings.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Softness
Winner: Wool Rugs
When it comes to softness, there’s really no comparison between polypropylene and wool rugs.
Polypropylene is a synthetic material, so it’s not as soft as wool. Wool is a natural fiber, and it’s one of the softest materials you can use for a rug.
If you’re looking for a rug that’s going to be soft and comfortable to walk on, wool is the way to go.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Durability
Winner: Wool Rugs
Wool is typically considered to be a more durable rug than polypropylene. This is because wool is made up of a series of fine, intertwined fibers that are difficult to break down and fray.
Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a type of plastic that is derived from petroleum. It is less durable than wool because it is easier for the fibers to break down. Polypropylene rugs have an average lifespan of 7-10 years, depending on the type and quality of the rug.Â
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Feel
Winner: Wool Rugs
Wool is generally considered to be a more luxurious rug, as it is made from the hair of sheep. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a cheaper rug alternative that is made from a variety of plastics.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Machine Washable
Winner: Polypropylene Rugs
Unfortunately, not all wool rugs are created equal in this regard. Some are designed to be machine-washed, while others are not. It’s important to check the care instructions of your rug before you attempt to wash it in a machine.
Polypropylene rugs are machine washable. Just be sure to use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. You should also air dry the rug or put it in the dryer on a low setting.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Cleaning
Winner: Polypropylene Rugs
Cleaning a wool rug can be a bit more difficult than cleaning a polypropylene rug. The main reason for this is that you can’t just throw a wool rug in the washing machine like you can with a polypropylene rug. Instead, you’ll need to take a bit more care when cleaning a wool rug.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Stain Resistance
Winner: Tie
Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber that is known for being stain-resistant. That’s because it’s treated with a special coating that repels water and other liquids. So, if you spill something on your polypropylene rug, it’s likely to bead up and not soak in.
Wool is a natural fiber that is also resistant to stains. That’s because the fibers are tightly packed together, so liquids can’t penetrate them as easily. However, they may require a bit more care to keep them looking their best.
Polypropylene vs Wool Rug: Safety
Safe For Humans
Winner: Wool Rugs
Wool is hypoallergenic and therefore great for people with allergies. It produces fewer dust particles, absorbs moisture to fight off dust mites, and absorbs VOCs.
Polypropylene rugs often have a number of chemicals applied to them to make them easier to clean, waterproof, and flame retardant. These chemicals can off-gas from a new rug into your home and cause side-effects like headaches, breathing difficulties, dizziness, allergies, and skin irritations.
Safe For Floors
Winner: Wool Rugs
Some polypropylene rugs are not made entirely of polypropylene. They may have a backing made of another material, like natural fibers like jute, or even wool. But more often than not, the backing is made of other synthetic materials like PVC, latex, or nylon.
You should take extra care when choosing a polypropylene rug with a latex backing – if you want your floors to last for years to come.
We always recommend to our readers that if protecting your flooring is of importance to you, find a quality rug pad to use. No matter what type of rug material you choose.
