Non-Toxic Rugs From IKEA, Reviewed

I like IKEA because they go much further than most companies to create healthy products in many areas including rugs.

They don’t necessarily go to the extent that companies go to in my article on non-toxic rugs, but I would certainly consider IKEA’s rugs to be the most non-toxic conventional option out there.

IKEA is also known for having great control over their supply chain so you’re not likely to see a chemical slip through that isn’t supposed to be there (even in recycled products).

Fragrance: IKEA stores sell or use fragranced items, but online orders for delivery ship from central warehouses not their store locations.

This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The list of banned substances in IKEA rugs:

• Chlorine for bleaching.
• Dyestuff for colors: Bans on certain dyestuffs e.g. disperse dye, direct dye, basic dye, or azo dyes, that are known to be carcinogenic or allergenic.
• PVC: Banned since 1991.
• Formaldehyde: Banned since 1991 in textile products.
• APEO: Banned since 2002 against the usage of chemicals containing APEO (NPEO and OPEO).
• Organic solvents: Banned since 1998.
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
• Flame retardants: IKEA uses flame retardants in as few cases as possible i.e. only when required by legislation in certain markets. Brominated flame retardants have been banned since 1998. This one is a little unclear and could potentially depend on which country you are in – some countries have flame-resistant standards for rugs, especially commercial rugs or those used in public places. Flame retardants are usually only used in the rug backing.
• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Banned in textiles since 2016.
• Treatment of wool with anti-moth pesticides (like Permethrin) is not allowed.
• They also don’t fumigate the rugs or shipping containers with hazardous pesticides.
• Since August 2015, all cotton used for IKEA products is Better Cotton Initiative compliant which limits pesticides.
• IKEA follows Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) guidelines, meaning that the wool only comes from sheep that are treated with respect, and the land where they eat and rest is managed responsibly.
• Phthalates are banned in children’s rugs (in the EVA backing), and I would suspect that they have removed phthalates from all their rugs with EVA.

Which chemicals might still be used?

• Flame retardants – though IKEA never uses flame retardants if they are not required by law, it’s not clear if the rug pads (in particular) might contain flame retardants in some countries.
• Antimicrobials – also a concern in some rug pads, IKEA has not said anything about antimicrobial use in rugs.
• Pesticides – used when growing the cotton, they are not organic, though they do use cotton that minimizes pesticide use.
• VOCs – it’s not obvious which rugs might be free of all volatile organic compounds in their final form. Highly sensitive folks may want to go with undyed natural textiles for the safest bet.

IKEA’s rug materials:

• Wool
• Cotton
• Jute
• Sisal
• Viscose/Rayon
• Polyester
• Cowhide
• Sheepskin

Best non-toxic rugs from IKEA:

I honestly would feel confident in going with any rug from IKEA.

Though the following are undyed versions that might be more suitable for the chemically sensitive. I wouldn’t personally avoid the dyed options, that is just something to consider if you are very chemically sensitive.

I will also list rugs that don’t require a backing (which might contain flame retardants or antimicrobials).

In terms of their wool, the fact that they don’t treat it with anti-moth chemicals makes it a big step above most conventional brands.

In terms of their jute and sisal, the fact that they don’t fumigate it in transit is also huge.

VODSKOV Rug, flatwoven, natural/light gray, – natural jute and sisal with a natural latex non-skid backing. No extra padding is needed.

TELEMAST Rug, flatwoven, white, – natural jute, requires a backing.

TÅGBILJETT Rug, flatwoven, natural/beige – natural jute, no dyes, requires a backing.

HJORTSVANG Rug, handmade/off-white – undyed natural wool rug.

They also offer cotton and jute rugs, more natural wool rugs, natural sheepskin and cowhide, and synthetic fiber rugs.

See also:

Affordable Non-Toxic Furniture

Non-Toxic Furniture From IKEA

Non-Toxic Mattresses from IKEA

Non-Toxic Bed Frames from IKEA

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.