Non-Toxic (Low-VOC) Carpets From Home Depot (Detailed Comparison)

While all carpets from Home Depot would technically be considered non-toxic and low-VOC, in this article I’m looking at which Home Depot lines have the lowest perceptible VOC levels out of what they offer and would be considered ultra-low VOC in my books.

These lines tend to be better for the chemically sensitive in my experience, having worked with chemically sensitive folks for the last 10 years.

We will also look at which installation methods add significant VOCs and which other non-VOC chemicals of concern can be found in carpets.

Home Depot has been a leader in the industry in banning many chemicals of concern in carpets.

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

Chemicals of Concern in Carpets

VOCs

Fibers: I have found that polyester carpets seem to be significantly lower in perceptible VOCs than nylon carpets – both Triexta (PTT -Polytrimethylene terephthalate) and the more common PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) polyester.

This is based on the perception of chemically sensitive folks.

Solution dyed appears to produce a carpet with very low VOCs.

I don’t believe that Home Depot claims that any of their carpets are free of VOCs (there is only one 0-VOC synthetic carpet I know of that is in this post).

Padding: can add significant off-gassing – rebounded polyurethane, memory foam, and rubber, all off-gas.

It’s ideal to use an almost 0-VOC foam like Home Depot’s polyethylene padding.

There are more options in the article on carpet in the section on carpet padding.

Be sure to check what is allowed by the warranty.

If you want an ultra-low VOC carpet installed you need to look at this at the same time as you are choosing the carpet itself.

Installation methods: Glue-down methods usually add significant off-gassing.

However, you may want to check out AFM 3-1 non-toxic carpet adhesive.

Stretch in, tack down is best for an ultra-low VOC end product.

PFAS

All of Home Depot’s carpets and rugs are free of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances) aka “Forever Chemicals” used in some stain guard treatments.

Please see this article if you want to look more into what non-PFAS stain guard treatments might be.

Home Depot doesn’t say what chemicals are used to make the carpets stain or soil-resistant.

Other Chemicals of Concern

• Flame retardants – the most problematic types are usually found in polyurethane padding or felt backing, but aluminum hydroxide can be added to the fibers.
• Antimony is found in some flame retardants used in carpet.
• (A small amount of Antimony can also be found as part of some polyester fabric fabrication methods). Bromine (which indicates brominated flame retardants) has also been found in carpets.
• Antimicrobials which can be added to the backing, the glues, and the face fiber.
• Pyrithione zinc and/or potassium oleate are often used in carpet fiber.
• Triclosan and Organotins are not used in any Home Depot carpets (source).
• Anti-static treatment like quaternary ammonia which can be added to the fibers.
• Ortho-phthalates – usually found in vinyl/PVC backings.
• Phthalates are not used in any Home Depot carpets (source).
• Fly ash – which can be added to backings, can contain mercury, lead, and arsenic. F
• ly ash is not used in any Home Depot carpets (source).
• Toxic metal stabilizers like lead and cadmium.
• Added heavy metals are not allowed in Home Depot Carpets (source).

Comparison of All Ultra-Low VOC Home Depot Carpet Lines

I got samples of all the polyester/Triexta carpets from Home Depot.

In my estimation, based on the samples I got, the Lifeproof lines including Petproof were lower in perceptible VOCs than Traffic Master brand, but not as good as Mohawk SmartStrand and EnviroStrand (EnviroStrand is listed on Home Depot but most of it is out of stock, SmartStrand is not sold through Home Depot).

And on paper, none of the Home Depot lines are as low VOC as the 0-VOC lines like Empire Today HomeFresh.

You can read about all those non-Home Depot lines here.

My top choice from Home Depot is the Lifeproof Triexta lines below with the Lifeproof polyethylene cushion underlayment which they say can be used under any of their carpets (though you need to check with each individual carpet line as it’s not the recommended padding of any of the brands here).

It also comes in 7/16th and has a 3lb density.

Specific lines to check out:

1. Lifeproof Petproof Triexta (50%), Polyester (50%)

LifeProof PetProof Triexta (50%), Polyester (50%).

LifeProof with Petproof Technology the “Enchantment Collection” offers several neutral colors in a simple pattern.

Nanoloc spill shield technology is a built-in lifetime stain protection that will never wash off (we don’t know what that is made of exactly, but it’s good that it doesn’t wash off or rub off).

The fiber itself will not absorb moisture, keeping liquids and stains on the surface where they are easy to clean off.

It has “odor-resistant technology” (they also say the carpet won’t absorb odors which is what makes it odor-resistant, it’s not clear if it contains an added antimicrobial).

There is a UV-resistant treatment.

The carpet is installed in a stretch-in method.

Memory foam carpet pad recommended for use with this carpet.

Petproof carpet has the best warranty amongst Home Depot carpets – it has a Lifetime pet stain warranty; Limited lifetime stain and soil warranty; 25-year wear and tear warranty.

2. LifeProof Petproof 71% Triexta/29% Polyester

LifeProof PetProof 71% Triexta/29% Polyester, like the other Petproof lines, has Nanoloc spill shield technology – a built-in lifetime stain protection that will never wash off (we don’t know what that is made of exactly).

The fiber itself will not absorb moisture, keeping liquids and stains on the surface where they are easy to clean off.

Warranted against UV fading.

Memory foam carpet pad recommended for use with this carpet.

3. LifeProof PetProof 100% Triexta

LifeProof PetProof 100% Triexta is a high pile Triexta fiber that offers the best in stain and odor resistance without adding any harsh chemical treatments. 

The fiber itself will not absorb moisture, keeping liquids and stains on the surface where they are easy to clean off.

100% Triexta fiber is stain, soil, and odor resistant, though they also say it has “Nanoloc” spill shield technology for built-in stain protection that will never wash off or wear off, and is easy to clean.

UV-resistant treatment.

The carpet is stretched in for installation.

Memory foam carpet pad recommended for use with this carpet.

There is also one labeled LifeProof (not Petproof) 100% Triexta.

Same specs as the above 100% Triexta option but they recommend the PrimeComfort Premium Carpet Pad for use with this carpet.

4. Lifeproof Nylon R2X

This medium pile Nylon carpet is protected by R2X stain and soil resistance system.

Nylon has generally been more durable than polyester so I’m including just one nylon carpet for comparison.

It also tends to be higher VOC than the polyesters but you may want to get samples and see for yourself, especially if you are chemically sensitive.

Stretch-in installation. 7/16 inch thick carpet pad is recommended for use with this carpet.

5. Traffic Master SureSoft Solution Dyed 100% Polyester

Traffic Master Suresoft‘s 100% SureSoftSD Polyester Fiber is a medium pile carpet and is 100% polyester.

SD mean solution dyed polyester, this dying system seems to result in a lower VOC product.

With added protection of Microban that is designed to prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Microban can be 6 different chemicals (it’s not triclosan) you can review them here.

“SureBlok” is applied for soil protection.

This sounds like a stain-resistant coating, though we don’t know what kind.

It’s naturally UV-resistant.

Limited lifetime stain and soil, including pet urine warranty.

Not quite as strong a warranty as Petproof.

Stretch in installation. 7/16 in thick, 6 lb carpet pad recommended for use with this product.

6. Traffic Master PureColor Solution-Dyed 100% polyester

Traffic Master PureColor Solution-Dyed Fiber provides inherent stain resistance and has SoilShield technology. It’s 100% polyester, solution-dyed.

This one is listed as “hypoallergenic” – this can refer to either materials that don’t shed their fibers and/or carpet styles that don’t trap, dust, dander, and other allergens.

Its virtually stain-proof coloration PureColor is coupled with the soil-resistant SoilShield, which is presumedly a stain-resistant coating.

Stretch-in installation, 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick carpet pad with a 6 lb or higher density is recommended for use with this product.

5-year limited stain and soil warranty, 5-year limited wear and tear warranty.

7. Home Decorators Collection PureColor solution-Dyed 100% polyester

Home Decorators Collection 100% PureColor solution dyed BCF polyester is also listed as “hypoallergenic” – this can refer to either materials that don’t shed their fibers and/or carpet styles that don’t trap, dust, dander, and other allergens.

It has virtually stain-proof coloration, coupled with the soil-resistant SoilShield, which we can presume is a stain-resistant coating.

Sounds the same as the Traffic Master product above.

Stretch-in installation, 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick carpet pad with a 6 lb or higher density is recommended for use with this product.

8. Traffic Master 100% Olefin

Traffic Master 100% Olefin is also listed as “hypoallergenic”.

This can refer to either materials that don’t shed their fibers and/or carpet styles that don’t trap, dust, dander, and other allergens.

Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

It’s always solution-dyed, and has great resistance to sunlight fading.

However, the biggest drawback, according to Fiber-Seal is that it absorbs and holds oily soils and stains.

There is no mention of a stain-resistant coating on this carpet, it looks to be of good (not great) durability (less durable than the polyester options) and is a low-cost option.

Warranty: 5-year limited stain and soil warranty, 5-year limited wear and tear warranty.

They recommend you glue down the carpet, this can add significant VOCs, depending on the glue, so be sure to check that.

Carpet padding is not recommended for use with this product.

9. Home Decorators Collection Polyester

Home Decorators Collection medium pile polyester resists fading from sunlight and chemicals; it’s protected with Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology.

Even though Scotchgard has historically meant PFAS, Scotchgard is no longer a PFAS-based treatment (and Home Depot also doesn’t allow the use of PFAS-based treatments).

Stretch-in installation, 7/16 inch thick carpet pad with 8 lb density is recommended for use with this carpet.

15-year limited stain and soil warranty; 15-year limited wear and tear warranty.

10. Mohawk Basics Carpet Tile with EnviroStrand PET

Mohawk Basics Carpet Tile with EnviroStrand PET has added soil protection and built-in stain protection.

While this Home Depot line does not have samples available online right now, I have tested out EnviroStrand lines from Mohawk before, so I know it has very low perceptible VOCs.

Installation: glue it down or use FlexLok tabs (sold separately) for a floating installation.

10-Year Manufacturer Warranty.

11. Mohawk Lake Mohr 75% Triexta; 25% Polyester

The description for this 75% Trixta, 25% polyester item is the description for Lifeproof so it’s not clear what’s going on here.

But I ordered a sample to check it out.

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.