Ruggable rugs are a two-piece rug – a fabric layer, and a padding layer which can be separated so that the top layer can be washed.
The pads come in two thicknesses: Standard and Cushioned.
In 2023, Ruggable added Premium Medium Pile rug toppers, which are just over ¼-inch thick (7mm). Compared to the ⅛-inch (2mm) Classic Low Pile.
Rug Cover Materials
The Flatwoven Rug Cover is made of polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier. The corners have an extra layer of 100% silicone.
The Plush Rug Cover is made of modacrylic, acrylic, and polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier.
The Outdoor Rug Cover is made of polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier.
Rug Pad Materials
The Standard and Cushioned Rug Pads consist of a partially recycled polyester surface and a thermoplastic rubber bottom – a latex-free, synthetic material most commonly used in yoga mats.
This is also called TPE, and this material, which I have had yoga mats made of, is usually low in odor and is often used by the chemically sensitive. However, in yoga mats it’s a foam and this is a flexible plastic that is not a foam.
TPOs, the types of TPE used in yoga mats, are generally a blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR). Polypropylene provides the rigid, thermoplastic component, while the EPR contributes the elastic, rubbery properties.
Though they could be of a different composition.
It is likely that the phthalates they disclose are used in this plastic layer.
The Cushioned Rug Pads have an additional 100% recycled polyester middle layer for added cushion.
Chemicals of Concern:
- They use “non-toxic water-based dyes” that are used in clothing.
- They do not use “forever chemicals”/PFAS to improve the spill and stain resistance of the rugs.
- The products are flame resistant based on design, there is no addition of toxic flame retardants.
- They are latex-free.
- They say they test their rugs to “ensure that VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, phthalates, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals are not present at levels deemed to be toxic to humans under normal use conditions.” However, their rugs do carry a Prop 65 warning for phthalates, and they do not need to display a Prop 65 warning if “the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm”, and they have tested positive for Antimony.
- They have a Prop 65 warning for trace methylene chloride (still a warning in 2024).
- They also have a Prop 65 warning for Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), an ortho-phthalate which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Phthalates are semi-VOCs that easily leach from plastics, and can be found in the dust of a house and sometimes in the air as well. If DEHP is used in the TPE foam layer then there is likely a significant amount used, and I would consider this a chemical of concern.
- According to Tamara Rubin, the rugs tend to test positive for trace Antimony, which is very common for polyester. They do not list a Prop 65 warning for Antimony, which could mean “the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
- They also say: “We cannot guarantee that our rugs are completely free of all bisphenols.”
Odors
The rug cover smells like camping tents, it has that similar smell which is probably based on the polyurethane water-proofing layer which is also used on camping equipment.
Both rug pads, the thicker version which has a lot more polyester and the thinner version which is mostly the TPU plastic, have a plasticky smell.
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.
Susan
Do you think these are the safest option in terms of this category of rugs (easy to wash a large size)? Have you looked into tumble rugs?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
No not really, tumble is better in my opinion i talk about it in the main non toxic rug post
Susan
Just went back and read it, thank you! I really wish Tumble would just say what their stainguard is made of bc it makes them feel shifty that they won’t disclose it. I assume they would have to have a prop 65 though if they had bad stuff in there like Ruggable does? We own a Tumble, and I can confirm it’s low offgassing, but I don’t love the edges-they have to be anchored, and their customer service is bad. We need a washable rug for a large area bc we have an older dog that needs the cushion when he gets down from the couch and sometimes has accidents, so this category is all that suits this phase of life right now. I hope someone test Tumble to confirm they’re truly PFAS free. I had hoped to try Ruggable next, but I guess I will steer clear, thank you again!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it’s standard not to reveal what the stain guard coating is exactly. I have and article that goes through the possibilities
Fernando Alfaro
Hello Corinne, will washing the rug and pad a few times minimize offgassing?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Stain guard treatments don’t necessarily have off-gassing. In terms of whether washing things helps with off-gassing or to wear down the stain resistant treatments, yes, as long as the material itself is washable.