I’ve been doing a lot of research on polypropylene rugs lately, and I thought I would share what I have learned. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber, making it great for indoor spaces because it doesn’t hold dirt as natural fibers can. It also has an anti-static property that prevents dust from sticking to the rug as wool does.
The only thing that worries many homeowners about this type of rug is its safety. What do you think? Are polypropylene rugs safe for vinyl floors? Dive into this post and find out the answers!
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Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe For Vinyl Floors?
The answer is no. Polypropylene will not affect vinyl flooring in and of itself. It’s the rug backings that harm your vinyl floors with their rubber material.
This is due to the fact that vinyl floors are created from petroleum-based components combined with PVC additives, like plasticizers and fillers. When chemicals rub against each other on the backing of polypropylene rugs owing to UV ray exposure or traffic, they will discolor your vinyl floors and emit toxins into the air, drastically compromising its quality.
Here are some specific reasons why I said you should avoid using polypropylene carpets on vinyl floors:
Unwanted Chemical Reaction
The first disadvantage is that many luxurious floors contain chemical polymers and plasticizers. When these components are covered with certain types of floor coverings (such as rugs, rug pads, or floor mats), they can have a negative reaction.
That’s when you will notice your rug pad melting, decomposing, or adhering to your once-beautiful floor!
To improve grip, imported plastic cushions are commonly covered with adhesives. While this may be useful in the short term, it can damage your vinyl floors in the long run.
Worst of all, these pads frequently include dangerous chemicals that can “off-gas”, permanently ruining your floor and flooding your house with harmful gases. Have you ever opened a window to let a new purchase “air out”? That is called off-gassing.
Most rug pads on the market are produced by overseas producers, who are not subject to severe quality requirements as in the United States. These pads are typically made up of oils, chemicals, or adhesives that can react poorly with the compounds in your floor coatings.
Ugly Patterns
Using felt rug pads or latex on vinyl floors can quickly leave an unattractive waffle pattern on your floors. Even worse, no agent cleaner can get rid of them.
Discoloration
Because of UV ray exposure, polypropylene carpets with a rug backing will discolor the vinyl floors over time. You might wonder what you would do, right? It’s to be picky while purchasing rugs.
It’s especially aggravating because looking for rugs that work well on your vinyl flooring is an uphill chore. Luckily, there are still ways to enjoy gorgeous polypropylene carpets on your expensive vinyl floors while making sure the backing will not damage the surfaces.
Read: How to Get Rid of Yellow Stains From a Rug on Flooring
What Kinds Of Rugs And Rug Pads Should You Choose For Your Vinyl Floors?
When it comes to carpets, I recommend you use non-staining vinyl-backed mats or those rugs branded as “colorfast.” You could find area rugs labeled “Safe for Hardwoods”, and consider those with natural backings, like jute, cotton, or woven backings.
Latex and rubber mats, like all vinyl floors, can somehow cause discoloration and staining. Thus, it’s better to ignore them if you can, though there may be ones intended for vinyl flooring out there.
In that case, you should probably call the manufacturer to ensure that your floor is not in danger of being damaged. Rubber plasticizers (petroleum-based or natural latex) are applied to the rubber to maintain it pliable and elastic, they are truly the matter – react and cause discoloration.
Those non-slip pads advised for hardwood floors are also suitable for vinyl plank. You should avoid the old plastic mesh type because it tends to leave a residue in hot temperatures. Foam pads, on the other hand, can overcome this weakness.
Cotton Backed Area Rugs
Polypropylene carpets with cotton backings are a good alternative for you to explore.
There’s a wide selection of this rug type for your house that is fashionable, excellent quality, and reasonably priced. Cotton backing is suitable for vinyl flooring since it does not react to create staining and discoloration.
Anchor Grip Rug Pads
If you’re looking for a safe rug pad for your vinyl floors, you should choose one that has neither rubber nor PVC. It’s best to pick anchor grip rug pads as they contain no rubber but use bio fillers and soybean oil to keep your rug from slipping.
They won’t react with those petroleum elements and compounds used in your vinyl floors. They are ideal for use beneath rugs in the dining room or living room.
Read more: How To Clean Large Rubber Backed Rugs – 5 Powerful Tips That Work
Washable And Reversible Cotton Rugs
You can think of using the washable and reversible cotton carpets in your bathroom to alternate those shaggy bathroom rugs, bath mats, and doormats that feature rubber backing.
These rugs are absorbent and soft, and they are the perfect size for use in front of your kitchen sink or in your bathroom. They usually come in a set of two, so you’ll have a clean one to use, and the other is waiting to wash off.
Also, I would suggest the felt, visco-elastic memory foam, and soybean oil-based polymer blends for your rug pads. No matter if you need a one-of-a-kind cushion or a sturdy one, they are designed for your vinyl floor.
What To Do If You Have Already Purchased Polypropylene Rugs?
Don’t toss your new rug yet. I have a solution that can enable you to preserve your lovely rug while still protecting your vinyl floor.
I’m referring to the use of a high-quality rug pad that’s absolutely safe for all sorts of floors. Simply lay a rug pad on your vinyl floor and put the polypropylene rug on top.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing a rug pad:
Pros
- A rug pad will extend your vinyl floors’ lifespan by preventing rugs from damaging the floor.
- It holds the rugs in place, preventing your children or pets from slipping on them.
- It brings more comfort, which is ideal for parents who have kids who enjoy playing while relaxing on an area rug and people who have pets that love to nap on the rug.
Cons
- You cannot put a rug pad into your washing machine; instead, you must wash it with your bare hands.
Also read: Can You Wash Rugs In A Washing Machine? – Relieve Housework Stress
Final Thoughts
Is polypropylene safe on vinyl floors? Can you use polypropylene rugs on vinyl plank flooring? My answer is NO. If you’ve purchased a polypropylene rug that has a rug backing, it is likely unsafe to place on your flooring due to the potential for melting or something else going wrong with the material.
The best way to keep your home looking great and new is by using other durable alternatives, like cotton-backed area rugs, anchor grip rug pads, or reversible and washable cotton rugs.
Still, if you’ve already got polypropylene rugs, you can manage it by placing a rug pad on your vinyl floor and putting the rug on the top!
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