How to choose the Best Pet-Friendly Rug
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Every pet owner knows that accidents happen, especially around rugs. Whether it is muddy paws, short nails, or accidents that inevitably occur, pet fur and other debris can accelerate rugs’ natural wear and tear.
Therefore, pet owners should know how to pick the perfect rug for them and their pets without sacrificing quality for durability or convenience when choosing pet-friendly rugs.
From classic wool styles that are naturally resistant to pet hair and dirt to washable options with stain-repellent coatings and easy-to-clean woven fibers, there are pet-friendly rugs for every pet owner and every home.
And if you are looking for something that can stand up to even your most active furry friends with their muddy paws, you might find the perfect outdoor rug! Whatever style you choose, rest assured that you will never have to worry about damage from Fido or Fluffy ever again with the right rug in your home!
Why are rugs important?
Rugs are one of the most essential elements of a room, and they help frame the furniture and set the tone, color, texture, and pattern. A rug can significantly impact a room, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your style. Additionally, an area rug help to anchor the furniture in a room, creating a cozy, intimate space.
Rugs are warmer than hard surface flooring, meaning that your feet won’t freeze when you step out of bed in the morning. In addition, rugs are a lot softer than hardwood or tile and more comfortable to stand on.
And if you’re looking for a way to decrease the noise in your space, an area rug is an excellent choice. Rugs are quieter to walk on than a hard surface floor, but it also absorbs sound, making them ideal for rooms where peace and quiet are essential.
So if you’re looking for a way to make your home more comfortable and inviting, don’t forget the importance of an area rug.
Pet-Friendly Rugs Construction
Low-Pile Rugs:
Low-pile rugs are best for areas where your pet spends most of their time. They are also easier to clean than high-pile rugs, as pet hair and dirt won’t get trapped in the fibers as quickly.
Flatweave Rugs:
Flatweave rugs are another great option. These rugs are typically made from wool or synthetic fibers, making them resistant to pet hair and dirt. Additionally, flatweave rugs are usually thinner than other rugs, making them easier to clean.
Washable Rugs:
Look no further than a washable Rug if you’re looking for easy-to-clean rugs. These rugs are made from synthetic materials that are easy to clean and machine washable. They are also stain-resistant, making them the perfect rug choice for homes with active pets.
The best washable rug options are from Ruggable, Rugs USA, and Just Rug. By the way, you can get 33% off on any washable rugs at Just Rug if you click HERE. (Discount subject to change at any point).
Outdoor Rugs:
Outdoor rugs are a perfect rug option for pet-friendly homes without having to sacrifice style. They are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Additionally, many outdoor rugs are easy to clean, making them the perfect choice for homes with active pets. We recommend Rugs.com for your outdoor rugs.
Rug Pads:
You should also consider a rug pad. They are one of the best ways to protect your rug and your floors from pet accidents. A good rug pad acts as a moisture barrier, so you have time to clean up the mess before it soaks into your hardwood floors.
Plus, rug pads are pet-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friends ruining your rug. We recommend Rugs USA’s Pet-Friendly Non-Slip Grip Rug Pad.
Synthetic Pet-Friendly Rugs Materials
When it comes to the perfect rug option, synthetic fibers are the way to go. But not all synthetics are created equal, so here’s a quick breakdown of the most common synthetic fibers. For Synthetic Rugs, we recommend Boutique Rugs. If you want to learn more about Pet-Friendly Materials, visit our article 11 Best Pet-Friendly Fabrics for Furniture.
Polyester:
Polyester is a popular synthetic fiber because it is less expensive than nylon and has a closed-cell fiber, making it more stain-resistant than nylon. Still, it’s usually not as durable as nylon. Additionally, polyester is soft and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets.
Nylon :
Nylon is a popular material for rugs because it is a robust and resilient fiber that stands up to heavy use. Additionally, nylon is easy to clean and care for, and however, nylon is a bit more expensive than polyester.
Acrylic:
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that is often used as a wool alternative. It is less expensive than wool and has a similar appearance, but it is not as durable. Additionally, acrylic is a very soft fiber, making it a good choice for homes with pets.
Olefin:
Olefin is a popular material for rugs because it is highly soil-resistant (Soiling is caused by residue build-up of oils or cleaning solutions). Its durability is only rated “medium” compared to its synthetic counterparts, nylon, and polyester.
Polypropylene:
Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber often used in indoor/outdoor rugs because it is mold- and mildew-resistant. Additionally, polypropylene is stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets.
Natural Materials to Consider with Caution
When selecting an all-natural fiber rug such as wool, cotton, silk, sisal, and jute, remember that they all are highly absorbent, meaning they will naturally soak up stains and spills—including pet accidents. However, they are also very resilient and durable.
So if you have a natural fiber rug, be sure to keep an eye on your pet and be quick to clean up any accidents.
Wool
Wool is the way to go if you’re looking for pet-friendly rugs. Wool fibers are highly flexible and won’t lose shape when wet, making them highly durable. Moreover, these rugs are not fluffy, so your pet won’t be tempted to tear at them.
They also naturally resist stains and moisture, and if dirt gets onto a wool rug, a vacuum can easily pull it out. In other words, wool rugs are the perfect option for anyone with pets who wants a low-maintenance, long-lasting rug.
Jute
When it comes to beautiful and unique rugs, jute definitely stands out from the crowd. This natural dried plant fiber is an excellent choice for any decor style, from elegant and traditional to bohemian chic.
What’s more, jute rugs are highly durable and easy to maintain – even in a home filled with pets! Just run a soft vacuum over them every few days to get dust and hair out of their tiny crevices, and they’ll look good as new in no time.
So if you’re looking for pet-friendly rugs that will fit seamlessly into any room, look no further than jute!
Cotton
These versatile rugs are ultra-soft and incredibly strong, making them ideal for high-traffic areas that need to withstand regular wear and tear.
And because cotton rugs hold dyes so effectively, they can be easily customized to match your decor. Plus, cotton is a pet-friendly material that is easy to clean with gentle cleaning products.
Sisal Rug
Made from the tough and strong fibers of the sisal agave, sisal is one of the most durable materials out there. Whether you have kids or pets at home, sisal can withstand heavy traffic without getting worn or damaged.
And because it’s a natural fiber, sisal carpets are also non-toxic and suitable for people with allergies and asthma.
What’s more, sisal is biodegradable, meaning that when it comes time to replace your sisal carpeting, you don’t need to worry about adding to landfills.
Silk Rug
As any rug aficionado will tell you, silk is the strongest natural fiber. Silk rugs are soft, luxurious, and incredibly durable, made of silk proteins and amino acids.
These rugs hold up to heavy traffic and high footfalls, but they also resist stains, spills, and tears with ease. What’s more, silk carpets are known for their strength; silk is even stronger than steel!
There are two main types of silk rugs: hand-woven silk rugs and machine-made silk rugs. While machine-made silk rugs tend to be less expensive and more readily available, hand-woven silk fibers have a longer lifespan and are often more prized among collectors.
Rugs to Completely Avoid With Pets
Shag Rugs
If you’re considering a shag rug for your home, we have some advice: avoid it at all costs! They are challenging to vacuum (and who has time for that?), but they’re also a magnet for pet hair, dirt, and dust. In fact, they are so difficult to keep clean than many professional cleaners will avoid them altogether.
And if you have pets, forget about it! Your friends with paws will love chewing on or clawing at the thick, fluffy, beautiful rug. So unless you’re prepared to spend hours vacuuming and lint rolling, we suggest you steer clear of shag rugs.
High-Pile Rugs
They may be cozy, but avoid high-pile rugs if you don’t want a never-ending battle with hair and dirt. The long fibers of these rugs are a magnet for pet hair, dust, and other small particles. And once the hair and dirt get lodged in the fibers, it can be tough to get out.
Not to mention, all that foot traffic will eventually crush the fibers and make the rug look flat. If you’re set on a high-pile rug, make sure to choose a dark color that won’t show the dirt as much. And be prepared to vacuum often!
Fringed Rugs
Though they may look nice and add a bit of flair to your home, these rugs are an absolute no-no for pet owners. The fringes and tassels on these rugs are prime play toys for your pets, making them a hazard in your home.
The loose threads trap dirt, mud, and debris that can damage the rug itself, but they also give your pets easy access to all sorts of destructive behavior, from chewing and scratching to pouncing and climbing. S
Vintage Rugs
Anyone who has ever stepped foot into a design store knows the lure of the vintage rug. They’re usually one-of-a-kind, full of character, and often very cheap. However, as tempting as they may be, there are a few reasons why you should avoid vintage rugs.
For one thing, they’re typically more delicate than new rugs and can require special cleaning. You’ll also want to avoid vintage rugs if you have pets, as they’re often not very pet-friendly. And finally, if you’re looking for a rug that will last for years, you’re better off sticking with a new one.
So while vintage rugs may be tempting, it’s usually better to avoid them.
Loop-pile rug
If you are a pet owner, then you know that keeping your home fur and claw-free is a never-ending struggle! Loose loops on loop-pile rugs can pose a severe danger to your precious pets, as they provide the perfect hiding spot for your furry friend’s long and sharp nails.
These traps are all too tempting for most cats or dogs, and if they don’t accidentally injure themselves getting tangled in these loops, they may end up shredding or snagging the rug with their claws.
So the next time you are looking to add some plushness to your living space, avoid loop-pile rugs at all costs – they might be great for humans, but they’re not a pet-friendly option!
Conclusion
In conclusion, pet-friendly rugs are a great way to help spruce up any room in your home without having to worry about damage due to pets. Layering rugs in combination with matching or contrasting rugs can instantly add a touch of flair to the space.
When you need to furnish an awkward room or hardwood flooring in your home, no matter what size rug you pick out, it won’t be in harm’s way when animals come in contact with area rugs and carpeting.
Finally, wool rugs tend to have durability and resilience against the wear and tear from a pet’s nails – all that’s needed is regular vacuuming and light brushing for upkeep during the busy months of caring for pets.
Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly
There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home.
When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.
In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.
Click here if you want to learn more about Havenly or book an interior designer and get 25% off your design package if you click here!
