Ellen - Architect, Design Consultant
Here’s our guide to polyester rugs pros and cons including different types and how to clean.
These soft and durable floor coverings are not only high-performing but also have a surprisingly lower ecological footprint compared to other fabrics such as cotton. You can even choose recycled polyester which reduces the need for new polyester production.
Polyester is a fairly good product for those looking for a bargain rug. They cost less than rugs made out of nylon and natural fibers.
Here’s the polyester rugs pros and cons starting with the pros first.
Polyester Rugs Pros
The lush nature of polyester when it is made appropriately will feel very soft on your feet when it is a rug. If you have ever felt a high-quality microfiber material before, then you have an idea of what this experience is like at home.
Although there can be a few challenges with cleaning since vacuums can develop static charges over this material, you can avoid them by brushing out the strands. Professional cleaners can also help you to keep the materials clean over time without difficulty.
Durable Rug. Durability is what polyester has always been known for, and expect to enjoy your polyester rug for around 5 to 10 years, but will vary depending on the quality and foot traffic on your rug.
Wide Range of Choices. The versatility of the polyester material means you can get a wide range of choices that can suit your preferences.
For instance, you can get super-soft polyester rugs that are ideals for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
No Bacterial Growth – Polyester rugs will dry quicker compared to other rug materials making it a preferable option for bathrooms in kitchens that get a lot of humidity and liquid spills.
Aside from the quick-drying feature of polyester rugs, there are products with new treatments that prevent microbial growth, thus controls unwanted odors.
Washing Machine Ready – Reasonably sized rugs can also be machine washed without damaging the fibers.
Recyclable – Polyester rugs can be recycled or can be made of other PET-made products such as plastic bottles. Recycled polyester rugs make car parts, insulation, and sofa stuffing.
An Affordable Rug – Polyester rugs are more affordable than nylon and natural fibers but with good quality. visit our breakdown of nylon vs polyester carpet here.
This makes these rugs a sensible choice for startup homes and people who are just starting to furnish their first homes or apartments.
Polyester Rugs Cons
It Can Be Stained by Oil-based Liquids. As polyester rugs are generally stain-resistant, oil-based stains are another matter.
You may need to get professional help in getting rid of these stubborn stains or get a premium-made polyester rug that can resist most stains that can be cleaned easily.
Can Degrade Under Constant UV Exposure. Direct and long-term exposure to the sun can fade away the color of your polyester rug.
It Can Be a Source of Pollution. While polyester rugs can be recycled and can be made from recycled PET products, the microplastic which is shed microfibers can be a source of pollution.
There is a need for constant vacuuming during the production process to prevent this minute plastic debris from getting to bodies of water and soil.
What is a 100% Polyester Rug?
A label with 100% polyester is saying that your rug is entirely made of polyester. Take note though, that 100% polyester can have a static build-up, especially when placing it in a dryer. To prevent this, you can add a fabric softener when washing.
See our post about the types of carpets for more alternatives to polyester.
Are Polyester Rugs Toxic?
Polyester rugs are plastic which is made from PET plastics or polyethylene terephthalate. PET plastics do contain contaminants harmful to humans and the environment when ingested.
Though at present, there is no documented proof that PET carpet fibers do have harmful effects on their users, it’s best to keep the fibers from your mouth and nose.
Frequent vacuuming and general maintenance at least once a week are recommended to prevent dust and particulates from circulating in your indoor air.
Are Polyester Rugs Safe?
Rugs made from polyester are generally safe, and when following recommended regular vacuuming of fibers and maintenance won’t pose a threat to users.
Find reputable brands for your polyester rugs that have been tested to meet indoor air quality set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
How to Clean a Polyester Rug?
Cleaning a polyester rug is a straightforward process. The frequency of cleaning depends on the volume of traffic, location of your rug, and type of polyester rug you have.
Daily Cleaning – Shaking off your rug to remove debris and prevent particles from settling in the polyester strands.
Weekly Cleaning – Vacuum both sides of your rug to loosen up dirt and debris. You can vacuum a few times a week to maintain a clean rug, especially for high-traffic areas.
Spot Cleaning – Removing excess moisture and dampness prevents the accumulation of dirt on your rug. You should spot-clean regularly, especially in busy areas such as rugs in kitchens or bathrooms.
It’s also best to spot clean most especially if you’ve got a pet dog or cat. Wipe off with a damp cloth soaked in a mix of water and detergent will help you thoroughly clean the spot.
Deep Cleaning – Pour water on your rug to wash off and loosen up accumulated dirt, then mix detergent with water to be applied on your polyester rug.
In a bucket with water and detergent, you can further lose up debris by allowing your rug to soak in the said mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Then, you can use a high-pressured water hose to remove the loosened dirt. Make sure to test your mixture by applying it on a portion of your rug before applying it on the whole rug.
Machine Wash – There are polyester rugs that you can machine wash make sure to see the label for instructions on what detergent is allowed and if it is recommended to use warm water instead.
Other Methods: Use dry shampoo or steam clean.
How to Wash a Polyester Shaggy Rug?
Washing a shaggy rug can be more challenging than polyester rugs with short hairs as the fibers can get entangled.
You can still use similar methods you use on short-haired polyester rugs on your shaggy rug especially if you have a small rug to clean. Also, check if your shaggy rug is machine washable.
However, most shaggy rugs with rubber backing plates may not be machine washable, so make sure to check instructions and labeling before washing your rug. Using dry shampoo and steam cleaning are also easier methods to use for larger polyester shaggy rugs.
Added tip. When vacuuming your shaggy polyester, disable to beater bar on your vacuum and use the suction function only.
What do you think about these polyester rugs pros and cons? Let us know what you think about polyester rugs in the comments. Visit this article for more details on how to choose rug sizes.
