7 Kid-Friendly Benefits Of Cotton Area Rugs

Area rugs are great to add warmth and texture to any room. But for a place with kids, non-kid-friendly ones like synthetic rugs can be a lot more work. 

Why? Because they get dirty fast and are porous - absorbs liquid, and become stained quickly. Cleaning them is no piece of cake either. Also, some are prone to shedding, hold onto allergens like pollen, and easy for kids to pull up and drag around. 

Then we have cotton area rugs that are a popular pick for contemporary home decor. But are they the best area rugs to buy for a place with kids? Or is there a better option? Let’s find out!

Why should you use cotton area rugs for a place with kids?

Cotton rugs are an affordable way to bring a designer look to your home. They are soft and can add a touch of elegance. But the list of benefits doesn't end there. Let’s take a look at some of the most common advantages of rugs made out of cotton.  

1. Easy to clean

They are made from natural materials and contain little to no synthetic fibers. They do not hold onto the dirt the way other rugs do, as natural fibers tend to resist stains and spills. For cleaning, you can throw them in the washing machine (on a delicate cycle) and then lay them flat to dry. Ideally, use cold water and a gentle detergent.

You may not need to wash it frequently. The dirt will come right off using a vacuum cleaner. And what if your kids spill any liquid on it? You can wipe it down with a wet towel soaked in soap water, and the stain will be gone. 

2. Hypoallergenic

Cotton is one of the safest flooring materials for kids as it doesn’t cause any irritations in the airways. Also, it gives the best feeling underfoot. It’s a natural material grown and harvested, so it’s non-toxic to humans. It doesn’t release any harmful chemicals during production either. 

These natural fibers absorb moisture and allow it to evaporate. This helps combat mildew and mold growth. In contrast, synthetic fibers are dangerous for those with asthma, allergies, or other health issues. 

3. More durable

Manufacturers make cotton and other material rugs by weaving. But the fabric used in synthetic ones is thinner and prone to wear and tear on the surface. Also, 100% cotton area rugs are less likely to suffer from pilling. It is when you start to see little balls of lint or fuzz on your floor rug. 

Cotton is less likely to tear or rip as it has a higher tensile strength than other materials because it is a natural fiber. In contrast, synthetic fibers can deteriorate when they contact oil, perfume, and other chemicals, meaning they’ll start to shed and look worn fast. They also weave the cotton ones together more tightly, making it difficult for dirt and soil to penetrate the weave. 

4. Comfortable and breathable

Natural fibers like cotton are better than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and silk because they allow air to circulate through them. Also, they do not trap heat as other rugs do. 

They give off a softer, more natural feel because of their high thread count and long, flexible fibers that make up the cotton strands. These fibers move freely and flex over time, making it comfortable to walk and lay on them. 

5. Absorbs sound well

Since manufacturers make cotton rugs of natural fibers, they have a loose, fluffy pile that absorbs sound waves. In contrast, those made from synthetic fibers have a dense, tight pile that reflects sound waves. 

The closer manufacturers pack the fibers together, the more sound rugs can absorb, and they weave cotton rugs tightly, allowing them to provide an acoustic barrier. 

Having a rug that absorbs sound in a house with kids is a good idea. It reduces the amount of noise that resonates on the hardwood floors and travels throughout the house. A good sound-absorbing rug will help muffle the sound of kids playing in the family room and prevent it from filling the entire house.

6. More affordable 

Affordability is also one of the reasons to go for a cotton rug. These rugs are made with natural fibers that have been used in textiles since ancient times. Due to its natural origins, cotton requires less processing and can be created more cheaply than synthetic fabrics.

If you're buying a rug for a place with kids, it's crucial to consider the high risk of wear and tear. Investing in a high-quality yet affordable rug is great for your peace of mind, as in case something terrible happens, you know it won't be that hard on your wallet.

7. Little-to-no-shedding

Manufacturers weave cotton rugs from one continuous thread, making them stronger than their polypropylene counterparts, for which they use many short fibers. When woven together, the cotton fibers are almost impossible to separate. That makes it impossible for strands of cotton to come loose and shed.

Buying a rug that sheds for a house with kids will be a pain to clean up as there will be pieces of it all over the place. Also, newborn babies are notorious for putting things in their mouths. Sometimes, that can have dangerous consequences. For example, shed bits can cause them to choke or get lodged in their windpipes.

Conclusion

If you have young children at home, you need rugs comfortable for them to play on. Ones that can stand up to the wear and tear of rough use and are easy to clean and safe for your kids. The last thing you want is to buy rugs only for them to be torn, stained, or ruined. The modern age has seen a revival of synthetic materials. But cotton area rugs are still one of the best options to consider for a place with kids. 

Besides the material, the manufacturer of the rug is also something to consider. After all, in the end, it is their name on the label that ensures quality and durability. Rugs by Roo provides the best kids-friendly rugs for your home, featuring diverse styles and sizes at affordable prices. You’ll find everything you need to bring a fresh, colorful splash of style to your home, right here.