Floors

Problem

Wall-to-wall synthetic carpet (nylon, polyester, polypropylene) is the largest fabric surface in most homes — shedding fibers and dust 24/7.
PFAS stain treatments (Scotchgard, Stainmaster) bonded into the fiber.
SBR latex backing offgasses 4-PCH and VOCs (“new carpet smell”) for years.
Adhesives bonding carpet, vinyl, and laminate to the subfloor offgas continuously.
Carpet can’t be washed — it’s a permanent reservoir for dust, fibers, dander, and tracked-in contaminants.

Hard, sealed flooring with no synthetic backing, no PFAS treatment, low/no-VOC finishes.
Area rugs that are washable, replaceable, and made of natural fibers (GOTS wool / organic cotton).

Flooring is the most expensive and disruptive textile to replace.
“Natural” wood floors are often finished with high-VOC polyurethanes or glued down with offgassing adhesives.
“Wool” rugs are often blended with synthetics or treated with mothproofing chemicals.

Choose hard flooring: solid hardwood (low-VOC finish), tile, polished concrete, or natural linoleum.
Use floating installs or zero-VOC adhesives where possible.
Layer with washable GOTS-certified wool or organic-cotton area rugs.
See Textiles for fiber and certification guidance.