If you're looking to add some protection to your kitchen floor, a rug can help absorb spills, reduce damage from dropped items and add a pop of color. But since kitchens see plenty of foot traffic and messy meals, finding a rug that stands up to stains, spills and heavy rolling chairs can be challenging.
Washable Kitchen Rugs For High Traffic Areas: How Indoor and Outdoor Rugs Differ
Outdoor rugs are made from harsher synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester - which makes them more durable, resistant to the weather and easier to clean. This differs from traditional indoor rugs, which tend to be made out of more delicate fibers and feature elaborate designs.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are benefits to using outdoor rugs indoors, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens - mudrooms, patios, porches and entries. Since kitchens see plenty of messes, spills and dropped items, it's essential to choose a rug made from a material that's easy to clean and won't stain. Consider an outdoor rug made of polypropylene - a synthetic - water-resistant material that won't absorb spills or crack and peel after repeated cleanings.
For example, a runner made from polypropylene can help absorb footsteps, reduce damage from dropped items and provide extra protection from spills. Plus, outdoor rugs typically have a lower pile height than indoor rugs. This means outdoor rugs lie flatter on the ground, which reduces the risk of trips and falls.
Why Synthetic Materials Work Well for Washable Kitchen Rugs for High Traffic Areas
The best kitchen rugs are washable and durable. Since kitchens see plenty of activity - messes and dropped items, the last thing you want to do is vacuum or clean a rug made from an expensive material like silk or wool. For high-traffic areas like the kitchen, you should go with a low pile rug.
Lower-end indoor rugs are often made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, polyester and polypropylene. These rugs tend to be more affordable than rugs made from natural fibers. In kitchens, you want a rug that stands up to everyday spills - stains, heavy rolling chairs and dropped items.
Synthetic rugs are water-resistant and withstand much higher temperatures during cleaning. While wool rugs can crack and peel after being repeatedly washed, polypropylene rugs won't show signs of wear after multiple cleanings. Simply toss your rug in the washer with cool water and a mild detergent. Just be sure to check the care label before tossing your rug in the washing machine.
What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Rug for Indoor Use
While purchasing an outdoor rug for indoor use sounds like a great idea, you'll want to consider a few things before making a purchase. Both the CPSC and This Old House note that outdoor rugs tend to have a more industrial appearance since they prioritize functionality over aesthetics. For instance, if you're looking to add warmth and texture to your living room or bedroom with a rug - you may want to skip buying an outdoor rug for indoor use.
That being said, there are plenty of outdoor rugs that feature lively colors and patterns. The boho runner rug used over hardwood floors in my latest kitchen was under $60. The bold design and soft tones lift the space without overwhelming it.
Since many outdoor rugs are made from polypropylene, they tend to have a plastic-like finish. While synthetic rugs are easy to clean, stand up to heavy foot traffic and protect your floors from damage, they don't offer the same level of comfort as a rug made from a natural fiber such as wool or viscose.
I've personally owned a synthetic rug that felt more akin to wall-to-wall carpeting. It wasn't terrible - but it certainly didn't offer the plush, soft feeling I love about my wool and viscose rugs. However, if you're more concerned about easy cleanup and durability, a rug made from polypropylene is an excellent choice.
Real-World Tips for Protecting Hardwood Floors With a Kitchen Rug
One of the best ways to protect hardwood floors is to place a rug at the entryway of your home to catch debris such as dirt, sand - stones and pebbles that easily scratch hardwood. You should also place rugs under heavy furniture such as sofas and beds to prevent scraping and scratching as you move furniture around. To avoid scratching hardwood floors, consider placing pads on the legs of furniture to distribute weight and prevent damage as you move furniture around.
Choose a rug made from a durable material that's easy to clean. If you own pets, look for a rug made from waterproof polyester or polypropylene. Since kitchens see plenty of spilled food and drinks, choose a kitchen rug made from water-resistant polyester or polypropylene that you can easily clean in the washing machine.
You should also vacuum both sides of your rug weekly. Vacuuming sucks up debris, dirt and dust that easily scratch hardwood floors. Finally - it's essential to raise the edges of area rugs with a non-skid pad to prevent curling, tripping hazards and additional damage.
References
- are made from harsher synthetic - familyhandyman.com
- traffic areas like the kitchen - designingvibes.com
Further reading
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/indoor-vs-outdoor-rugs/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/best-area-rugs-hardwood-floors/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7017391/
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/flooring/how-to-protect-wood-floors
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not medical or health advice, and it is not a substitute for care from a qualified professional. Please talk to your doctor about your own health.
