The Expert’s Polypropylene Fabric Safety Guide
If you have questions about polypropylene fabric safety and use, you’ve come to the right place.
Sisal Rugs Direct uses polypropylene to make our Outdoor Sisal Rugs and our Commercial Indoor/Outdoor Polypropylene rugs. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to care for, maintain, and use your polypropylene fabric rug safely.
Polypropylene fabric safety FAQ
What is polypropylene made of?
Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber made of the same strong plastic material used to create reusable containers. This material gives polypropylene fibers a unique combination of strength and flexibility that makes them perfect for rugs that feel soft but won’t deteriorate under heavy use.
One of the best parts of polypropylene is that it can be created to mimic the look and feel of other fibers. For example, the polypropylene fibers Sisal Rugs Direct uses to weave our rugs look and feel just like sisal, giving the synthetic rugs all the advantages of sisal without any of the drawbacks natural fiber rugs have, such as their vulnerability to water and mold.
Are polypropylene rugs durable?
Yes. Polypropylene is more durable than natural fibers. Rugs made from polypropylene are designed to handle extreme weather, messes, and scratches. They easily bounce back from wear and tear, making them perfect for high-traffic areas and even outdoor spaces.
Is polypropylene waterproof?
Yes. Unlike natural fiber rugs, polypropylene rugs do not absorb moisture. This makes them highly water-resistant and ideal for use outdoors and in other places where they might come into prolonged contact with liquid.
Can polypropylene resist mold and mildew?
Yes. Because polypropylene does not absorb moisture, mold and mildew will not grow inside these rugs. Mold or mildew may, however, grow over the top of the rugs if moisture is allowed to sit on the rug’s surface for a prolonged period of time. To prevent this, simply clean off any moisture you see accumulating on the rug’s surface when you find it.
Is polypropylene stain resistant?
Yes. Polypropylene rugs have a high level of stain resistance. This doesn’t mean they’re completely stainproof, however; if you leave a liquid that might stain on the rug for a prolonged period of time, it may eventually stain the fibers it remained in contact with.
Is polypropylene hypoallergenic?
Yes. The same quality that makes polypropylene rugs waterproof and stain-resistant makes them hypoallergenic: the fibers are nonporous. This means the inside of the rug won’t collect dust, pollen, or any other allergens, the way other rugs might. Allergens can still build up on the surface of your rug, but you should be able to wash them off easily.
Is polypropylene fire resistant?
Polypropylene is considered more fire resistant than most natural fibers. Its non-porousness means it naturally repels sparks. Some of our commercial polypropylene offerings have also been treated to receive Grade I fire rating.
Please keep in mind that “fire resistant” does not mean fireproof, however. Polypropylene rugs can still catch fire if exposed to fire-starting conditions for a prolonged period of time. We recommend you keep a close eye on your polypropylene rug (and any other kind of rug), if you are exposing it to a situation where it could catch fire (such as placing it near a fireplace or outdoor fire).
Can I keep my polypropylene rug in direct sunlight?
Yes. All of the polypropylene fibers Sisal Rugs Direct’s polypropylene rugs are 100 percent UV stabilized. This prevents the fibers from fading in the sunlight and ensures that your polypropylene rug will retain its color season after season, even if you leave it outside and in direct sunlight all day.
Is polypropylene eco-friendly?
Yes. Polypropylene requires very little energy to produce and the fibers are completely recyclable.
Polypropylene is categorized as a plastic code number 5 recyclable. When it’s time to dispose of your polypropylene rug (which should be after many, many years of use), check to see if your county or other local authority accepts number 5 plastics from households. If they do, you can simply put your rug directly into your recycling bin. If not, you may have to find a nearby recycling center to take it.
Either way you recycle your polypropylene rug, the plastic used to make it will ultimately be reincorporated into other products, such as brushes or shoes, in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.
Is polypropylene safe for pets?
Yes. Polypropylene rugs are completely non-toxic, making them perfectly safe for pets, even if your pets sleep on, roll around on, eat off of, chew on, or otherwise rough up your rug in any way they please.
In fact, polypropylene’s durability makes it an ideal rug fiber for households with particularly rambunctious pets. Our rugs can take whatever your furry friend can throw at them, from their paws and claws and teeth to any accidents that may occur on them.
How do I clean my polypropylene rug?
One of the biggest advantages of having a polypropylene rug is how easy they are to clean. For the most part, you should simply vacuum your rug with a strong suction vacuum whenever you notice it starting to look dirty or dusty. Don’t use a beater bar while you vacuum.
If your polypropylene rug happens to get very dirty, however, you can also safely clean it with water. When you want to thoroughly rinse and clean your rug, we recommend simply taking it outside to a sloped surface such as your driveway and hosing it down. When you’re finished, hang the rug up to dry somewhere in the sunlight.
For more in-depth guidance on how to clean and maintain your polypropylene rug, see our full guide.
Did we miss anything? If you still have questions about how to safely maintain and use your polypropylene rug, get in touch with our expert team right away. We’re always happy to help.
