Pottery Barn Kids Rug

My husband is an insane researcher on everything we purchase - and I have a very acute sense of smell so this was actually a big deal for us when we purchased a wool rug. Apparently, there are different kinds of glue/backing that can be used on a rug. What we couldn't find is any info on if his smell is dangerous. In my opinion, if it smells bad/toxic, it just can't be good for you.

My sister in law has a PB rug in her house and it's the first thing I smell when I enter - and the smell has never faded. However, the smell isn't just from PB rugs, we found lots that smell during our shopping(all that use this certain glue). We did purchase one from PB that they SWORE didn't use this glue but, upon delivery, the smell was very strong (and the glue was listed on the care label). After a few days you could smell it throughout our entire 2 story condo and it gave me headaches so we returned it.

I'm not sure if any of this helps - go to PB and smell a few rugs they have hanging up. You'll notice it immediately and, if your daughters rug does not smell that way, perhaps it is a different fiber and backing and is safe. Good luck!

I don't know about toxins but PB rugs do emit a smell. I took ours to a professional rug cleaner and they told me that PB rugs smell. Even with the cleaning, it still smells. Since then several people told me they had the same problem.

Hi C.:

Within the last month, I had my baby furniture delivered and it was emitting a smell as well. After much investigation and a call to the manufacturer, I discovered that the glue used in the furniture contained formaldehyde. (UGH!) I was shocked that they would even use this in anything that would come into contact with children. Nonetheless, as I started to research it on the internet I came across a study that was conducted in California about dangerous high levels of formaldehyde in baby furniture. (Shockingly, this furniture is still sold in stores and the glue can be emitted for years!) Apparently, in 2009 California will enforce a ban on the amount of formaldehyde that furniture can emit. (Contact me directly if you would like a link to the article. I don't think that I can post it here.)

I will note, I really thought that this only happened with less expensive furniture, but I purchased my furniture at a boutique in Chicago and still encountered this problem.

As far as your rug is concerned, I wouldn't feel that worried about it considering that it doesn't smell and that it is fairly well off gassed since you have had it for two years. Although, if you are still wondering about it call PB and ask what type of glue is used.

Good luck!

Hi, C.. I am the one who posted the message about the rug. I have heard various theories, none of them good. For us, it seems the issue is the glue holding the backing of the rug to the wool. It reeked. Just go into a store and put your nose to the backs of the rugs and you will see what I mean. I have also read online it could have been the pesticides they spray on the wool in India. Either way, the chemicals are not good for a child's lungs. I am STILL searching for a cute non-toxic rug. By the way, PBK was very gracious about taking back our stinky rug and exchanging it for another of equal value without a receipt. However, this doesn't solve our problem. The new rug is not nearly as noxious but a similar odor persists. Yes, if a rug smells, it is offgassing and your child is breathing in harmful toxins. Sorry.