The material of a kitchen rug is key, both in terms of cleanliness and safety. The general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the right rug for your kitchen is that you should opt for materials that offer shorter piles, as they are easier to maintain and less likely to be worn down in such a high-traffic area. In fact, the best material options for a kitchen rug are:
Polyester: This material might not be your go-to choice for larger, more decorative rugs in the living room, but a polyester rug should be your go-to in the kitchen. Not only is this material extremely durable, strong, and resistant to fading (which is perfect if you have a light-filled kitchen), but it's also super easy to clean thanks to its stain-resistant qualities.
Wool: Although you might think that a wool rug in a kitchen is a recipe for disaster, this soft material lends itself well to sitting in a kitchen. That's because wool is normally also covered in lanolin, a wax that creates a barrier between potential stains and the natural wool fibers. This makes it naturally stain resistant!
Vinyl/PVC: If you're looking for a low-maintenance kitchen rug, then vinyl should be your material of choice. When cared for properly, a vinyl rug can last up to 20 years, but it doesn't take a lot to maintain! By simply wiping a vinyl rug down with a cloth and diluted hand soap, it can be spotless again in seconds.
Jute or sisal: Yes, natural fibers work perfectly in the kitchen. They're durable, neutral, and the perfect transitional piece that allows you to redecorate your kitchen without adding another rug purchase into the mix. They're also extremely affordable, and often much cheaper than alternatives on the market.
All in all, be sure to check if your rug is washable (or how easy it is to clean) before putting it into your kitchen as one drop of a strawberry and your shiny new rug might just be ruined for good. Either way, you'll want to keep a good upholstery cleaner in your cleaning caddy just in case. And read our how to clean a rug guide for more tips and tricks.