Classroom Rug Safety: Part I

Shopping for classroom decorations and other creative and unique teaching tools is definitely a lot of fun but there are certain (important) things to keep in mind when bringing various items into the classroom, especially when it comes to carpeting or any other flooring solutions.

When it comes to kids, safety has to be a primary factor and there are two main areas you should consider before purchasing a classroom carpet: fire safety and air quality.

In this blog post, we are going to focus on the first of those two aspects, fire safety. In a future blog post we will dive into the importance of CRI Green Label Plus eco-friendly classroom rugs.

Flammability Rating

It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but school fires do happen. Just take a look at these statistics:

• An estimated 4,060 structure fires involving pre-school through grade 12 buildings were reported every year from 2007 to 2011.
• Half of these fires were intentionally set.
• About 24% of these fires were contained trash or rubbish fires.

Every school must abide by national, state and local fire codes that were written, and are enforced through inspections, in order to ensure that the learning environment is as safe as possible. If you have carpeting in your classroom, one large aspect of passing this inspection relies on whether or not the carpeting used has earned either a Class I or a Class II flammability rating.

The National Fire Protection Association is responsible for creating these class ratings and tests how susceptible a carpet is to spreading a fire once it becomes compromised.

A Class I rating provides the highest level of protection and means that a fire will spread less quickly, compared to a Class II rating. While both a Class I and Class II rating are sufficient enough to pass the national standards, certain facilities, like schools, daycares, pre-schools and churches require the higher level of protection. A rug with a Class I rating will provide additional time to exit the building for those who need it if a fire were to occur.

When buying a carpet to be used in a facility with children, it is especially important to choose one that provides the highest level of protection possible and carries a Class I flammability rating. It would be a shame to have to throw out the rug you bought with the last of your yearly budget because it wasn’t up to fire code par.

There are two well-known manufacturers with years of industry experience that offer amazing classroom carpets that have earned the NFPA rating of Class I: Carpets for Kids® and Joy Carpets®. While choosing a rug from either of these brands will provide you with high-quality flooring options with safety in mind, it does not in any way mean they are unaffordable. Their value, in terms of safety and as an educational tool for teachers and educators, is unmatched when compared to other department stores and big box retailers.

For more information about these wonderful classroom carpets and to shop a wide selection at discount prices, please visit us at www.rtrkidsrugs.com.

Top 5 Classroom Rugs under $200

Now that the new school year is fully under way and you’ve purchased all of your classroom supplies and teaching necessities, you may find that you have a little extra leftover in your budget – emphasis on little. If you’re trying to decide how and on what you want to spend the remainder of your budget, you may be surprised to hear that you can get high-quality classroom rugs from industry-leading brand names like Carpets for Kids and Joy Carpets for not a lot of dough.

Although teachers and educators recognize the educational value of classroom carpets and appreciate the role they play in making learning fun and engaging, many just assume that they are out of their reach because of budget-busting price tags. But this is simply not the case!

If you know where to look, you can find classroom rugs on sale, and at RTR Kids Rugs, we have a wide selection of discount classroom rugs to choose from. But we know you’re busy so we picked out our top 5 favorite and most popular classroom rugs that are all priced under $200. Bonus: they all ship for free.

Color Blocks Value Seating Rug – 6’ x 9’ - $169.95

The Color Blocks Value Seating Rug is perfect for just about any game or activity you want to do with your kids from Duck Duck Goose, story time, and even snack time. This rectangle rug measures 6’ x 9’ and features a colorful block/grid pattern of green, red, light blue, orange, and navy blue. Teachers love this kid’s area rug for seated activities because each separate 14’ x 21’ square can be used as an individual seat, so there is no fighting or crying over stolen chairs. The Color Blocks rug is machine washable for easy cleaning and care.

Joy In a Box 24 Carpet Square Set – 16” x 16” - $119.95

Particularly great for story time, circle time, and activities that require your kids to sit, the Joy In a Box Carpet Square Set contains 24 individual 16” x 16” seating squares. These classroom carpet squares are also extremely versatile; kids love using their imagination to create and arrange the colored squares in different patterns and shapes on the floor. A new pattern and/or shape can be created every day! This carpet square set includes every color of the rainbow and comes with each of the following:

• 4 Yellow Carpet Squares
• 4 Red Carpet Squares
• 4 Blue Carpet Squares
• 4 Orange Carpet Squares
• 4 Purple Carpet Squares
• 4 Green Carpet Squares

Calming Circles Rug - 6’ x 9’ - $199.95

This rug isn’t called The Calming Circles Rug for nothing! The slightly muted blues, greens and neutral tones of this carpet are reflective of the colors found in nature, and the great outdoors have been shown to have a relaxing and stress-reducing effect on humans. The addition of this 6’ x 9’ area rug can help bring some order to a hectic classroom and may be best used for reading, writing, or any other lessons that require quiet focus. This particular rug is being offered at such a great value because it is a factory second rug, but please note that factory seconds are not warrantied and sold as-is.

Endurance Solid Color Rug – 6’ x 9’ - $134.95

The only solid-color rug to make our top five list, the Endurance Solid Color Rug in Royal Blue needs no designs or graphics to be a popular pick! Blue is the overwhelming favorite color of people of all ages and is seen as trustworthy, dependable, and committed. Blue is also the least gender-specific color, having equal appeal to both boys and girls. The royal blue color saturation of this 6’ x 9’ carpet is incredibly vibrant and works well in classrooms that are already busy with art work, posters, maps, and other fun decorations about.

Sunny Day Learn & Play Rug – 4’5” x 5’10” - $141.06

By the far the brightest and most lively rug to make an appearance on our top five list, the Sunny Day Learn & Play Rug’s name says it all. The numbers 1-10 and all 26 letters of the alphabet in every color of the rainbow surround a happy sun and is perfect for learning, games, and even better, teaching games that make learning fun and exciting! This rug will brighten up any classroom space and will become a fan-favorite amongst your kiddos. Measuring in slightly smaller than some of our other featured rugs at 4’5” x 5’10”, it will work well in smaller rooms where space is limited.

These cheap classroom rugs are only cheap in price, never in quality. Carpets for Kids and Joy Carpets are two manufacturers known and respected for their high-quality products and exceptional design features.

Check out what each of these brands has to offer:

Carpets for Kids

• KIDply® Backing – revolutionary patented technology that keeps rugs looking better for longer by preventing wrinkling and creasing, increases rug durability and sound and thermal insulation performance.
• Cut Pile Construction – cut pile carpets cannot unravel like loop pile rugs can, so you never have to worry about one of your kiddos pulling a loose yarn strand and irreparably damaging it.
• Anti-Microbial Treatment – a durable, “locked-in” chemistry that is incorporated into the carpet backing to minimize product deterioration and odors caused by microbial activity.
• Lifetime Anti-Static Fiber – helps prevent shocks, especially during the dry winter months.
• Meets All Fire Code Requirements – meets all national fire code requirements for NFPA253, Class I.

Joy Carpets

• Stainmaster® Carpet Technology – maximizes appearance retention, resiliency, and the ability to withstand traffic.
• 10-Year Dual-Technology Soil & Stain Protection – resists most food and beverage stains, ability to repel liquids, spills bead up and wipe off.
• SoftFlex™ Backing – an elite, soft-woven secondary backing that is remarkable in quality and performance.
• Class I Flammability Rating
• Colorfastness – resists color fading and discoloration.
• Bound & Serged Edging – produces maximum durability.

Classroom Rugs: Things to Consider Before Buying

You’ve gone over your budget and by nothing short of a miracle you have enough left to buy a classroom rug that you’ve been wanting since practically your first day teaching. Before you make a purchase though, there are several other factors besides color, size, shape and subject you need to consider.

Just like every other product available on the market, there are going to be top-of-the-line versions and lower-quality ones. Depending on what you are buying, you may be willing to sacrifice quality in order to save a few, bucks but when it comes to kids’ rugs, settling for a lesser-quality product can actually mean sacrificing the overall health and safety of your classroom.

What to Look for When Buying a Classroom Rug

Carpet making technology has come a long way and manufacturers now offer rugs that boast a slew of benefits from germ-fighting treatments to construction techniques that will help keep your rug in tip-top shape for years to come. Leading manufacturers Carpets for Kids® and Joy Carpets, Inc. produce classroom rugs with features that will help keep your little ones safe and healthy, and that makes everyone happy.

Fiber – Consider the type of fiber used to construct the rug. Fiber is a rug’s main ingredient and determines longevity and the ability to retain appearance over time. Certain fibers, such as high-grade nylon are going to be much more durable and able to withstand wear-and-tear better than carpets made of lower quality fibers. Nylon represents two-thirds of the pile fibers used in the United States because of its resilient nature that can withstand the weight and movement of furniture coupled with its ability to provide and hold bold, brilliant color.

Texture – There are several carpet construction techniques used today that result in various textures, each with their own specific advantages and dis-advantages. When it comes to classroom rugs, the most popular texture style is cut pile because of the overall durability it provides and its soil-hiding ability. Cut pile is easily recognizable by the visible ends of cut yarn tufts that collectively comprise the face of the carpet. Compared to loop pile construction, cut pile carpets won’t unravel so you’ll never have to worry about a loose yarn strand being pulled and ruining an entire length of the carpet.

Density – Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the tufts. In general, the denser the pile, the better the performance.

Antimicrobial Protection - Wherever children are present, you know the germs aren’t far behind! Look for a rug that has been coated with an antimicrobial chemical treatment that works to reduce the growth of common bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold and mildew. This treatment is incorporated into the backing composite of carpets to minimize product deterioration and odors caused by microbial activity.

Attached Cushion – Material, usually in the form of foam, rubber, urethane or PVC is adhered to the back side of a carpet to provide additional stability, thickness and padding helping to reduce the “ouch” if a fall occurs. This additional layer is sandwiched in between the backing layers of the carpet, so you don’t need to worry about your kids coming into contact with any potentially harmful or allergy-causing materials.

Secondary Backing – All carpets contain a primary backing, the fabric the yarn is attached to during manufacturing. For increased durability and resilience, be sure to buy a rug that also features a secondary backing. A secondary backing is an additional layer of woven fabric that is laminated to the back of the carpet to reinforce and increase dimensional stability. All Carpets for Kids® rugs feature their signature KIDply® backing system that works to:

• Prevent wrinkling and creasing
• Increase durability
• Provide unmatched softness and flexibility
• Increase sound and thermal insulation performance

Anti-Stain Protection – Choose a rug that has been protected with an anti-stain treatment. Anti-stain treatments coat the carpet fibers helping them to block out stains, and stay cleaner for longer. Joy Carpets uses STAINMASTER™ Premium Continuous Filament Nylon while Carpets for Kids® protect their rugs with their Carpet Guard®. These additional, protective treatments not only help to keep stains out, but help to keep color in and brighter than ever.

Meets or Exceeds CRI’s Green Label Plus Certification – Carpeting can negatively impact the environment if it emits a dangerous level of volatile organic compounds. Choosing a rug that meets or exceeds the CRI’s Green Label Plus certification standards ensures that it is safe for the environment and safe for us all.

Meets All Fire Code Requirements – Safety is of the utmost importance for any educator or child care provider, so it is absolutely essential that a carpet meets all national fire code requirements for NFPA-258, Class I. If it is not stated in the product description or the information is difficult to find, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep shopping. In general, if a classroom carpet fulfills fire code requirements, it will be clearly stated.

About the Author: RTR Kids Rugs provides a wide variety of children's rugs that are the perfect addition to any school, church or daycare facility. Visit www.rtrkidsrugs.com to shop classroom rugs for kids or for more information.

How to Save Money when Shopping for a Classroom Rug

Classroom rugs provide a separate and inviting space for kids to gather at special times throughout the school day. Teachers may use rugs for story time, play time or to give individualized instruction to small groups. Educational rugs come in many kid-friendly styles and designs, including alphabet and animal themes, music prints and outdoor scenes. However, buying a classroom rug can be expensive, and teachers often have to make the most of a small yearly spending budget.

If you are a teacher or a child care provider, the following tips can help you get an educational classroom rug without breaking the bank.

Go Online

The Internet offers a wealth of options for teachers who are looking for a traditional classroom rug for less. Online retailers often offer classroom carpets at prices lower than the list price you will find in brick and mortar retail stores, and many even have seasonal sales especially for teachers. Plus, you can browse a large selection of styles, shapes, colors and subjects for every kind of classroom in no time at all. However, high shipping costs may negate the benefit of buying discount rugs, so be sure to purchase from a seller that offers free shipping on their classroom rugs for extra savings.

Shop the Sales

Whether you shop online or off, many children’s rug retailers carry what are referred to as ‘Factory Second’ rugs. Factory Seconds are rugs that have minor flaws such as very small dye spots, backing flaws or a seam that hasn’t been sewn perfectly straight. These production flaws are often so small they are not even visible to the naked eye. Because of these minor flaws, retailers have to sell them for a small portion of the original cost, which means big savings for you. Factory Seconds have the same quality as the full-priced versions making them the best option for anyone looking for cheap classroom rugs.

Don't Be Afraid of Discount Stores

Some department stores also offer area rugs at affordable prices. Usually used in the home, these rugs translate well to classrooms and come in a variety of colors and styles. Although these rugs are not traditional educational rugs, they will still work to make the learning environment more welcoming, comfortable and cozy. Buying rugs this way can offer you a better selection of styles than some other discount shopping options, including seasonal rugs for different times of year such as Halloween or Christmas. Seasonal designs will likely be less expensive at the end of a season, so planning ahead is always a good idea.

Look for Freebies

Sometimes it's possible to get classroom carpeting for free. Some stores may have leftover pieces or carpet samples that they no longer have any use for. There's no harm in asking about these options; in fact, there are stores that are more than willing to donate or otherwise give away their "leftovers" to schools and other organizations. This doesn't mean that teachers have to go begging for scraps of carpet and settle for secondhand junk; the rugs that stores use as display or samples are the same quality as those that may be purchased for full price. If a full-sized carpet can't be found, teachers may wish to consider combining two or three smaller rugs into a unique style that matches the personality of their classroom.

By using classroom carpets, teachers can divide their rooms into different areas without having to buy new furniture or do much rearranging. Getting kids away from their desks now and then helps refocus their attention, not to mention that a comfy carpet is a relaxing place to take a break from standard, uncomfortable classroom seating.

Before buying any carpeting, teachers should check with their school and local fire department to make sure that rugs are allowed and the carpet that they want complies with any local fire codes to ensure that the kiddos are safe as can be.

How to Clean and Care for Your Classroom Rug

Many classrooms around the country use small, educational rugs to decorate the space and enhance the learning process. Classroom rugs often contain bright colors that encourage learning, create a cozy environment, and bring fun to the day. However, when young children are present, you know that dirt and other stain-causing materials are close by! Besides regular vacuuming, it is often necessary to remove stains in order to preserve the quality of the rug and keep the learning environment a clean and healthy one. The following carpet cleaning tips will help you clean and care for classroom rugs.

Removing Urine Stains

It is not uncommon for young children to have bathroom accidents in the classroom. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to bad odors and stains. An easy and safe way to clean the mess is with a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. The solution can be sprayed or sponged onto the stain and allowed to sit for up to 10 minutes. Then, it can be blotted with paper towels. Some baking soda may also be added to remove remaining smells. A fan should be used to dry the rug quickly.

Crayon and Marker Stain Removal

Most classrooms are filled with arts and crafts supplies, which means crayons and markers are commonly used. Young children often find it fun to write on everything, which means marks on the rugs are not rare. To remove crayon stains, it is best to scrape the wax from the surface. To remove the color that remains, a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water can be mixed and dabbed onto the area. To eliminate marker stains, dish washing soap may be the answer. Since most children's markers are washable, applying just enough dish soap to a wet rag will help blot away the stains.

If the culprit is finger paint, it is best that the paint is allowed to fully dry before attempting to scrape it away. To get rid of residual paint stains, liquid laundry soap should be mixed with water and dabbed over the mess.

Erase Juice Stains

What would snack time be without juice boxes? Juice and other food stains are some of the most common offenders. But fear not! They are generally easy to remove by using a mixture of laundry soap and water. After the solution is applied to the stain, blotted away and allowed to dry, it should magically disappear.

General Carpet Cleaning Tips

• Avoid saturating rugs with liquids, try an over-the-counter dry cleaner instead
• Avoid harsh cleaners that contain bleach or any other caustic chemicals that may cause the dye to run, fade or become damaged
• Always spot-test before using any cleaning products; choose a small, inconspicuous area to test on before attempting to clean a large portion of the rug
• Avoid aggressively rubbing or scrubbing the messed area; gentle blotting and dabbing will help pull the stain upwards, away from the rug, and won’t create a “fuzzy” area on the carpet
• Using a dry cloth, blot up as much of the stain as possible before utilizing a cleaner. This will reduce the amount of cleaner you will need to use
• Start at the outside edge of the stain and gently work your way inward
• Thoroughly vacuum the carpet after removing the stain

Maintaining a Rug on a Weekly or Monthly Basis

Regular vacuuming is necessary and will help maintain clean rugs in the classroom. If the rugs are small, it will be possible to shake them outside if a vacuum is not available. Regular vacuuming will reduce the amount of dust mites, germs and surface dirt that accumulates.

Some general vacuuming tips include:

• Maintain vacuum brush heads to ensure you are getting the cleanest clean possible and that you are removing more dirt and germs than you are depositing
• Daily vacuuming in high-traffic areas is ideal so that dirt and other deposits can’t penetrate deep into the rug making future carpet cleaning more difficult
• Most importantly when vacuuming your classroom rug, be sure to stay away from the surged edge. Getting too close to the edge may suck the rug up into the vacuum and damage it

A great way for a teacher to add interest to a classroom is with kids' rugs. These items are inexpensive tools that enhance learning environments. Children love to play on them, but dirt and stains tend to build over time. This is why it is important to find rugs that are colorfast, antimicrobial, and stain resistant. The above tips will help maintain and keep rugs clean, without the threat of damage or the use of harmful chemicals. With proper care, these rugs should last a long time and become regular additions to normal teaching material.

*Note* These are recommendations for general rug cleaning, please consult individual manufacturer instructions for cleaning and care of your specific rugs. Failure to do so may result in damage, staining, running, and fading of colors and materials.

About the Author: RTR Kids Rugs provides a wide variety of children's rugs that are the perfect addition to any school, church or daycare facility. Visit www.rtrkidsrugs.com to shop classroom rugs for kids or for more information.