"Silicone can sometimes degrade or discolor over several years, especially in direct sunlight—have you noticed any yellowing or brittleness yet?"
Actually, now that you mention it, I've started noticing a bit of yellowing on mine after just about a year near a sunny window. I hadn't really connected the dots until reading your post. Makes sense though, silicone isn't exactly UV-proof.
Natural rubber pads sound interesting...haven't tried them yet. A few quick questions for you or anyone else who's used them:
- Do rubber pads have any noticeable smell at first? I've had some rubber products before that had a pretty strong odor initially.
- How do they handle moisture? My silicone pads are pretty easy to wipe down if something spills—would rubber pads be similar?
- Any issues with staining hardwood floors over time? I know some rubbers can leave marks if left in place too long.
I like the biodegradable aspect, definitely aligns with trying to keep my new place as eco-friendly as possible. But I'm also thinking about durability and maintenance since I'm still figuring out the whole homeowner thing...lots of trial and error so far.
Thanks for bringing this up, hadn't even considered natural rubber as an option!
I've had natural rubber pads under my furniture for about two years now, and honestly, they're pretty great. Didn't notice any strong smell when I first got them—maybe a faint rubbery scent if I really put my nose close, but nothing overwhelming like some products I've had before.
Moisture-wise, they're decent enough. I spilled some coffee once (classic Monday morning...) and it wiped off easily without leaving any noticeable stains or residue. But I'd say silicone probably has a slight edge there since it's less porous overall.
About hardwood floor staining—I haven't seen any discoloration yet, though I do shift things around every few months when I'm cleaning. My previous silicone ones actually left faint marks after sitting in one spot too long, so it's probably good practice regardless of material.
Definitely worth giving natural rubber a shot if sustainability matters to you. But yeah, keep an eye on the moisture thing if spills are common at your place...
Interesting you mention silicone pads leaving faint marks—I had the exact same issue after about a year. Switched to natural rubber recently, and so far, no discoloration. Fingers crossed it stays that way...
"Switched to natural rubber recently, and so far, no discoloration. Fingers crossed it stays that way..."
Interesting, but doesn't natural rubber sometimes have its own issues? I've heard it can degrade faster, especially if exposed to sunlight or humidity. Curious if you've noticed any signs of wear yet. I'm still debating between silicone and rubber pads myself—trying to avoid marks but also don't want to replace them too often...
I've had natural rubber pads near my balcony doors for about a year now, and honestly, they're holding up better than I expected. Granted, they're not in direct sunlight all day... maybe placement matters more than material? Have you thought about where you'll put yours?
