5 Methods to Keep Rugs From Sliding

Carpets and rugs provide comfort, insulation, and are a major aesthetic feature of any interior space. However, rugs have a tendency to move around, especially on hard floors that get considerable foot traffic. The following materials can help keep your carpets and rugs in place:

1. 1. Rubber or waffle pads: These non-slip rug pads are made of either synthetic materials or natural rubber, and can be cut to fit the size of your rug. They are specifically designed to keep rugs from slipping and also add a layer of cushioning. Keep in mind that some rubber pads can react with the surface of certain laminate or hardwood floors, causing stains or other damage.
2. 2. Felt pads: Felt pads are good insulators and provide a soft cushion and protective backing. On large-area rugs, felt pads can prevent slippage, but small rugs and runners will still experience some movement with felt pads, especially on hard surfaces. Some felt pads include a rubber backing for added grippage.
3. 3. Gripper tape: Gripper tape or carpet tape is a good solution for smaller area rugs. Also known as carpet tape, gripper tape is usually available in two to three inch-wide rolls. You can adhere gripper tape to the edges of the rug to fix it to the floor. The double-sided quality of the rug grippers makes it a quick and relatively easy way to stop rugs from slipping, but it does not provide padding or insulation, and will need to be re-applied periodically.
4. 4. Velcro strips: Velcro strips are similar to gripper tape but offer a more reliable and longer-lasting solution. You can cut and affix velcro strips to different places on the bottom of the rug. You can easily detach the reusable velcro strips to clean the rug.
5. 5. Silicone caulk: Using a caulk applicator, apply strips or dots of caulk to the back of the rug. When the caulk dries, the points will prevent slippage between your rug and the floor.

Often, the right solution for preventing your rug from slipping depends on the specific needs of your interior, the size and type of rug you have, and the kind of use it will likely receive. Consider the following tips:

1. 1. Adhere silicone caulk or tape to the rug directly. When you’re applying silicone caulk or tape, it’s best to first adhere it to the rug. This will ensure that you have it correctly spaced to the rug's exact dimensions and will avoid any unwanted reactions between the adhesive and the floor surface.
2. 2. Use a hot glue gun. If you do not have silicone caulk, a hot glue gun works similarly and dries faster. Before using a hot glue gun on your rug, make sure your rug’s fibers won’t be damaged by the excess heat.
3. 3. Identify high-traffic areas. Use high-quality materials that are long-lasting in the most high-traffic areas in your home, like hallways, entryways, and popular rooms.
4. 4. Take care of your quality rugs. A high-quality rug requires a high-quality method of slip prevention. A rubber rug pad is a great option and provides excellent adherence that won’t react with wood floors or laminate floors.

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