Simple Tricks: How to Stop Rugs Creeping on Carpets

After spending so much time picking the perfect rug for your living area, you realize that the rug can’t just stay where you place it.

Creeping rugs are very annoying and equally dangerous. They make your space look very untidy and askew. But you have to put rugs on carpets to add more depths to space.

Why are the rugs creeping on the carpets and what is the solution?

We have put together reasons for this creepiness and how to stop it. 

Why Do Rugs Creep on Carpets?

One reason why your rugs may be slipping on carpets is that carpets pile is a slant in one direction.

The pile doesn’t stand up straight, so carpet layers allow the carpet pile to lay downwards and towards doorways. When you place a rug on it, the rug will also move downwards towards the pile.

The carpet won’t move because it has been nailed and fastened to its position. But the rug changes location every time someone walks on it.

How to Stop Rugs from Creeping on Carpets?

1. Rug Pad

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This is the most commonly used method probably because you can easily find rug pads everywhere. Get a non-slip rug pad for the most effective result; it prevents dirt from hiding underneath.

Some of these rug pads are coated with adhesives on both sides to help them stick well. They are durable but may not be a final solution for large rugs.

How to Apply

• You must know the size of your rug before going out to purchase a rug pad. Measure the width and length of your rug with a tape measure. Leave the fringes aside if there are any because the rug pad will not get to them.

• Buy the right rug pad that will be a lasting solution. Non-slip pads are available in home improvement stores and carpet stores. Buy the one that sizes your measurement. If you don’t find the exact size, you can buy one that will take the rug fully. Then, trim out your rug shape. Buy rugs made from vinyl.

• To trim, lay the pad on the rug and mark the areas you need to trim. You don’t need to cut if the pad is not larger than your rug. Set the rug pad to one corner of the pad but leave out about 2.5cm on both sides. And use a marker to mark out the sides that are hanging while still maintaining the 2.5cm margin.

• Trim out the extra sheet along the lines you have marked out with scissors. You can take the pad away from the rug before cutting if you are worried about damaging the rug.

• Next, apply a double-sided carpet tape to your rug. First, cut out one strip of each side of the rug, then arrange them on the sides, leaving an inch for clearance. If you still have extra after sticking tape to all sides of the rug, you can cut out some for the center too.

• There is always a protective backing on typical carpet tape. The backing prevents it from sticking to your hands. Peel off the plastic backing when you are ready to stick the rug pad, then place the pad on the rug. Make sure it is centered properly and apply pressure to the sides where it meets the tape.

• Walk on the rug to test it and use your foot to apply more pressure. If the rug still creeps, you may need to reapply your rug pad or get another material. Remember that it also depends on your floor finish, so you may need the help of a professional.

2. Glue or Caulk

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Caulking and gluing can also keep your rug in place. You can use hot glue and acrylic latex caulk if you choose to use this method.

How to Apply

• Apply your acrylic caulk or glue at the back of the rug. Squeeze out strips of caulk following the width of the rug and make sure you leave about 6 inches in between each strip for the best outcome. Follow the same process if you are using glue.

• Allow the substance to dry thoroughly before placing it on the floor, else, it may damage the floor. Put it in a separate room that is well ventilated and out of reach of children or pets.

• When it’s dry, move the rug back to its place and lay it on the ground. Place your foot on the rug and try to slide it away from its position. The dried caulk is supposed to hold it down. But if it moves, you may need to apply more caulk with smaller spaces in between.

3. Velcro Strips

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You need to be sure you want to attach the other end of the loop to your flooring before you use this method. It is equally effective if done properly.

How to Apply

• Use a pencil to mark out the rug’s place on the floor to help. This marked out area will help you with aligning the Velcro. Use a light pencil so that it can be erased easily.

• You can buy Velcro strips at the store, just make sure you have the hook and loop. One side is soft and the other is rough. Cut both sides into four strips each and make sure they are 5cm (2 inches) long.

• Each strip comes with a backing preserve that you should peel off so that the strip can stick. This adhesive side is on both the hook and loop of the piece. Place the soft Velcro strip on the rug, leaving a few inches out. Be careful when placing because it will be hard to remove once glued to the rug.

• Then, stick the rough strips to the floor, making sure that it falls in line with the marking on the floor. Take this step slowly to avoid making mistakes. If mistakes occur, you will have to rip off the strip from the ground to adjust it. And this might lose its adhesive property.

• Lay the rug on the floor and make sure the hook and loop meet. Mount pressure on the four sides to make sure they grip well. And your rug won’t move around anymore.

4. Anchor the Rug

This is another excellent technique for holding your rug in place. You just have to design your space to keep the rug in place. Some people place their furniture within the perimeter of where they wish to decorate. You can bring pieces together to make this possible. Some heavy furniture like couches, coffee tables, beds, and dressers can hold down an area rug.

If you do this cleverly, you will not need too many elements to make it work. But this method might not work well for dining rooms because chairs in this area are moved about frequently. And for areas where there will be no furniture, you should consider an underlay. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Quality Rug

The type of rug you use matters when it comes to keeping your rug in place. So, it’s important to take a look at things to watch out for when buying a new rug.

1. Size

Never rush to the store to buy a rug without measuring the space you want to place it. If you buy a rug too big, you will have to curl up the sides and this will make your rug a runner.

Also, consider the arrangement of your furniture and how it will rest on the rug.  If you want to use the anchor method to hold the area rug down, you need to get the right size that fits. The rug might still move around or become invisible if it’s too small.

Make sure you buy a rug that will stand out and still maintain its position.

2. Shape

Rugs come in different shapes, which is another significant factor to consider. Use rectangular rugs in rectangular spaces. Don’t get carried away by the beauty of the rug and neglect its shape. Curved rugs will fit well in bathrooms, dining rooms, entryways, family rooms, game rooms, and hallways.

3. Type and Quality

Choose heavy rugs if your budget permits because they are unlikely to move around. Make sure the material you choose is also comfortable to serve you. There are tufted rugs, knotted rugs, woven rugs, and embroidered rugs. The higher the quality of the rug the thicker it tends to be, so go for more top quality.

Conclusion

Rug runners are unpleasant as they make your space look untidy. But you can hold the rug down with any of the methods listed above.

Rug pads are efficient underlay and always available. If you choose to caulk it, make sure that the caulk completely dries before you stick it to the floor. Velcro strips are also effective and long-lasting. If you want to opt for a design to anchor the rug, get the right size, and be creative.