6 Ways to Stop Rugs from Moving on Carpet

Many people place rugs on carpets to enhance the color and texture of their rooms, as well as to protect the flooring underneath it.

Not long after though, the rug slips and slides on the carpet, becoming a tripping or falling hazard. So, are you wondering how to keep throw rugs from moving on carpet?

Below are short-term and long-term solutions to a slipping rug that will not break the bank or damage your carpet or rug.

• Double-sided throw rug tape
• Furniture to anchor the throw rug
• Non-slip rubber backing
• Heavy, high-quality rugs
• Strong Velcro strips
• Carpet cleaning

Learn how to make rug not move on carpet here to save your life and that of your loved ones.

What Makes Throw Rugs Move on Carpets?

Throw rugs move on the carpet due to rug and carpet material composition and high foot traffic.

1. High Foot Traffic

High foot traffic results in constant rug movement. Areas such as the living room, kitchen, and hallways experience high traffic. Each step on a throw rug moves it gradually and, with time, results in deadly shifting.

Rug shifting is more common in homes with pets and active children because of numerous activities such as playing games, running, and jumping on the rug.

2. Rug and Carpet Material Composition

The material composition of your rug and carpet plays a key role in slippage. Many throw rugs in the market today are designed for hard floors.

When used on carpets, they lose grip and slip. Carpets' surfaces are uneven and soft, making it difficult for rugs to maintain grip; hence, they shift when you walk on them.

Knowing the carpet's material is essential when determining how to prevent rug from moving on carpet. Tightly woven or low-pile carpets offer better grip. High-pile carpets have the lowest grip.

How to Stop Rug From Moving on Carpet

Rugs on carpets pose a great risk when they slip or move. We will share cost-effective ways to keep area rug from moving on carpet.

1. Double-Sided Throw Rug Tape

Use double-sided tape to stop rug from moving on carpet. This is a cost-effective, one-time-use, medium-risk, and short-term solution. When the tape loses its adhesiveness, the rug begins to move. Double-sided tape is easy to install and highly effective as long as the adhesive is intact.

Don't apply the tape in the middle of the throw rug; it may buckle and become a tripping hazard.

To install the tape, peel the backing off, apply it directly on the carpet and rug (edges and corners), and then firmly press it in place. The adhesive makes the carpet and rug stick together, keeping the rug in place.

Some double-sided tapes are meant for hard flooring usage; avoid such; they'll pull on the carpet fibers when removing them, potentially damaging your carpet.

Choose the double-sided tape that is only usable on carpets.

2. Furniture to Anchor the Throw Rug

You can place several pieces of furniture on the throw rugs, being careful not to hide their beauty. Sofas, coffee tables, upholstered chairs, and other heavy furniture can help pin the throw rug in place and improve the design of your house (if you do it professionally).

Place heavy furniture along the corners and edges of your throw rugs to minimize their movement without interfering with their aesthetics. Place books or a flower vase on light furniture to add weight, enabling it to pin down your rug.

Using furniture to anchor your rugs is a cost-effective and long-term solution.

One major drawback of this solution is that heavy furniture may result in furniture dents on carpets and rugs.

3. Non-slip Rubber Backing

Non-slip rubber backing holds the rug in place, preventing it from moving or bunching on the carpet. Non-slip rubber backing offers strong grips to stop rugs from moving on carpet without causing damage. This is a cost-effective and quick solution that is highly effective.

Non-slip underlay mats are available in various sizes, and you can buy them independently. If you can't find one that fits your rug, you can cut them. The length and width of your underlay should be about 2 inches (5 cm) shorter than the throw rug.

If the underlay is the same size as the rug, it will poke around your rug's edges, lifting them and becoming a tripping hazard.

Non-slip rug pads extend the life of rugs and carpets. They also absorb noise in the room and offer additional cushioning, providing more comfort.

Foam or rubber pads are the best for rugs as they offer maximum grip.

4. Heavy, High-Quality Rugs

Heavy rugs like jute or wool are likely to stay in place. Their weight pins them down. They're also more durable than lighter, thinner rugs.

5. Strong Velcro Strips

Like double-sided tapes, strong Velcro strips keep rugs in place, preventing slips and slides. Install one side of the Velcro strip on one side of the carpet and the other on the rug's underside.

Before attaching the strips, clean the surfaces to which you want to attach them so that they will stick firmly.

6. Carpet Cleaning

Rugs don't hold firmly on soiled carpets. Vacuuming your carpets removes debris and dirt, keeping the rugs in place. But, vacuuming isn't enough long-term as it doesn't remove all the soiling in your carpet. You're best served to get a professional deep carpet cleaning.

Zerorez® offers professional area rug cleaning and carpet cleaning services to prevent dirt and dust build-up between the rugs and carpets, keeping them 'glued' to each other to avoid slides and slips.

You can call our customer care representative at any of our locations for inquiries or a free quote. When ready, schedule a service online.