Have you ever felt a rug slip out from under your feet? That feeling of instability, besides being uncomfortable, can pose a risk, especially in homes with small children or elderly people. Luckily, there's a simple and effective solution: rug anti-slip pads. In this article, we'll explain why these accessories are necessary to improve safety, what types exist, and what factors you should consider before buying one.
Why is it important to use rug anti-slip pads?
Rugs add warmth, improve comfort, and give character to rooms, but all of this can be secondary if we don't have a good fixation of the rug to the floor to prevent possible falls and slips. But, are they always necessary?
Although highly recommended, not all rugs need an anti-slip system. If we buy a rug with enough weight or body, we'll ensure the rug doesn't slip as easily. Additionally, if your rug tends to move but you don't want to replace it, you can try to fix it to the floor by placing a sofa or piece of furniture on one of its ends. If you don't want to complicate your life looking for anti-slip pads for your rug, there are rugs with built-in anti-slip backing. These types of rugs integrate a material on their reverse side that allows them to adhere better to the floor, preventing them from moving. What are their main advantages?
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Comfort and simplicity: You don't need to purchase or install other products. The rug arrives ready to be placed on the floor.
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Greater aesthetic integration: Since no accessories or mesh protrude from the sides, they offer a cleaner appearance.
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Less maintenance: They are easier to vacuum or move for cleaning, as they don't have pieces that can come loose on the reverse side.
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Ideal for daily use spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas of the house you use every day.
Rug anti-slip pads are necessary for:
Floor protection
The use of anti-slip pads also contributes to the preservation of both your rugs and the floors they are placed on. When a rug constantly slips, the edges wear out more easily, creases and deformations occur in the fabric, dirt accumulates between the rug's backing and the floor, which can end up scratching delicate surfaces like parquet or laminate floors.
Extending the rug's lifespan
They prevent wear caused by constant movement and friction against the floor, maintain the rug's original shape by preventing stretching and deformations, reduce tension in the fibers and seams, and evenly distribute weight and pressure when walking on the rug.
Better user experience
A rug that stays fixed in its position provides a greater sense of stability and comfort when walking on it. This way, you avoid constantly having to adjust the rug because it moves when you walk over it.
Facilitate cleaning and vacuuming.
Placing an anti-slip base under the rug or buying one that integrates it into its structure facilitates cleaning, as the fact that it doesn't move when vacuuming or sweeping speeds up the vacuuming process and its regular maintenance in daily life.
Easy installation and maintenance
One of the great advantages of rug anti-slip pads is that their installation is simple with tools we all have at home; you just need to measure, cut, and install. Plus, you can remove and replace them whenever you want to deep clean the rug. Before placing any type of anti-slip pad, thoroughly clean and dry the floor, and completely clean the back of the rug. This way, you'll achieve better adhesion results to the floor.
Types of rug anti-slip pads
There is a wide variety of anti-slip pads, and knowing the different types allows you to know which are the best anti-slip pads for rugs according to your specific needs:
Anti-slip meshes
These are the most common format and are based on an open mesh structure made from materials like PVC or polypropylene. They are cuttable to adapt to any rug size, the mesh structure prevents moisture condensation, they are washable, and their thickness is generally thin, although it can vary depending on the rug size.
Double-sided adhesive tapes
They are practical and economical, although their use is more appropriate for thin rugs or for fixing the edges of the rug to the floor. They are easy to apply and have a strong adhesive capacity on both sides. Additionally, they are discreet, completely hidden under the rug, and don't add height.
Anti-slip sprays
Although less known, anti-slip sprays for rugs are just as effective. These products create an adherent film on the back of the rug that fixes it to the floor. They are applied uniformly to the back of the rug; this method does not affect the rug's height, nor does it alter its appearance or breathability, however, it requires periodic applications every so often.
How to choose the right anti-slip pad for your rug
If you still don't know how to choose the best anti-slip pads for your rug, here are some tips that can help you decide.
One of the most important aspects to consider is the type of floor on which the rug will be placed, as this determines the most appropriate type of anti-slip pad. On wood or parquet floors, we recommend avoiding anti-slip pads that contain adhesives or rubber bases that could stain or damage the surface; in these cases, it's better to use PVC bases, while on laminate or vinyl floors, it's better to opt for plasticizer-free polypropylene meshes.
Another important aspect is the size of the anti-slip pad. If you are buying the anti-slip base separately, the best way to adjust its size so that it remains hidden is as follows:
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Measure your unrolled rug
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From that measurement, subtract 5 cm from the total height and another 5 cm from the total length
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This will be the ideal size for your anti-slip base
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Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the material
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Place the base centered under the rug, leaving a 5 cm margin on all sides
Now you know which are the best anti-slip pads for rugs and how to choose the ideal product to prevent slips and protect your home. Discover our catalog of anti-slip rugs in our online store and start protecting your home today with Atticgo.
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