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Solutions to Rugs Moving on Carpets

Once there was MAGI-GRIP. Sadly no longer. But MAGI-GRIP was developed from my own research. See Why Rugs Creep

One solution to rugs moving on carpets that had been recognize for years was to cut up an old blanket to roughly the size of the rug and lay it between rug and carpet. The principle behind this was almost the same as MAGI-GRIP. The pile of the rug, entangled with the blanket, provided a more stable platform for the rug. Movement was therefore greatly reduced. This works providing the blanket has not lost too much nap.

Nailing the rug through the carpet into the floor may seem to be the ultimate method but is NOT the best solution. The nails will of course damage the carpet and the powerful forces that cause rug creep will continue and will almost certainly cause the rug to distort. If the rug is later removed the pile of the carpet underneath will appear distorted too. This is one of the main reasons that methods of control that only secure the rug round the edges or from the ends are less successful.

There have been sticky products designed for rug control. The most successful of those recognize the need to keep carpet and rug apart. Unfortunately in some cases the stickiness transfers to the carpet and will require a carpet cleaner to clean it out. Over the last years of hot summers I understand that the problem has become familiar to carpet cleaning companies. The most expensive of these products as far stickiness is concerned are more stable and really do work.

The cheapest and most effective solution is polyester wadding of the type used in upholstery and quilting and obtainable in most haberdashers. This is not quite the same specification as MAGI-GRIP. I know that it works because MAGI-GRIP evolved directly from this product.

With the growing popularity of wood floors with rugs, there has been a matching growth in accidents in the home from people slipping on rugs and just slipping. Keeping rugs secure is therefore important. What options are open to you.

Both carpets and rugs perform better when laid on underlay. There are two types of underlay that also help reduce the slip of rugs. One is a black crumb rubber underlay usually made from recycled car tyres bonded with latex. The other is an underlay that is crumb rubber on one side and felt on the other. Both when laid rubberside down serve the dual purpose of protecting the rug and reducing the possability of it slipping.

There have for many years been rubberised nets that are very effective in reducing slip. These nets tend over time to pick up polished and dust and so become less effective. So that they need replacing regularly.

However very few manufacturers of these products point out that their products are in fact washable. This refreshes the grip and lengthens the products active life.

Please note that I always say reduce the possability of slipping, because there are always going to be exceptions, for example floors that have become wet or oily.

About 40 years ago I worked in the carpet department in a large depatment store. The floors were mostly polished woodblock. An enthusiastic young salesman used to demonstate how effective the anti-slip netting was by putting it under a rug and the taking a running jump onto it. Each time he demonstrated this he did it with greater vigour. Finally one day his enthusiasm got the better of him. The rug and net flew high into the air an he finish up in the local hospital.

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