11 Ways to Prevent Carpet Slippage

Slippery carpets are not only unsightly, but also dangerous. There are several solutions to prevent the carpet from sliding instead of throwing away the floor covering. Check out these 11 ways to make sure your rug is non-slip.

Rubber Waffle Carpet Mats

Rubber waffle carpet mats can be purchased online or in the home furnishings or home improvement sections of major retailers. These pads are thin and are usually pre-cut to common area carpet sizes. They are easy to install, affordable, and help secure carpets on hard-surface floors.

However, they don’t add much padding to the carpet, and they quickly lose their “grip” as dust and dirt build up in the open grid pattern. They can even damage some floor finishes.

Warning: Most “rubber” waffle carpet mats are made of plastic that can bond with hardwood urethane floor sealants over time. When carpet mats are removed, the sticky waffle grid remains on the floor and can only be removed by refinishing the floor’s surface.

Rubber Shelf Padding

Rubber shelf padding that holds cutlery and glasses in place can also be used to prevent carpet slippage. While similar to the more durable waffle carpet mats, the padding is cheaper but thinner. The downside is that it’s usually only 12 inches wide. To make a larger cushion, the shelf liner strips can be taped, sewn, or glued together.

As with waffle carpet mats, care should be taken as the shelf liner may react with the floor finish and leave permanent damage.

Natural Rubber Pads

Natural rubber mats are usually made with a sturdy mesh surface, making them ideal for thin plain weave rugs. They are made from natural rubber and are more expensive than waffle carpet mats, but they do not contain chemicals that can damage the finish of the floor. While rubber mats don’t provide much cushioning, they do provide excellent protection against carpet slippage.

Felt Pads

Felt carpet mats are available in a variety of thicknesses and are usually cut and sized to order. Felt pads add maximum cushioning to the carpet and help prevent fiber abrasion. However, they do not provide great anti-slip protection unless the carpet is large.

The top-of-the-line pad combines the felt with a natural rubber backing, which is fused to the felt by heating. These are ideal for hardwood floors because they provide superior cushioning to the carpet and the grip of the rubber prevents slippage.

Entrainment

The gripping tape is in roll shape and is typically 2 to 3 inches wide. Tape is applied directly to the floor in a grid or profile that fits the edge of the carpet. It is best suited for rugs that are 4 feet x 6 feet or smaller. The carpet can be removed for easy cleaning, and the grab strap can be easily removed from the floor and repositioned.

Double-Sided Carpet Tape

Double-sided carpet tape is sold in rolls or pre-cut cubes. Carpet tapes are of different thicknesses and bonding qualities. The most durable tapes have an acrylic adhesive on both sides and are suitable for carpets made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene.

Before using carpet tape, read the instructions carefully to make sure you choose the correct type of tape for the floor under the carpet.

Hook-and-Loop Anchors

The hook-and-loop anchor (brand name Velcro) acts like a closure on children’s shoes. Each side of the anchor has an adhesive coating that can be applied to the floor or carpet. The two sides are then joined together to form a strong bond that holds the carpet in place.

Silicone Caulking

The small grip points on the fluffy socks that prevent slipping are made of silicone. The same technique can be used to hold the carpet in place. Silicone caulking uses squeezable tubes or tubes that require a caulking gun for construction. Products can be purchased in clear or color formulations.

To use, simply apply dots or strips in a grid pattern on the back of the carpet. Wait for the silicone to dry thoroughly before placing it on the floor or carpet.

Hot Glue

Although not as durable as silicone caulking, hot glue can also be applied to the back of the carpet to prevent slipping. It dries faster than silicone. However, do a test first to make sure the temperature does not melt the carpet’s fibers.

Carpet Tape and Carpet Mats

Just like fastening your pants with a belt and strap, the combination of carpet tape and carpet mats can make your carpet stronger on hard floors. Attach the tape to the back of the carpet and glue the mat to the other side of the tape. You can even use carpet tape to secure the carpet mat to the floor, adding another layer of security.

Carpet Pins

If you lay the rug on a wall-to-wall rug, you can use the rug pin to secure the edge of the rug. The dowels are angled to secure the area carpet to the carpet underneath without puncturing the floor. The top of the pin is flat and transparent, making it less noticeable when in place.