How to Stop Rugs Creeping on Carpet (5 Easy Steps)

If you have area rugs on top of your carpet you know how annoying it is when they creep up. They just can’t seem to stay flat and exactly how you place them.

However, you do not have to always bend to get the creep out, with a little DIY activity of less than an hour this can be a thing of the past.So, how do you stop rugs creeping on carpet?

Follow the step by step guide below.

You will need a double sided tape which sticks to the carpet.
Clean the carpet and rug backing of any lint or dirt.
Measure all sides of the rug leaving 2” on each side
Mark on your carpet with chalk where we will lay the tape.
Unroll the carpet tape and tape the sticky side to the carpet on top of the markings.
Peel off the plastic tape off the laid down tape after all pieces are in place.
Lay your rug on the exposed adhesive tape and press firmly to hold.

The steps above seem straightforward, but you need to read the indepth step by step guide below to not miss the details for your tape to be effective.What’s more, we have shared a more permanent solution to stop your rugs from creeping up on carpet included at the end of the article.

A Quick Note on Rugs Creeping On Carpet

You must be asking why I have recommended a double sided tape which sticks to carpet.The simple reason is that double sided carpet tape contains safe and strong adhesive specifically made for rugs and carpets.

It does not leave residue and is very easy to install and remove.You only need to remove it slowly from one end. If it seems too hard, you can apply heat with a hair dryer to soften the tape and then remove it slowly by hand.

What’s more? You can use it on any type of area rug wool, polyester etc without it damaging your expensive rug.

Materials you will need

Tape that sticks to carpet such as this double sided carpet tape.
Measuring tape.
Knife to cut the tape.
Chalk for marking.

1. Clean the rug backing and carpet

First you need to ensure that your rug backing and carpet are clean. This way we ensure no lint or dirt will affect our sticky tape.You can wipe the rug backing with a clean wet piece of cloth and make sure it is dry.

2. Measure and mark your rug

Measure the size of your rug on the back side all round using your measuring tape, leaving 2” on each side of the rug. Using the measurements obtained above. Mark on your carpet using chalk with the aid of your measuring tape for straight lines all round. For the middle open space, draw lines in a row 2 inches apart.

3. Tape your carpet tape on the markings

Next, you need to unroll your carpet tape and tape the sticky side on the carpet surface carefully following the pattern you marked out.Cut to required size using the pocket knife.

DO NOT remove the paper side before all is done.

4. Peel off the plastic on the laid pieces of tape

Finally, once all the pieces are in place. You can peel off the plastic to expose the adhesive side.

5. Place back your rug on the exposed adhesive

Last but not least, place back your rug careful on top of the exposed adhesive.If the area rug is large, consider getting another individual to hold one end so that you lay it properly.Then press firmly on the rug for it to stick on the carpet.

A Tip on rugs creeping on carpet

The main reason rugs keep creeping on carpet is because of the friction between the rug backing and the carpet surface.The aim is to reduce this movement.

If you are looking for a permanent solution , you can purchase a felt and rubber underside rug gripper which you place underneath the area rug.It will add some cushioning and protect your carpet.

Conclusion

Rugs creeping on carpet are so annoying but you do not have to put up with it. You can simply get a double sided carpet tape to prevent it.

Get a double sided tape that sticks to the carpet.
Measure your area rug using a measuring tape.
Mark the size on your carpet using chalk.
Unroll the rug tape and tape the sticky side on the carpet on the marked pattern.
Finally, remove the paper side once all pieces are in place.
Last but not least, place your rug back in place and press to hold firmly.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, get a felt and rubber rug pad which will add cushioning and protect your carpet too.