A Rundown of Rug Pads
Slipping and sliding on a rug is no fun at all. Actually, it's downright dangerous. That's why it's a good idea to pair your area rug with a rug pad. Safety is just one of several benefits that rug pads provide. Here we highlight a few rug pad pointers so you won't get tripped up when shopping for one.
Whether your household has indoor or outdoor rugs, or a braided or shag rug, it's a good idea to use a rug pad. They offer multiple benefits. A rug pad helps secure area rugs in place and prevents them from wrinkling and bunching up. They also stop rugs from puckering under heavy furniture, and they keep you from slipping and sliding when you step on your rug. Rug pads provide greater cushion for you and protection for your floors. Since rug pads add an extra layer of padding between rug and floor, they help prevent scratching on hardwood surfaces and make vacuuming easier. Pads help prevent rug dyes and colors from transferring to your floors. They also help keep moisture and spills from seeping through the rug fibers to the backing material and staining your floor.
At OnlyAreaRugs.com, you can choose from rug pads made of polymer-coated polyester (it's naturally anti-microbial), PVC, and recycled synthetic fibers with a latex non-skid backing. Offered in a variety of size options, rug pads are reversible, and you can trim them with scissors to match the size of your rug perfectly. In addition to using a rug pad, there are other steps you can take to help extend the life of your rug. Rotate them every 6 to 12 months to prevent uneven wear. Periodically check the back of your rugs to make sure there's no damage from moths or other insects.
Other factors that contribute to the longevity of area rugs are resilience, stain-resistance, and soiling. Resilience refers to how well rug fibers bounce back to their original appearance after being walked on for long periods or used under heavy furniture. Look for rugs with high resilience if you plan to place them in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture. Wool fibers are naturally resilient, and nylon is another material that retains its shape well. Stain-resistance is another factor to consider. Some rugs are specially treated to prevent stains, making them ideal for households with children or pets. Also keep in mind soiling. Choosing rugs that can hide soil well is important if you're placing them in high-traffic areas. Darker colors and stain-resistant fibers are great for hiding and resisting dirt and grime. Wool is naturally stain-resistant. Acrylic is stain- and mildew-resistant, but not as resilient as wool.