Rugs are a welcome addition to most homes, but they're usually hard to keep in place. At that point, you're ready to use anything to hold it still. Fortunately, Shurtape Hold It tape is one product you can use for this situation. If you'd like to learn how to use it, we've made a step-by-step guide!
Shurtape's Hold-It is simple to use. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Measure the dimensions of the rug.
- Create an outline with the tape.
- Lay the rug.
It isn't tough to use Shurtape's rug tape. Nevertheless, it never hurts to learn how to use it first. This way, you can have a stress-free experience. If you'd like to cover each step in detail, keep reading. We'll share more information you might want to know.
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1. Measure The Dimensions Of Your Rug
You can start the process by measuring the dimensions of your rug. So, take a tape measure and note the length and width of the rug. Only cut enough tape to outline.
Of course, two pieces of tape should be enough to hold down the rug. However, that means one side will be loose. In other words, someone can accidentally trip on it if they're not paying attention.
For this reason, it's better to apply the tape to all sides. In addition, make sure you have enough for your rug. If you look at the packaging, one roll of Shurtape Hold-It is enough to hold down a 3 ft x 5 ft rug.
2. Using the Tape To Create an Outline
After taking the measurements and making cuts based on those measurements, you should have four pieces of tape. We will use these pieces to make an outline.
Before putting the outline together, clean the surface. The surface must be clean and dry for the tape to work correctly.
There are a couple of ways to go about making an outline. If you want to follow the manufacturer's instructions, you can remove the liner and apply the liner side to the rug. After applying the tape, set it on the floor.
The other way to do it is by outlining where the rug will sit. Then, once the tape is in place, remove the liner and lay the rug/mat on top. Of course, you'll want to be careful with this method.
Otherwise, the rug will end up with wrinkles. You could straighten it out, but the tape's adhesive will interfere with the process.
3. Laying the Rug
A crucial part of the process is laying the rug. You'll need to set it down carefully to avoid dents and wrinkles. For this reason, your best option is to place it in sections.
Outline On The Floor
If you're applying the rug to an outline on the floor, start by rolling it up. Then, slowly roll it out on the tape; apply pressure as you go. This way, the rug can attach to the liner side.
If you haven't removed the liner, stretch the rug over the outline. Remove any dents and wrinkles. After enough straightening, remove the liner on the tape on one side.
Press down on the rug to help the adhesive get a good hold. Of course, work your way down.
Tape Applied To Rug
The manufacturer's method is the best way to avoid wrinkles and dents. It takes the guesswork out of the equation. Since you already have the tape on the backside, the final step is to lay it down.
Still, it doesn't hurt to set it in place carefully. We want to remove any chance of dents. Start on one end and lay it down. Once the entire thing is on the floor, press firmly on it.
Now your rug should stay in place no matter the amount of movement.
You don't have to worry about doing this job incorrectly; there is no correct way. Instead, you can choose whichever method you prefer.
Of course, a guide wouldn't be complete without some visual demonstrations. We'll include a few videos showing you how to use the tape.
Doing It The Shurtape Way
An outline is a simple way to anchor the rug without too much tape. However, it's not the way Shurtape recommends using its product.
We only need to look at the packaging to notice Shurtape doesn't recommend creating an outline. Instead, they focus more on applying multiple pieces of tape from top to bottom.
If we want a more accurate representation of the way Shurtape recommends using it, this video is a good example:
The tape used in the video isn't Shurtape Hold-It, but the same principle applies. Nevertheless, it's all up to preference. You can use Shurtape's method. Otherwise, you can use a few pieces of tape to make an outline.
Will Duct Tape Hold a Rug in Place?
Sometimes, specific-use tapes don't perform as well as the label indicates. So, you're back to square one. It raises the question—what else can you use?
One type of tape that typically never fails is duct tape. Can you use it to hold a rug in place?
Sure you can! However, it might not be a good idea. Carpet tapes—Shurtape's Hold-It—use a non-slip backing to anchor itself to the floor. In other words, it isn't using an aggressive adhesive to hold itself in place.
In contrast, duct tape uses rubber-based adhesives to hold onto a surface. Once it's time to remove it, you'll have to deal with the leftover residue on the floor. Removing this residue usually involves using products that could damage your floors.
So, it's best to avoid using duct tape as an alternative. If you don't mind potentially ruining your floors, create a loop with it. This way, one side can stick to the rug, and the other will stick to the floor.
What Can You Put Under Loose Rugs To Make Them More Secure?
Shurtape Hold-It isn't the only product you use to secure a rug on the floor. There are a few others you can try. If you want something more temporary, consider using a non-slip rug pad.
A long-term solution would be caulking the rug. Lastly, the floor-friendly solution would be to use velcro strips.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you'd like a description of each in detail, let's discuss the options.
Non-Slip Rug Pad
Click here to see this non-slip rug pad on Amazon.
As mentioned, a short-term solution to your rug slipping problem is using a non-slip rug pad. In some cases, they could be the better option.
Some people need the rug to be removable. This way, they can clean it in the washing machine or by hand when the time comes.
Of course, securing a rug to the floor would mean you have to reapply the tape if you want to clean it. As we know, Shurtape's Hold-It doesn't come cheap.
For this reason, a rug pad would be the better alternative if you want to remove the rug to clean it.
In terms of risk, rug pads are a floor-friendly solution. They won't leave any sticky residue behind. However, that depends on the material the rug pad uses. Some use PVC padding, while others use natural rubber to grip the floor.
PVC-padded rug mats may use adhesives that can discolor hardwood floors and stick to them. If you want to be safe, look for rug pads with natural rubber backing.
Velcro Strips
Click here to see these velcro squares on Amazon.
Using velcro strips to anchor a rug is similar to using rug pads. Instead of rubber backing, velcro strips use adhesives. Nevertheless, it's an alternative you can consider if you want the rug to remain accessible.
Whenever it's time to clean the rug, you can peel off the velcro and wash it. The downside to using velcro straps is their short life span. Over time, it will become loose. As a result, it will struggle to hold the rug in place.
Additionally, it uses adhesives to remain on the floor. Once it's time to remove the strips, it could leave a sticky residue.
Caulk
The cheapest alternative to rug tape is silicone caulk. Most homeowners should have a tube of it lying around. If you have it, flip your rug over and apply a few lines of caulk across.
Then, let the caulk dry. We want it to adhere to the rug, not the floor. The caulk will be your makeshift rug pad.
Once it's dry, lay the rug on the floor and test it. It shouldn't be able to slide at all. The downside to using caulk is the residue it can leave.
It can shed in tiny bits if you use it in high-traffic areas. These small pieces of caulk can be a nightmare to clean up. In any case, here's a video demonstrating how to caulk the rug:
In Closing
A rug that doesn't cause accidents is only a few steps away! Hopefully, you can use the tape without any doubts now. Good luck using Shurtape Hold-It on your rugs!
Before you go, do you have other rug concerns? Are you worried you might own too many of them? For more on this topic, check out:
Here are other topics you can check out.