Can You Put Underlay Under a Rug? 

Understanding the Importance of Underlay:

Before we delve into the specifics of using underlay for rugs, let’s first understand why underlay is essential for different types of flooring.

1. Prevents Rug Movement: 

Have you ever had that frustrating experience of a rug constantly sliding and creeping around on your floor? Underlay comes to the rescue by reducing rug movement, making your living space safer and more comfortable.

2. Protects Your Floors:

Hard impacts from foot traffic can wear down rug fibres and even damage your flooring. Underlay acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact and extending the life of both your rug and your floor.

3. Reduces Colour Transfer: 

If you have a colourful rug on a light-coloured carpet, you might worry about colour transfer. Underlay helps minimize the risk of colour transfer, keeping your carpets looking fresh.

4. Guards Against Spills: 

Accidents happen, and spills on your rug can transfer to your floor. Underlay acts as a barrier, preventing liquids from reaching your flooring and making cleanup easier.

Types of Underlays:

Now that we understand the importance of underlay let’s explore the types of underlays suitable for different flooring types.

1. Hard Floor Underlay (Green):

• • It is ideal for hard surfaces like tiles and stone.
  • A thin, foam-based underlay with a slight stickiness.
  • This underlay can be washed in a washing machine, making it easy to maintain.

1. Carpet Underlay (Foxy):

• • This type of underlay works well on loop pile carpets and rugs.
  • Features a foxy texture with a slight stickiness that holds rugs in place.
  • Residue-free and designed to prevent rug movement on carpets.

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Underlay:

• • Recommended for LVT flooring, which mimics tiles, stone, or wood.
  • The foxy underlay is preferable for LVT as it minimizes movement.
  • Install with the white side down on hard surfaces and the rug on top.

Choosing the Right Underlay for Your Rug:

Now that we’ve covered the types of underlays, let’s discuss which one is best suited for your specific needs.

• Hard Floor Underlay (Green):
  • It is ideal for hard surfaces like tiles and stone.
  • Suitable for rugs on wooden floors.
  • Use the white side down on hard surfaces.
• Carpet Underlay (Foxy):
  • Perfect for loop pile carpets and rugs.
  • Highly effective in preventing rug movement.
  • Residue-free and recommended for colourful rugs.
• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Underlay:
  • Best for LVT flooring to minimize movement.
  • Use the foxy underlay with the colour texture facing down on the hard surface.

Summary of what we found:

Underlay plays a crucial role in enhancing the durability, safety, and aesthetics of your home. When considering whether you can put underlay under a rug, the answer is a resounding yes! Choosing the right type of underlay for your specific flooring type ensures that your rug stays in place, your floors remain protected, and your home looks great for years to come.

So, whether you have hardwood, carpet, or luxury vinyl tile flooring, there’s an underlay solution to suit your needs. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and we’ll be here to assist you in making informed choices for your home. Thanks for joining us, and happy rug decorating!

The Interview that helped me with the article:

Written and edited by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.

For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge