Rugs, Runners and Preventing Slips

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Rugs, Runners and Preventing Slips

Why rugs cause falls, underlays and backing, sizing and washing

A rug changes how a room feels and is one of the most common trip hazards in a house, particularly for older people.

Loose rugs cause falls

Curled edges, rucked corners and rugs that slide on hard floors are a recognised factor in falls at home, and falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults.

Every rug on a hard floor needs a proper anti-slip underlay or a gripper backing. Double-sided tape is a temporary fix that fails.

Replace any rug whose edges will no longer lie flat, and never place one at the top or bottom of stairs.

Underlay does more than grip

It adds cushioning, protects the floor beneath, stops the rug creeping and extends its life considerably. Choose the type suited to the floor, since some rubber backings mark vinyl and wood finishes.

Sizing

The common mistake is buying too small. In a living room, the front legs of the seating should sit on the rug at least. Under a dining table, the rug should extend far enough that chairs stay on it when pulled out.

Runners should leave an even margin of floor at the sides and stop short of doorways.

Washable rugs

Machine washable designs suit families, pets and hallways, and they are genuinely practical. Check the maximum machine size, the wash temperature and whether the backing survives it.

Dry flat and completely, since a damp backing grows mould.

Cleaning others

Vacuum regularly including the reverse, blot spills rather than rubbing, and rotate the rug to even out wear and fading.

Doormats and entrances

A long mat inside the door removes most of the dirt that would otherwise be walked through a house, and it must lie completely flat to be safe. Scraper matting outside handles the worst of it.

Check the mat does not foul the door as it opens, which is how edges curl.

Pets

Washable rugs and short dense piles handle hair and accidents far better than long shaggy ones. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner rather than detergent, which leaves an odour that draws them back.

Falls at home generally

Loose rugs are one part of it. Trailing cables, poor lighting on stairs, clutter on the floor and unsuitable slippers account for most of the rest, and all are cheap to fix.

Strength and balance exercise has strong evidence for reducing falls, and a medication review matters since several common drugs increase the risk.

Check a rug lies flat from the first day, since a curled corner never settles by itself.

Buying

Check the pile height against door clearance.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Hugrug? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Hugrug — official site

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