Everyone knows that an area rug can be used to add warmth and texture to a room. More recently there has been an increased use of multiple rugs in one space. Layering rugs is a great way to elevate the style of a space, bring added comfort, and save you money! Check out our tips on how to incorporate this design trend into your home.

Start with a Neutral Base

If you want to try out the layered rug look, it is best to start with a neutral base. Jute, and sisal rugs are great options for a neutral base. These rugs are environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive. These rugs are very sturdy as well, making them great for high traffic areas and homes with young children. Jute and sisal rugs also typically come in neutral tones. This makes them a great base for layered rugs. Jutes and sisals are some of the most popular rugs used in layering. If you have neutral wall-to-wall carpeting try adding a small area rug to define spaces throughout the room. If you have a large bedroom with  a sitting area, use an area rug to anchor that sitting area on top of your wall-to-wall carpeting. It will add interest to your space and make the floor even more comfortable. The average homeowner does not think to add an area rug on top of their wall-to-wall carpeting. But typically, wall-to-wall carpeting provides the perfect neutral base for a brightly colored/patterned rug.

Keep a Similar Color Scheme or Pattern

If you want to get adventurous with the layering effect you can layer rugs with multiple colors and patterns. It is important to understand that while mixing colors and patterns for added interest to a space, it can also create a chaotic look. When choosing rugs with multiple colors it is important to choose rugs within a similar color family. It is also important for layered rugs to have similar patterns as well. A chevron pattern with a circular pattern rug will create a disorganized look. So if you do try layering with multiple colors, try one solid rug underneath a patterned rug in a similar color scheme. The one exception to this rule is oriental rugs, oriental rugs tend to have a similar color palette and similar themes within their patterns, making them easier to mix and match than most patterned rugs.

Layer Smaller Rugs

Using multiple smaller rugs in a space is a perfect way to cover your floor and spend less money. Larger room-sized rugs can be costly. By pairing multiple smaller rugs you can get the coverage you need at a fraction of the price. Using a small plush rug is also a great way to get extra comfort and add dimension to a room with wall-to-wall carpet. Consider adding a plush rug next to your bed or in a nursery to create added padding.

Choose the Right Room

You do not have to add the layered look to every room; that might be excessive. Rather, start with a larger room. The living room is the perfect space to use a neutral base with a patterned design. This brings texture and depth to the room and makes the patterned rug stand out. It also creates a more welcoming environment if people ever need to sit on the floor. Bedrooms and nurseries are other spaces that are perfect for incorporating the layered look. This creates added comfort and prevents your feet from being cold when you step out of bed and onto the floor.

Choose the Right Rug Pad

Now that you have your layered rugs on your floors make sure they stay put! Area rugs have a tendency to wrinkle and buckle even when placed on top of another rug. While your rug will not move around too much on top of another rug, prevent any hazardous buckling with the proper rug pad. Our No-Muv rug pad is specifically designed for rug on top of carpet. No-Muv will keep your layered rugs in place and prevent any hazard to you and your family. If you are laying an area rug on top of carpet, simply lay No-Muv down first and place the area rug on top. It is that easy! Try out the layered look in your home today and don’t forget to use your No-Muv rug pad!

 

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While our felt rug pads are manufactured to be safe for use on all types of floors, our two felt pads also have the benefit of being used effectively on heated floors. Fortunately, the R-Value, or thermal resistance level, is very favorable among our Ultra Premium and Superior felt rug pads. This allows for heat transfer from the floor to the room.

In the construction industry, R-Value plays an important role within various levels of the building process. Various elements and products are chosen based on R-Values. Insulation, types of flooring and types of siding, as examples, are rated by R-Values and can determine the integrity of the final building project. When it comes to the interior of the home, there are some items that can be used based on R-Values and this can contribute to a more comfortable and efficient home.

We hear a lot of requests for our rug pads from homeowners who have radiant heat flooring. These floors can be wood, tile or stone with heat under them. The most important aspect of this type of floor heat is that it is able to escape into the room and home. Generally, area rugs allow for transfer of heat, yet since every area rug should have a rug pad under it, the rug pad must be suitable for radiant heat floors. The pad should allow for heat transfer and it should not be harmful to the floor. There are many types of rug pads containing adhesives that are known to stick to and damage the floor, so it’s important that our rug pads remain free of these agents that can damage the floor.

When we manufacture our felt rug pads, we maintain their use on heated floors in two ways; They allow for heat transfer with low R-Values and they are safe for heated floors because they do not contain the sticky adhesive or chemicals of others that can actually cause damage to the floor.

Felt Rug Pads and Low R-Value

Ultra Premium is a felt and natural rubber rug pad and Superior is all felt. Since it has rubber in it, Ultra Premium possesses a slightly higher R-Value than Superior, yet both rug pads effectively allow for heat transfer from heated floors. Our felt is porous and the R-Values are s such; Ultra Premium is rated with an R-Value of 2.25 and Superior with an R-Value of 1.09. The lower the R-Value, the less resistant the product is as it allows full transfer of heat. Comparing our felt rug pads, while they both allow for heat transfer, Ultra Premium contains rubber and allows for slower transfer.

Safe for all Heated Floors

So, there’e the fact that felt rug pads for radiant heated floors allow for heat transfer and then there’s the fact of whether or not the rug pads will be safe for the floor. Fortunately, when we manufacture our rug pads, we do not include any additives, chemicals or adhesives. Instead, we use pure recycled felt and 100% natural rubber, materials that are known to be safe for all floors, even heated ones. Many people ask whether or not the rubber in Ultra Premium will actually stick to and stain the floor and our answer is no – We need to remember that we only use a layer of natural rubber that is not treated with any sticky adhesive. It is the adhesive within a rug pad, whether it is a all felt or felt and rubber rug pad, that can cause damage to the heated floor. The interaction of the adhesive with the heat can cause significant sticking and staining of the floor. Our all natural felt rug pads are completely safe for all floors, heated as well.

If you have the luxury of living with heated floors, there’s no need to compromise on your floor coverings. Fortunately, there are area rugs and rug pads that are rated for use on radiant heat floors and allow for efficient heat transfer from the floor to the rest of the home. Take care to steer away from those rug pads that are made of plastic, nylon or PVC and are covered in adhesives – These will easily and quickly have a negative reaction with the heated floor to cause significant damage to the floor. In regards to their effectiveness on heated floors, make sure the rug pads possess a low R-Value to allow for easy heat transfer.

Shop Rug Pads for Radiant Heat Floors

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Regardless of how careful we are as parents, it seems inevitable that babies and younger children will explore and find things to do that may cause harm to themselves. Based on this fact, there are certain things that can be done in the home to make it as childproof and safe as possible – The addition of the right rug pad under your rugs can prevent harm to children.

One of the most popular reasons a rug pad is used under an area rug is to prevent the rug from slipping on the floor. That said, there are also a variety of other reasons to use a rug pad, such as preventing damage to a rug, adding extra comfort to a hard floor, insulating against noise and cold and preventing harm to children. While not often thought of for this reason, rug pads can actually protect our children against common reasons for harm – They can prevent trips and falls, as well as create a cushion against hard falls.

Prevent Children from Slipping and Falling

One of the facts we know about children once they know they have graduated from crawling to walking is that they love to run! Whether it be running to us, running away from us or running to something that interests them, children seem to test themselves to see how fast they can get there. When there are area rugs on the floor, running across them most often leads to slipping, which can lead to falling. It is mandatory to use the proper non slip rug pad under the rugs to prevent common slips and falls. Since most non slip pads in most stores are the thinner mesh pads, it is important to choose one that can also cushion any possible falls that occur – We discuss these types of pads later in this article.

Prevent Children from Breathing Chemicals

Unfortunately, many of the rug pads found today contain some sort of chemical based element – This can be in the form of an adhesive, plastic or glue that is contained within a rug pad. When such rug pads are used under area rugs, there can be various levels of odor that come from them – Normally, the warmer the room, the stronger the odor. In a room with direct sunlight, often when the sun hits the floor, a strong chemical-like odor is dominant – This is the off-gassing property of the adhesive within the rug pad.

To assure complete safety for your children against any chemicals, be sure to choose a natural rug pad to use under your rugs. This can be in the form of natural rubber, natural felt, natural wool or natural memory foam – While these are natural materials, we caution against any adhesive coatings on these pads. There are few suppliers who do not add any adhesive or chemicals to their rug pads, hence keeping them as natural as possible.

Prevent Harm to Children from Falling

One of the most common reasons of harm to children is a result of falling. Whether a child runs and falls or climbs a chair and falls, the action of falling is quite common and most often is accompanied by a bump to the head or a bruise to another part of the body. In any case, regardless of the reason of the fall or the area of the body that was harmed, it is very desirable and highly recommended to use the right rug pad to cushion the fall – This can most often prevent bumps and pain to the child. It is best to choose a thicker, more dense rug pad for this type of prevention.

There are various rug pads available to cushion the fall of a baby or child and sometimes the obvious is not the best choice – Most people would consider the thickest rug pad to be the best to use in this situation. While thickness is one variable to consider, we must also consider the density of pad – The manner in which the pad resists penetration to the floor. The higher the density, the less likely the child will feel impact against the floor and this can prevent bumping the head or other parts of the body. For example, traditional foam carpet padding is available in a plush 1/2″ thickness, yet poses harm for falls – The foam allows penetration to feel the hard floor underneath the pad and this allows a child’s head to hit the floor.

Since many manufacturers and sellers of rug pads care about making as much money as they can, they often cut corners in regards to production – They often use inferior quality materials within their pads and most often this includes glue or adhesive. Manufacturing on a quality level requires much time, money and determination to offer the finest quality rug pads available. Rug Pad Corner is a family owned company and we run every aspect of our business as if our children were involved. We use the most natural materials, we never include any additives and we make them as dense as possible, not only for the protection of your rugs and floors, but also for the protection of your family, especially the children.

Shop Rug Pad Corner today and learn what it’s like to offer the most natural protection to your family.

Before Rug Pad Corner, Shelley’s rug would always bunch up whenever her kids used the living room. Now she doesn’t have to worry about her rug or her kids slipping on the floor!

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Summertime is the perfect time to throw laid-back parties. The weather in the summer provides the perfect outdoor atmosphere to create a low-key, budget-friendly affair. Check out our advice on how to throw an easy-going summer party this season that you and your guests will love!

Dress Up Your Candles

Candles are a great way to provide soft light for your outdoor table as the sun goes down. Get creative with your candle holders by adding woodsy or beachy details. Curl a wide green leaf (for example, the leaves of a fern) and place it inside a mason jar. Once the leaf has lined the inside of the mason jar, fill the jar with water and float a tealight in it. If you want to go for a more beachy look, fill your mason jars partway with sand and place a decorative shell on top next to your tealight. It is an easy and chic way to light your party.

Make Your Own Table

If you are planning on having a large get together and don’t have enough space to fit everyone at one table, try fashioning one of your own. Purchasing a new outdoor table for one party is a waste of money, instead make one with two sawhorses and a board. If you don’t have a sawhorse, ask around to your neighbors or fellow guests to see if they have any they are not using. You only need two sawhorses, unless you want to create a larger table to fit all the guests together. Find a board that can be used as the table top and simply place it on top of the two sawhorses with a tablecloth. If you have an old piece of plywood or an old door, these should work perfectly as a makeshift table top.

Keep the Bugs at Bay

One of the biggest problems with an outdoor party are the bugs. Try keeping the bugs at bay by purchasing citronella tealights and torches. While these don’t repel all bugs they can help to reduce the amount of bugs that will bother you and your guests. There are now organic sprays you can use in area of party right before it begins! We love those! If you have some kind of water feature at your home, or flower pots or basins not daring, be sure to dump water and skim or treat features throughout the summer to keep mosquitoes from breeding there. If bugs are really bad in your area, look into getting a natural lawn treatment or plan your party in a screened in porch if you can.

Get Creative With Ice Chests

While ice chests are very convenient for keeping drinks cold, they often can look a little tacky. Instead of using a store bought ice chest, set up one of your own using found materials around your house. If you have a wood crate, wheelbarrow, garden cart, even a large unused flower pot, simply line the container with plastic and fill with ice. The ice will not last as long as it would in an ice chest but it should at least last for the whole party. Plus it will add flair to the celebration!

Have your Guests Pitch In

While parties are meant to be a time for everyone to get together and enjoy each other’s company, that does not mean your guests can not help out during the party. Giving your guests one or two tasks is a great way to reduce your stress and prevent any awkward inactive moments. Have one guest prepare the garnishes for the drinks while another guest prepares the drinks themselves. If you have a friend that loves to garden, send them out to collect flowers for a bouquet for the dinner table.

Set-Up Activity Zones

Another way to prevent any awkward moments during your party is by setting up activity zones. Activity zones are perfect for larger parties so guests are not crowded together in one area. Create the zones with various seating arrangements. Set up a bar area with seating close-by, a general dining area, a lounge area with more comfortable seating, and a seating around a fire pit. To keep your outdoor furniture in place throughout the party, try using our DURA-GRIP furniture grippers. These grippers will keep your furniture in place no matter how rowdy your guests get! To make your lounge area extra cozy, add an indoor/outdoor rug. Indoor/Outdoor rugs are great at making an outdoor space feel like home! An area rug can also help to distinguish between activity zones. Be sure to keep your floor safe by adding a non slip pad under any rugs you use. By setting up distinct areas, larger gatherings can feel more manageable.

Make this Summer one to remember by throwing an easy summer party that you and your friends will love!

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People produce large amounts of waste every year. Whether it be from food, cleaning supplies, or beauty products, we cannot avoid producing waste. While eliminating all waste is impossible, even adopting a couple of sustainable ideas can help to reduce waste significantly in your home. We have outlined some of the easiest ways to reduce waste in your home. Help improve your environment and your home by adopting some of these practices!

Buy In Bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to reduce container waste. Most of the waste we produce comes from the non-recyclable plastic containers that food and beauty supplies come in. By buying in bulk you can reduce your the amount of plastic containers that you and your family go through. When buying food in bulk, be sure to invest in airtight containers so your food will not spoil. By combining bulk food items with fresh ingredients like fruits and vegetables you can significantly reduce your waste and your exposure to preservatives. Buying food in bulk also incentivises you to cook at home more, reducing carryout container waste. Summertime is the perfect time to start this practice. With the abundance of fresh produce that is available during the season, you can buy what you need fresh, and buy everyday essentials in bulk. Also look into buying your beauty supplies in bulk. Many beauty supplies brands sell their products in bulk. If you have a family, figure out what shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions you can share and buy them in large amounts. This will reduce plastic waste significantly. If you are feeling motivated, try making your own lotions and soaps. Making your own moisturizers can reduce costs and ultimately be healthier for your skin but reducing the need for processed products.

Simplify Cleaning Supplies

Much like beauty supplies, cleaning supplies can be easily made at home with a small number of ingredients that you can purchase in bulk. By making your own cleaning supplies you can reduce your use of disposable plastic spray bottles and other non-recyclable materials. Most cleaning supplies on the market today are toxic and can be harmful to young children if ingested. By making your own cleaning supplies you can monitor what exactly is going into them and that will ultimately make you more knowledgeable about what is harmful for your family. Most cleaning supplies can be made with Castile soap, vinegar, and baking soda. Vinegar is a great all purpose cleaner that is non-toxic. Castile soap can be used as a laundry detergent, mopping solution, dish soap, and a carpet cleaner. Combining castile soap, water, and baking soda makes a super easy scrub for wash tubs and sinks. Once you buy ingredients in bulk, the options are almost limitless!

Use Less Gas

A majority of our waste also comes from the gas we release into the air everytime we drive. If you live in an area where you have to drive to work everyday this cannot necessarily be avoided. But if you live close enough to your work to bike or walk consider switching. Plan out any car-essential errands and group them on a single day. Try to manage it so you reduce your shopping trips to once a week. If you are able to, try to set up a carpool system with you and your local co-workers so that you can all reduce your fuel consumption. On days off, instead of driving, try doing outdoor activities that are nearby so you can walk or bike to them. By adopting even a couple of these, you can reduce your fuel consumption and reduce the amount you spend on gas from week to week.

Invest in Natural Fibers

Buying natural fibers for your household can ensure that your fabrics are recyclable and can eventually go back to the earth. Look for linens and clothing that are 100% cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo. When purchasing rugs for your home, look into natural fiber rugs such as; wool, seagrass, jute, and sisal. If you want a colorful rug, make sure the dyes used are all natural and non-toxic. These products are typically biodegradable and will reduce waste. Here at Rug Pad Corner we make sure that every product we sell is 100% natural and healthy for your home. Our Super Hold Rug Pad is made of 100% rubber and the color is derived from completely natural dyes. Our Superior Rug Pad is 100% natural recycled felt. We even use our patented Heat Press technology to avoid any need for harmful adhesives. By staying completely natural with our products, we can ensure that everything we sell is environmentally sustainable and completely safe for your home.

Reduce Surfaces for Junk

Last but certainly not least, be sure to reduce the amount of surfaces in your house that collect dust and junk. By reducing the amount of surfaces in your home you incentivise yourself and your family to reduce the amount of junk your family collects. Reducing surfaces also reduces the need dusting and upkeep of these surfaces. This does not mean your house needs to feel empty. But rather, fill your home with the necessities and eliminate clutter.

These tips are meant to help you reduce waste in your daily life. Adopt one or go big and try them all out. Either way reducing waste can help you live a healthier life in the long run. Spread these tips to your family and friends to make our community more conscious of the waste we produce!

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If you are a pet owner you know that your animal is just another member of your family. Sometimes, even though they don’t mean to, pets can have accidents and make mistakes. While you can always come around and forgive them, sometimes your floors can’t! Check out some of the important tips we offer on how to protect your floors and rugs from some of the destruction pets can cause!

Start With the Rug

Ike from Decor and the Dog seems to the love the difference our rug pads make and Michelle loves that our rug pads can handle this active pup!

If you have hardwood floors in your home, the best protection you can provide is a rug and rug pad. Before you purchase the perfect rug pad, you must find the perfect rug to fit your needs! If you are in the market for a new rug and you have an active pet, consider using an indoor/outdoor rug. These types of rugs are becoming increasingly popular for people with active lifestyles. They are super durable, stain resistant, and fade resistant so they can handle lots of cleanings! Most of these rugs are made from a combination of natural and man made-materials. Some of these rugs are even made with recycled plastic, making them great for the environment as well!

If you aren’t into the feel of an indoor/outdoor rug, get a rug that is easier to clean. A natural fiber rug and most flatweave rugs are a breeze to clean and are a great addition to any room! Be sure to shop around and get a rug that suits your personal style. If you have a pet that has a tendency to shed, get a rug that has smaller patterns or a more natural fiber. The smaller patterns help to hide any pet hair and stains that accrue between cleanings. To help prevent pet stains from reaching your floors, don’t forget to use a rug pad!

Harry-Beast from MBZ Interiors doesn’t care if he can’t see the rug pad. As long as it’s comfy!

Don’t Forget the Rug Pad!

Rug pads are a great addition to any home, but they are especially great for homes with pets. When a rug pad is placed under a rug it can help keep your rug in place and prevent any pet “accidents” from reaching your floor. As a pet owner myself, I don’t know how often I had to fix my entryway rug every time my dog came running inside. With our Super Hold rug pad, my entry rug no longer moves, no matter how often my dog runs in and out the house!

Our Ultra Premium rug pad is also great for people with young pets. The solid rubber backing that lays on the floor will prevent any pet accident from reaching your floor long enough for you to clean up! Ultra Premium is also an excellent non-slip pad, so it is perfect for any pets that love to play indoors. For people who don’t need a non-slip pad but still want some added comfort for your pets, try our Superior rug pad! This rug pad makes flatweave and indoor/outdoor rugs super comfortable; letting you keep the style you love and still provides the protection your floor needs from the furrier members of your family.

We all know how much your pet means to you and your family. Protect your pets and your floors with our rug pads and be sure to post a photo of your pets on Instagram with #RPCpets for your chance to win a $150 gift card!

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Now is the perfect time to start planting a garden that you can enjoy throughout the next couple months. Fresh vegetables and herbs are a great addition to any garden. Even if you are new to gardening, the addition of edibles is a great way to reap the fruits of your labor from late spring to early fall! No garden space? No problem! I have compiled a list of easy edible plants that can be grown in containers.

Small Container Edibles

If you have very limited gardening space, small container herbs and greens might be the best choice for you. These edibles thrive in smaller containers that are typically 6 to 10 inches deep and 12 inches wide. To increase times between watering try adding our Superior rug pad to the bottom of your container before adding your soil. The dense felt rug pad will absorb the excess moisture that would usually drain out of your container and help keep the soil moist for longer.

Herbs

Herbs are some of the easiest edibles to grow in general and are especially suited for growing in containers. Members of the mint family are actually an invasive herb so growing them in containers will prevent them from taking over your garden. Most herbs thrive in smaller containers but a couple will need to be grown in larger containers (16 to 18 inches deep). Chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme, and chervil can all be grown in smaller containers. Basil, lavender, rosemary, dill, and lemongrass should be grown in larger containers. Most herbs thrive in full sun and little to regular watering so they are by far some of the easiest edibles to grow and are perfect for first-time gardeners!

Salad Greens

Salad greens are another super easy edible to grow in containers. Romaine, mesclun, spinach, arugula and microgreens are the most common salad greens and can all be grown in smaller containers. One of the best things about salad greens is they thrive in partial shade. This means they can easily be grown on a windowsill or balcony.Another great thing is they absolutely love cold weather! They are cole groups! Plant them outdoors now and you will amazed at how quickly they grow! If you don’t have any gardening experience, start with lettuce and work your way up from there.

Large Container Edibles

If you have the space, try a large container vegetable. Large container vegetables have the most bang for their buck and provide a bit of color to your edible garden! Typically a larger container vegetable thrives in a container that is 12 to 18 inches deep and 16 to 18 inches wide.

Tomatoes

Many people are afraid of planting tomatoes because of their reputation for soil borne diseases. Growing tomatoes in a container with fresh soil is the easiest way to avoid this problem. If you are still worried, there are plenty of disease-resistant hybrid seeds and starter plants that are on the market nowadays. If you are growing them in a container make sure to include stakes because tomato plants like to grow upwards. As they grow, tie the stem to the stake so the plant does not get weighed down by the fruit. Be sure to water your tomato plant regularly. If you find your tomatoes are developing cracked skins, this is a sign that you are over-watering.

Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent fruit to grow in any garden because you can easily find a variety that works in almost any climate. Strawberries do have a short-lived fruiting cycle but are perennials so you do not have to worry about replanting them every year. Strawberries thrive in a variety of container sizes. If you are planting on a balcony, try a hanging container. A hanging container looks great and helps to avoid snails and slugs that like to eat fresh strawberries.

Summer Squash/Eggplants

I chose to combine these plants simply because they thrive in very similar environments. If you are growing in a container, make sure that the container is wide. You typically want a container that is around 18 inches wide. Eggplants do prefer deeper containers than squash varieties but both should thrive in 12-inch deep containers. Both of these vegetables produce beautiful flowers before they fruit. The flowers themselves are edible too. The most popular variety of edible blossom is from the zucchini plant. If you are growing in a container, be sure to look for bush varieties. The great thing about these edibles is once they start producing they will just keep on producing well into the early fall!

Bush Beans

Bush Beans are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in a container. Make sure when buying bean seeds to select the bush variety and not vine, because the vine variety will climb up literally anything. Bush beans produce an earlier crop and grow throughout the summer and early fall. But be aware, you will produce quite a lot of beans during their growing cycle and this can become quite overwhelming. My family grows one row of beans every year and we end up giving half of our crop away and freezing the other half to use for the rest of the year.

Edibles are a great addition to any garden and these are especially easy for use in containers. Try a couple out this spring, you will be happy you did!

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The warm weather always inspires people to clear their home of all clutter and start the season out fresh, but then somewhere along the way we often get overwhelmed and almost nothing gets done. This year, rather than making a long list of projects that will never get completed, try starting with small projects that will help you get organized and stay organized. If you’re worried about where to start simply follow our advice for achieving organization in your home.

Assess Your Abilities

Part of the reason our spring cleaning never seems to get finished is because we set unrealistic goals. We always aim too big. We decide to reorganize our entire house or life rather than focusing on what can actually be done. Before setting your goal for spring cleanup, think about your ability to complete that goal. Assess how much free time you currently have, how much work you are doing, how willing you are to commit to the task. Once you have assessed these things, then you can start working on getting organized. Much like working out, organization must be done at your own pace. Do not strain yourself too early because that is how spring cleaning gets abandoned.

Target One Area

Don’t look at the problems throughout your entire home. If you do that your task will seem overwhelming. Instead focus on one room or one aspect of every room. For example, one week focus on just your floors. Our floors probably suffer the most during the winter with all the snow and dirt collecting over the season so they are a great place to start. If you want to focus on one room of your house at a time, select the room that needs the most work in your home. Once you have chosen the room you want to work on choose a space within that room. For example, if you have chosen to start in your bedroom, focus on your closet first.

Choose a task

Once you have picked out your target area choose a task you want completed. This is a task that should be able to be repeated daily. Look at your target space to assess what needs to be done, then make a plan of action. For example, if you selected to focus on your floors, each day choose a new room and focus on cleaning just the floor. If you have area rugs and rug pads throughout your home try removing them and shaking them outside and then vacuum. While your area rugs are removed, mop your floors and let them dry before adding your area rugs back. If your area rugs and rug pads are too large to remove, try simply running a vacuum over them and cleaning around them. Look for an area that might need extra attention, and then spot clean those areas with soap and water. These task are meant to be smaller so they do not seem as daunting.

Make it a Habit

Once you have selected a task repeat it daily. Because you chose a small task it should be relatively easy to complete everyday. If you find yourself struggling to complete the task then dial it back a little or make adjustments that would make it easier. If we use the example of your floors again, try to set up a shoe removal station at the front of your door to make keeping your floors clean that much easier. For example, set up an entryway mat with cubbies to keep your shoes. I have made a habit of leaving indoor shoes by my front door as a reminder to remove any dirty shoes as soon as I walk in.

Select your next target

Only when your task has become habitual can you move onto a new task and goal. If you add a new goal too soon you might become overwhelmed and give up altogether. When you are ready for a new task, don’t move far from your original target area. If you are already working in one space of your room it will be easier to move onto another space in the same room rather than trying to cover two completely different spaces. Also, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Even small steps towards organization should be acknowledged and celebrated.

If you take our advice you will be well on your way to a happy, more organized Spring!

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Most people think to place their rug pad under their area rug and let it do its work. While this is mostly true, there are some things that can be done to assure you get the most out of your rug pad.

Depending on the type of rug pad you have under your rugs, they are made of some sort of material. Like with furniture fabric, area rugs and carpets and all other materials, there is some care that can be practiced to assure you receive all of the benefits that your rug pad offers.

Keep it Clean

Thinking of your rug pad, it is under your area rug that is constantly used – It is walked on, run across and simply used. This means that there can be small dust particles that can pass through your rug to reach the rug pad. This dust should not be allowed to accumulate and sit atop the rug pad for extended periods of time, as it can cause early wear of the pad and rug. For this reason, it is a good idea to reveal the rug pad on a routine basis and remove any dirt or dust by means of a vacuum or broom. If a spill actually passes through and affects the pad, try to blot it up as quickly as possible to avoid long-term staining or odor.

Rotate to Prevent Uneven Wear

This part actually affects your area rug and rug pad. Since most rugs have a common walking path, they can develop a distinct wear pattern on part of the rug. This pressure can also impact that part of the rug pad under the rug. To avoid any premature or uneven matting or flattening of your rug and pad. try to rotate both at least once a year. Pick up your rug and rotate the rug pad 180 degrees and then place your rug on top of the pad after rotating it as well in the same direction.

Prevent Spills from Saturating the Pad

Each time a spill interacts with your rug pad, there can be a certain amount of drying of the pad, just like that with many types of fabrics and materials. While spills can and may occur, they are fine if removed as soon as possible. The important thing to know is that your rug pad should not be exposed to standing water or spills – This can weaken the fibers of the rug pad, such as the felt in a felt rug pad, and shorten its life and perhaps compromise its performance.

Vacuum Regularly

An effective vacuum can pull our much fine dust that can otherwise pass through the rug and affect the pad. Try to perform a regular vacuuming of your area rug to prevent excessive build-up of dust under the rug, or on top of the rug pad. When the rug is walked on, this pushes down against the rug pad and if there is dirt trapped between your rug and pad, this rubbing can cause premature and unnecessary wear of the rug pad.

Spot Clean With Water Only

Whenever possible, if your rug pad needs to be spot cleaned, try to use only water without any chemical cleaning agents. Water alone is extremely safe and natural and will not weaken the fibers of your rug pad. If you encounter a spill or stain, use a damp sponge to rub it out of the rug pad – Chances are that if you attack it early enough, there is no need for any cleaning agent.

Give it Some Fresh Air

Your rug pad spends its entire life under an area rug without much exposure to air circulation, so it can get stuffy down there. To prevent any surprise build-ups of anything, try to air out the rug pad in the better seasons. You may have a back porch or an area of grass around your house and you can use this area to drape or place your rug pad in the fresh air and sun. A few hours of this exposure can really freshen up your rug pad, which adds to its performance and lifespan.

Your rug pad provides so many benefits and can provide them for a long amount of time if taken care of. If you spend a little time during each year to perform some of the steps highlighted here, you will enjoy the benefits of your rug pad for many years. If your rugs and floors could speak, they would thank you for this as well!

The post How to Get the Most Out of Your Rug Pad appeared first on Rug Pads & Area Rug Padding For All Floor Types | RugPadCorner.com.

If you have a cat that loves to play, you most likely have a cat scratching post in your home. While scratching posts are a great way for cats to get exercise they can often be annoying to assemble and can be expensive. In our latest “Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With a Rug Pad” blog series, we have created an easy DIY cat scratching post that your cat is sure to love! Check out our video tutorial above and read below for a more detailed description!

Supplies:

• 2 Square Wood Boards – 18’ x 18’
• 4×4 Wood Post
• Sisal Rope
• Decorative Burlap
• Superior Rug Pad Scrap
• Super Hold Rug Pad Scrap
• Screws and Drill
• Ruler/ Measuring Tape
• Staple Gun
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun

Step One: Measure and Cut Your Supplies

For my DIY cat toy I want to use up any scrap I had leftover from previous projects. We had a plywood board around the house, that we cut in half and made two square platforms. For the support, we used a wood post that was 4″x4″x2′ because I had it lying around. If you live in a smaller apartment or home, I suggest using a shorter post. Once you measure and cut your post and platforms, it is time to measure the rug pad. We measured three pieces of our Superior rug pad to be the same size as my platforms. Next, we measured one Super Hold rug pad to fit on the bottom of my base platform. The Super Hold acts as a non-slip surface for the cat toy so your toy will not move around no matter how much your cat plays with it. The Superior rug pad acts as an excellent scratching surface for your cat and is comfortable enough for your cat to lounge on.

Step Two: Secure Rug Pad

Once you have measured out all your rug pads it is time to attach the rug pad to your platforms. Using a staple gun, secure the rug pads to both sides of each platform. Remember to use the one side that has the Super Hold rug pad for the base of your cat toy. We put staples all along the edges of the platform to ensure the rug pad stayed in place.

Step Three: Attach Sisal Rope to Edges

Using a hot glue gun, attach the sisal rope to the edges of your platforms. This will hide any of the exposed wood and make the edges of your toy look more finished. If you want something more colorful to match the decor of your home,  try your favorite ribbon along the edges instead!

Step Four: Wrap and Secure the Burlap to the Post

Now that you have both your bases ready, it is time to move on your post! I had leftover burlap ribbon in my home from a previous craft project, so I simply used that burlap and wrapped it around the entire length of the post. If you don’t have burlap ribbon handy you can use sisal rope, more rug pad scrap, burlap scrap, or any other rough fabric that your cat will love to scratch at! We simply wrapped the fabric around the post and stapled as we went. For the post, we tried to use less staples than the platforms because I did not want my cat’s claws getting caught while he played. So far, I have not noticed any problems and the burlap has stayed in place.

Step Five: Attach the Post to the Platforms

One your complete your post it is time to attach the post to the platforms. Measure your base platform first and find the center. Place the post in the center of the base and flip it over to screw in from the bottom. Your post should be on the side with the superior rug pad and the green Super Hold rug pad should be facing up. Using construction screws and a drill, secure the post to the base. We started off by using shorter screws but ended up having to switch to construction screws to secure the post in place. Once the post has been screwed into the base, repeat the process for the top platform.

Step Six: Add Toys or Tassels

After your post is secured to both platforms it is time to add any extra pieces to your cat toy! I had left over sisal rope that we used to make little tassels. Using my staple gun, we attached the tassels to the underside of the top platform, so they would hang down. My cat absolutely loved the addition of the tassels. If you don’t have enough rope to make tassels, try adding little hanging pom poms or other toys, anything that will grab your cat’s interest. If you want to expand your cat toy by adding other levels feel free! Simply repeat the steps above with various sizes of platforms and post and you can have a cat tower in no time!

Set up and Watch Your Cat Enjoy!

Find a good location where you can set up your cat toy, giving your kitty space to play! You can mist with catnip to make your cat fall in love with his or her new toy!

The post DIY Cat Scratching Post appeared first on Rug Pads & Area Rug Padding For All Floor Types | RugPadCorner.com.