Hardwood floors require a little extra loving to keep their exquisite finish and quality. Picking the wrong rug and rug pads could damage the floors and incur hefty repair costs. However, we know how confusing it can be to find the best kitchen rugs for hardwood floors.

To help you stop blowing raspberries over this matter, we have compiled a list of the best rugs for hardwood floors in the kitchen as well as some other high-traffic areas of your home. Not only that, but we also have for you a buying guide and several tips to help you keep your prized hardwood floors at their best.

Product	Title	Rating	Price
	RUGPADUSA, 9′ x 12′, 1/4’’ Thick, Basics Felt + Rubber Non Slip Rug Pad		Check on Amazon
	Alpine Neighbor Area Rug Pad with Grip Tight Technology (9×12)		Check on Amazon
	DII Contemporary Reversible Floor Rug		Check on Amazon
	Mohawk Home New Wave Rainbow Printed Rug		Check on Amazon
	Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Indoor/Outdoor Doormat		Check on Amazon

What to Look for Before You Buy

Down below is everything you need to know before making your purchase. Continue reading to know more.

Backing: Latex vs. Woven

While woven backing provides healthy airflow to your floor, latex or rubber backing provides a non-slip, strong grip that’s suitable for the high traffic areas of your home. Without healthy ventilation, your floors could become discolored.

The children’s playroom could benefit from a non-slip rug, whereas the den would suffice without them. Identify your needs accordingly to see which type would best suit you!

Waterproofing

Several rugs capture and hold water or are completely waterproof. If you would like to minimize the exposure of your floors to moisture (especially at the door), you would be better off purchasing such rugs.

Soundproofing

The need for soundproofing does not stay limited to studios. Home theatres, living rooms, and dining rooms can all benefit from it. Several products on the market come with soundproofing technology, some of which are included in our top picks!

Cleaning

It is better to opt for rugs that are easy to clean (spot cleaning, machine washing, etc.) than those which require full-fledged professional cleaning each time. Even more so if you have pets or children, in which case there is likely to be more spillage and accidents.

5 Best Kitchen Rugs for Hardwood Floors

Confused between all the options? We have put together a list of some of the best kitchen rugs for wood floors for your convenience!

1. RUGPADUSA, 9′ x 12′, 1/4’’ Thick, Basics Felt + Rubber Non Slip Rug Pad

The first product on our list is made with non-stick adhesives. It does not stain hardwood or strip its original finishing off. Do not worry about unsavory scratches on your floor, as the natural rubber backing is non-abrasive, as well. It has a strong grip, which helps avoid slippage and hence, accidents.

This hypoallergenic option is needle-punched to avoid any moisture buildup, mold, and mildew. Hence, it is a perfect fit for families with children. Besides hardwood, the rug pad works just as well with stone, tiles, laminate, and concrete, among other materials.

The durable felt cushion, with a thickness of one-fourth of an inch, provides insulation and soundproofing and is made with 100% recycled felt. With a net weight of 25.1lbs, this comfortable yet protective rug pad will take up 108” x 144” in floor space.

Pros

• Strong grip
• Made with recycled material
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-abrasive
• Aids in soundproofing and insulation

Cons

• Not durable
• Sheds easily

2. Alpine Neighbor Area Rug Pad with Grip Tight Technology (9×12)

Looking to protect your floor against extra-large rugs? This XXL rug pad can help you do just that. Made with non-stick adhesives, it does not stain your floor despite having a stronghold on it. 9′ x 12′ in size, the pad is cut to fit smaller rugs and carpets easily.

At 13.55lbs, the product stays in place due to its Grip Tight technology and non-slip backing. The felt cushion absorbs the impact of any object that’s dropped, preventing scratch, dent, or damage to your floor in any way. Not only that, but this absorption technology also helps protect your carpet from damage.

You may run a vacuum over the rug pad as it does not budge or shed. Additionally, the thick felt allows for soundproofing, which means the rug pad can be used anywhere in the house for sound absorption – especially in home studios.

Pros

• Strong grip
• XXL in size; can be trimmed to fit smaller rugs
• Non-stick adhesives do not stain
• Soundproofing
• Does not shed

Cons

• Thin
• No added comfort

3. DII Contemporary Reversible Floor Rug

Handmade entirely from recycled fabrics, this colorful floor rug is perfect for use anywhere in the house. The chic, shabby design makes it perfect for houses with a rustic or minimalistic interior. Moreover, the grip on these rugs makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Despite being handmade, these rugs are extremely durable. They are suitable to be used on any type of surface in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, laundry room, etc.

These rugs are made reversible for longer life. The product has a net weight of 1.4lbs with the dimensions at 20″ x 31.5″; however, you can purchase the same rugs at different sizes, which include round rugs at two different diameters.

Pros

• Made with recycled material
• Strong grip
• Different sizes and shapes available
• Durable
• Reversible for longevity

Cons

• Hand-dyed may bleed and stain
• Size may vary slightly as they are made by hand

4. Mohawk Home New Wave Rainbow Printed Rug

Our next pick is perfect if you’re looking to liven up any corner of your house with a burst of colors. Made entirely of nylon, this rug has a latex backing that provides a strong grip and keeps the rug from slipping – making it a great choice for families with children or pets.

Moreover, the rug itself is very easy to clean. It can be professionally cleaned, machine washed, or even spot cleaned with mild detergent. Rest assured that the carpet will not lose its vibrant colors, regardless of how you choose to clean it.

The design fits minimalistic interiors that call for a splash of color as well as busy, colorful decors. Protect your hardwood floors in a chic and fashionable way with this product. We promise that you will love the look and longevity of it.

Pros

• Latex backing provides a strong grip
• Machine washable
• Can be vacuumed
• Comfortable and plush
• No unpleasant smell from latex or dye

Cons

• Poor ventilation due to latex backing
• Corners roll up easily

5. Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Indoor/Outdoor Doormat

Kill two birds with one stone with our next recommendation. This doormat is fit for use both indoors and outdoors, making it a unique option. Commercial-grade and quick-drying, the rug does not stain or damage floors – be it hardwood, tile, marble, laminate, concrete or marble.

The doormat can capture and hold up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard, which is nearly unheard of. This prevents any sort of spillage from passing through the rug and staining your floors. The borders, made of rubber, keep water and any sort of debris within the rug.

At 2′ x 3′ and 3.85lbs, the mat is super easy to clean. To remove loose debris, you can easily vacuum it without having to worry about shedding. If you’re looking for a doormat that will catch all the mud and dirt your children or pets bring in after a fun-filled day outdoors, look no further.

Pros

• Water dam technology
• Fit for both indoor and outdoor
• Can be vacuumed
• Rubber reinforcement to prevent pile from crushing
• Durable

Cons:

• Size may vary
• Coarse; uncomfortable on bare feet

5 Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Here are the top 5 tips that you must know to ensure the best for your hardwood floors. Read to know more.

1. Daily Cleaning and Dusting

Microfiber pads, mops, and brushes make for amazing regular hardwood floor cleaning tools as they trap any loose debris and dust using static electricity. Debris and dust itself can scratch, stain and damage your floors if not removed regularly, so make this a regular part of your cleaning routine!

Vacuuming weekly will help clean the hard-to-reach spots of your floors, including the corners or under furniture and appliances.

2. Rug Pads and Liners

Rug pads can do everything, such as extending the life of your rug or carpet, preventing the rug’s color bleeding onto the floor, and absorbing the impact of any dropped object to prevent it from damaging your floors. Some rug pads can hold in the moisture to keep your floors dry in case of spillage.

Investing in a rug pad is worth it if you want to improve the longevity of your floors.

3. Refinishing and Resealing

This is not a cheap solution by any means, but refinishing and resealing your hardwood floors once every 3 to 5 years will maintain the beauty of it for years. Once resealed, stains, spillage, and debris will only damage the top-most surface of your floors without penetrating it to damage the layers inside.

4. Cleaning Solution

Do not use soap or wax cleaners on hardwood floors as they leave a residue. Water, too, will dull the shine of your floors over time. Research and opt for cleansers that are engineered, especially to protect hardwood floors.

5. Patch Tests

Patch tests are not just to see whether a certain face mask will suit your skin; it’s very important when choosing products for your hardwood floors, as well. No matter how highly rated a cleaning product is, always test it out on a small area. Check for fading, discoloration, and staining.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of rug is best for hardwood floors?

Woolen rugs with a woven back, kilim rugs and shaggy rugs work well with hardwood floors. Be mindful of avoiding rubber and latex backed rugs to protect your floors against damage. Waterproof rugs are a great option as they prevent spillage from reaching your floors and staining them.

2. What is the best material for a kitchen rug?

Flatweave rugs made of cotton make for great kitchen rugs as they are easy to spot clean and usually fit in a washing machine easily, as well.

3. Are rubber backed rugs safe for hardwood floors?

Rubber backs can damage your hardwood floors by discoloring or staining them, owing to the chemicals used in its production. It’s best to install a rug pad under any rubber-backed rug on hardwood floors.

4. Do I need a rug pad?

Simply put, yes. You do. Rug pads prevent the transfer of dye, scratches, heel marks and damage from furniture legs, exposure to moisture from spillage, and perform almost every possible function to help maintain your hardwood floors.

Final Words

The best things in life are free – except hardwood floors. It burns quite the hole in one’s pocket to install them, so it only makes sense to go the extra mile to maintain and protect them to extend the lifespan.

We hope our little guide helps you find the best kitchen rugs for hardwood floors that best suit your needs. So, pick up those catalogs and hit the stores to begin your search for rugs that suit your needs. We promise you this is an investment worth making!