I'm trying to dispose of a couple of area rugs that have rubber backing and are currently under furniture, which makes lifting them a real pain since my back is sore. I initially tried using a sturdy box cutter, but it wasn't effective at all. I figured if I could cut them into smaller pieces, I could toss them in the garbage gradually. Can anyone recommend a better tool or method for cutting these rugs?
3 Answers
If you have an oscillating tool, that could be super effective. Just swap out the normal blades for a utility knife blade, and it’ll slice through the rug like butter!
A carpet knife is a good option; it's similar to a box cutter but has a hooked blade that grips the backing better. I found that turning the rug over and cutting from the backing works best, as cutting the pile will just make it fray.
You might want to try using carpet shears or a carpet knife. These tools are designed for cutting through rug materials. If you're comfortable with it, a jigsaw could work too, just make sure you have enough tension on the rug while cutting. Just be cautious and take your time!

Totally agree! That's how I handled mine.