Rugs can be a fantastic addition to any home, bringing warmth, texture, and elegance to your living space. However, they can develop lumps, creases, and curls over time, making them look older and even posing a tripping hazard. Luckily, there are several methods on how to flatten rugs and bring them back to their former, smooth state.

In this post, we’ll explore all the different ways on how to flatten a rug, including simple methods such as reverse rolling and using heavy objects, as well as more advanced techniques like steam ironing and professional cleaning services. We’ll provide the fastest way to flatten a new rug, regardless of whether it is made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. 

With our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful rug once again, free from any unsightly lumps or creases.

Flatten a Rug: Why Would You Need to Do It?

Before we explain how to flatten a new rug, you might be wondering, “when would I ever need to do this?” Here are some situations in which you might need to know the best way to flatten a rug:

• New rug: If you’ve recently purchased a rug, it may arrive with wrinkles and creases from being rolled up during shipping. Flattening the rug can help it lie smoothly on your floor.
• Rug stored for too long: If you’ve had a rug in storage or rolled up for a long time, it may have developed kinks and folds that prevent it from lying flat. Flattening the rug can help to smooth out these wrinkles.
• Heavy furniture: If you’ve moved heavy furniture across a rug, it can cause the rug to ripple or buckle. Flattening the rug can help to restore its flat surface.
• High-traffic areas: Rugs can become bunched up or curled at the edges in areas with high foot traffic, such as entryways or hallways. Flattening the rug can help to prevent tripping and keep it looking neat.

Flattening a rug can help restore its appearance and function, making it safer and more attractive in your home. This is especially beneficial for new rugs with creases or those that have been rolled up for too long.

How to Flatten A Rug: The Best Ways to Do It

Do you happen to have a new rug that has been rolled up for delivery or an older rug that has developed creases and folds? These techniques will help you return your rug to its natural flat form. 

If you want to know how to flatten out a rug and restore its smooth, wrinkle-free appearance, we recommend reverse rolling, utilizing heavy items, steam ironing, employing rug pads, and professional cleaning.

If you have a rug that won’t lie flat, there are several ways to get it smooth and wrinkle-free. Here are some of the greatest rug-flattening techniques:

Reverse Rolling

This one’s a quick and efficient method for unrolling rugs with wrinkles or creases after being rolled up for storage or transportation. Reversing the direction that a rug was first rolled will cause it to roll the other way. After doing this, leave the rug alone for a few hours or overnight to give the fibers time to rest and adapt. The rug should then be once more unrolled in the other way. 

You may use this method repeatedly until the rug is flat on the floor. It’s very helpful for carpets made of natural fibers like wool, which tend to maintain their form more so than synthetic fibers.

Tape It Down

If your rug isn’t furry, you can try taping it to the floor by the corners. Just grab some double-sided carpet tape and fix each corner in place. Leave the rug in that position for up to 48 hours – it should have flattened out pretty well by then.

Heavy Objects

Putting pressure on a rug’s corners and edges with heavy items is the fastest way to flatten a new rug. You can place books, furniture, or weights on it to force it to lie flat on the ground. Remove the items to check if the rug is flat after leaving them in place for a day or two to let the weight do its job. 

This method is particularly helpful for carpets that need more force to straighten out wrinkles or creases. If you’ve just rinsed your rug, make sure it’s completely dry before applying any weight on it.

Steam Ironing

When heavy objects and reverse rolling fail to work, steam ironing might be a better solution. Start by covering the wrinkled area with a moist towel, then delicately iron over it. 

This way, any severe wrinkles will be eliminated by the heat and moisture from the steam. The rug might shrink or lose its color if there is too much pressure or heat used, therefore it is vital to proceed with caution.

Rug Pads

If your rug is sliding or bunching up on a hard surface, adding a rug pad can be an effective solution. Rug pads provide a non-slip surface that anchors the rug in place and prevents it from shifting around. The pad helps to distribute weight more evenly by holding the rug in place, minimizing the chance of wrinkles or creases. 

Rug pads are available in a range of materials and thicknesses, making it easy to find one that fits your specific needs. In addition to helping flatten the rug, rug pads can also provide added cushioning and help extend its lifespan.

Professional Cleaning

You might need to hire a professional cleaner if your rug has extreme folds or wrinkles that are impossible to remove on your own. These professionals have access to sophisticated tools that can properly clean and flatten the rug, leaving it with a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance. 

Professional cleaning can be more expensive than other cleaning techniques, but it may be worth the price for carpets that need more intensive maintenance.

How Professionals Flatten Rugs

Professional rug flatteners have access to specialized tools and methods that can enable them to eliminate creases and wrinkles from carpets with utmost efficiency. Stretching, for instance, can straighten out any lumps or bumps, while steam washing can help relax the fibers and erase deep wrinkles. 

The best thing about professional rug services is that they can do the job you’d do at home twice as quickly! They also use rug presses to restore your carpet to its original condition. 

So, if you’re finding it difficult or don’t know how to flatten a rolled rug at home, it may be worth considering the services of a professional. 

With the correct expert assistance, you may have your rug looking smooth, flat, and attractive again. So, why wait? Contact your new best friend, Carpet Advisors, for professional rug flattening services today, and restore your rug to its former glory!

Flatten the Rug: Final Words

And there you have it – a beautifully flat and smooth rug is just a few steps away! 

Don’t let those wrinkles and creases get you down. With the range of DIY solutions we’ve covered on how to flatten rug that has been causing you headaches, you’ll be able to tackle any rug-flattening challenge that comes your way. And if you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you need additional help. 

By making an effort to learn how to flatten a rug, you’ll enjoy a safer and more appealing living room. Remember, a flat rug not only looks great – it can also help prevent tripping and slipping and save you the embarrassment! 

So, go ahead and give those rugs the love and attention they deserve – your home (and feet!) will thank you for it. 

FAQ

Will a rug naturally flatten?

Yes, a rug will typically naturally flatten with use over time. The weight and motion from people walking on the rug and furniture being placed on top can relax the fibers and get rid of any wrinkles or creases.

Does steaming a rug flatten it?

Yes, it does. However, be careful when steaming a rug, as some rug types can get ruined by excessive heat or dampness. To prevent scorching or burning, it’s also crucial to use a low heat setting and run the iron swiftly over the rug. We suggest you go over the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult a professional rug cleaner on how to flatten a rug.

Will vacuuming flatten a rug?

Although vacuuming a rug won’t usually flatten it on its own, it can help maintain its appearance and get rid of any loose dirt or debris that has accumulated on the surface. But since vacuuming helps distribute the weight of foot traffic and furniture evenly, it can help stop a rug from developing lumps or bumps over time. 

Reverse rolling or using heavy objects may be more successful at flattening your rug if it has wrinkles or creases.