Whether you just unrolled a new area rug or have an old one whose corners keep curling, knowing how to flatten a rug can come in handy. A newly purchased rug or one in storage for an extended period is often curled, wrinkled, or misshapen. But fear not, these easy-to-follow and inexpensive methods will help you flatten it out for a neat appearance and prevent a tripping hazard.
Below, we've rounded up six DIY methods to help flatten an area rug, read on to find out which one will work the best for you.
Before You Begin
Before turning to more elaborate measures, a rug may just need some time to flatten out by itself. If you've just unrolled a brand new area rug and it simply has some ripples from packing or shipping, start by laying it out, smoothing it down to be as flat as possible, and then leaving it alone for a day or two.
This will cause the fibers to relax and the area rug will begin to flatten out on its own. Even if you eventually plan to layer the rug over a larger area rug or place it on wall-to-wall carpeting, lay it out on hard flooring while it relaxes for best results.
Many methods for flattening an area rug require no tools or materials at all. Additional supplies, if necessary, may be already found in your home.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Clothes iron
- Hair dryer
- Heavy objects such as books
Materials
- Double-sided carpet tape
Instructions
How to Flatten a Rug
Method 1: Flip the Rug
Many rugs will have curled corners even after you unroll them and the rug relaxes. If that happens, your next step depends on which way the corners are curling.
If they're curling upward, fold them slightly under and leave them alone for a day or two. But if they're curling under, you'll want to either flip the rug over and curl the corners under, or weigh down each corner with a heavy object (books, a piece of furniture, etc.) to help force the carpet fibers to relax and flatten out.
Pros
Inexpensive
Requires minimal effort
Cons
Not instant
Method 2: Tape Down the Rug
If you're looking for a fast way to flatten your rug, head to your local furniture or home improvement store and buy some double-sided carpet tape.
When applied to the back of your rug, the tape will adhere to the floor and hold the rug in place. It effectively flattens existing creases and prevents new ones. Carpet tape generally works on hard floors and existing wall-to-wall carpets, just be sure to press firmly and smooth the rug down before adhering.
Pros
Works fast
Works on multiple surfaces
Cons
Requires a purchase
Method 3: Back-Roll the Rug
Unroll your area rug and then roll it again in the opposite direction to reverse the curling. If this trick doesn't work right away, let the rolled carpet sit for a day or two before unrolling it again the other way.
Pros
No supplies required
Cons
Can take several days
Method 4: Use a Clothes Iron
Iron the curled area on your rug on a low setting using a clothes iron, just be sure to use a barrier between the heat of the iron and the rug. Craft paper works well for this purpose.
Warning
Keep the ironing to a minimum to prevent scorching, melting, and other heat damage.
Pros
Quick results
Cons
Could cause heat damage
May take long to cover whole rug
Method 5: Lay the Rug in the Sun
Spread your rug out over clean concrete or asphalt outdoors on a dry and sunny afternoon. The ideal temperature is between 75 to 80 degrees, because then the ground has had time to absorb the sun's heat.
If you leave the rug out under direct sunlight for a little while, that's often all it takes to release any creases or wrinkles.
Pros
No supplies needed
Cons
There are necessary weather conditions
Method 6: Use a Hair Dryer
Opt for a hairdryer to apply gentle heat onto the back of the rug to release creases. To prevent the rug's fibers from melting, hold the hairdryer at least 6 to 9 inches away and use a sweeping motion on a low to medium setting instead of holding it steady in one position.
Pros
Method uses a common household tool
Works fast
Cons
Care is needed not to melt the fibers
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When to Call a Professional
With very expensive or valuable rugs, such as Persian rugs, it may be best to consult a professional from the get-go, as they are well equipped to move and flatten rugs. Most everyday rugs will respond to the easy DIY methods for flattening, but if they don't, two professional methods can be applied: steaming and stretching.
- Depending on the construction of your rug, a professional service may be able to steam it to remove the creases. However, you must test the rug for colorfastness before attempting this method. The steaming process can potentially ruin your rug and make the colors bleed.
- Another option is asking a local carpet dealer to stretch the carpet out. If it's pulled taut and slowly stretched, often the wrinkles will be released. This is also a job that's best left to professionals, however, as the stretching process can damage the rug if not done correctly.
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How to Choose the Right Method
To choose the right method for flattening out your area rug, consider the material, how severely creased or curled it is, its age, style and weight, and what supplies you have on hand.
For a standard area rug that's not highly valuable or an antique piece, start with one of the above DIY methods that don't require that you purchase any new supplies. Give it a few days to see if it's effective and if not, opt for a more involved method or possibly professional treatment to flatten your area rug.
FAQ
How long does it take to flatten an area rug?
Depending on how bad the bumps in your rug are, it could take anywhere from days to a few weeks to flatten an area rug.
Can you flatten a rug by steaming it?
Yes, steaming can help to flatten a rug, however this is best left to the professionals. Steaming can potentially damage a rug, so don't try DIY steaming unless the rug is a colorfast, washable rug.
How can you get your rug to lay flat after washing?
After washing, your rug will need heat to help it lay flat. Leave it in the sun for a few hours to help eliminate wrinkles as it dries. If this doesn't work, follow the steps above.
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