Knowing how to flatten an area rug is a key skill to achieve the desired beauty of your house. An area rug can add warmth, comfort, and style to any room, but sometimes it can also be a source of frustration.
If you have ever unrolled a new rug or moved an old one, you may have noticed that it does not lie flat on the floor. Instead, it has bumps, creases, curls, or ripples that make it look uneven and unattractive.
Not only that, but a wrinkled rug can also be a tripping hazard and a dust trap.
So, how can you flatten an area rug and make it look smooth and neat? There are several methods you can try, depending on the type, size and material of your rug.
How to Flatten an Area Rug
Reverse Roll the Rug
One of the simplest ways to flatten an area rug is to reverse roll it. This means rolling the rug in the opposite direction of the curl or crease, with the pile facing outwards. You can do this by yourself or with the help of another person. Roll the rug as tightly as possible and secure it with some tape or string. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then unroll it and see if it lies flat. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the rug is completely smooth.
Place Heavy Objects on the Rug
Another easy method to flatten an area rug is to place heavy objects on the areas that are curled or wrinkled. You can use books, furniture, weights, or anything else that is flat and heavy enough to press down the rug. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly and avoid damaging the rug fibers. Leave the objects on the rug for at least 24 hours, then remove them and check the results. You may need to adjust the position of the objects or leave them longer if the rug is still not flat.
Iron the Rug
If your area rug is made of a heat-resistant material, such as wool, cotton or synthetic fibers, you can try ironing it to flatten it. However, you should be very careful with this method and avoid using too much heat or direct contact with the rug surface. You should also test a small, inconspicuous area of the rug first to make sure it does not get damaged by the iron.
To iron your area rug, you will need a damp cloth, a spray bottle of water and an iron with a steam setting. Lay the rug on a flat surface and place the damp cloth over the area that requires flattening. Spray some water on the cloth and set the iron to a low or medium heat setting. Gently press the iron over the cloth and move it back and forth until the wrinkles disappear. Do not leave the iron on one spot for too long or press too hard. Repeat this process for other areas of the rug until it is flat.
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Steam the Rug
Another way to use heat to flatten an area rug is to steam it. This method works well for rugs that are made of natural fibers, such as wool or silk, as well as synthetic fibers that can withstand high temperatures. You will need a steam cleaner or a garment steamer for this method.
To steam your area rug, you will need to hang it over a clothesline, a railing, or a shower rod. Make sure there is enough space between the rug and the floor or wall to allow air circulation. Turn on your steam cleaner or garment steamer and hold it about 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from the rug surface. Move it slowly over the areas that are curled or wrinkled until they relax and flatten out. Be careful not to burn yourself or damage the rug with too much steam.
Wet the Rug
If your area rug is made of a water-resistant material, such as polypropylene or nylon, you can try wetting it to flatten it. This method works by shrinking the backing of the rug and stretching out the pile. However, you should avoid using this method for rugs that are made of natural fibers, such as wool or silk, as they may get damaged by water.
To wet your area rug, you will need a hose, a bucket of water or a bathtub. Lay your rug on a flat surface outdoors or in a well-ventilated area indoors. Spray some water on the back of the rug until it is damp but not soaking wet. Alternatively, you can submerge your rug in a bucket of water or a bathtub for a few minutes. Then, lay your rug flat on the floor and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Leave it to dry completely before using it.
Use Rug Tape
If your area rug is curling up at the edges or corners, you can use some double-sided carpet tape to secure it to the floor. This method works best for rugs that are placed on hard floors, such as wood, tile, or laminate. You will need to measure and cut the tape according to the size of your rug and apply it to the back of the rug along the edges or corners. Then, peel off the protective layer and press the rug firmly onto the floor. Make sure the floor is clean and dry before applying the tape.
Use Rug Pads
Another way to prevent your area rug from curling up at the edges or corners is to use some rug pads underneath it. Rug pads are thin layers of rubber, felt or foam that provide cushioning, grip and protection for your rug and floor. They can also help to keep your rug flat and smooth by adding some weight and stability to it. You can find rug pads in various sizes, shapes, and materials at most home improvement or online stores. You will need to cut the pad to fit your rug and place it under the rug on the floor.
Use Rug Corners
If you don’t want to use tape or pads to secure your area rug to the floor, you can try using some rug corners instead. Rug corners are small plastic or metal devices that attach to the corners of your rug and hold them down with adhesive or suction cups. They are easy to install and remove and do not damage your rug or floor. You can find rug corners in different colors and styles at most home improvement or online stores. You will need to follow the instructions on the package to apply them to your rug and floor.
Use a Hair Dryer
If you have a small area rug that is curled or wrinkled, you can use a hair dryer to flatten it. This method works by applying heat and air pressure to the rug fibers and relaxing them. However, you should be careful not to use too much heat or blow too hard, as you may damage the rug.
To use a hair dryer to flatten your area rug, you will need a hair dryer with a cool setting and a flat surface. Lay your rug on the flat surface and turn on your hair dryer to a low or medium heat setting. Hold it about 12 inches (30.48 cm) away from the rug surface and blow it over the areas that need flattening. Move it in circular motions until the wrinkles disappear. You may need to flip over the rug and repeat this process on the other side.
Use a Professional Service
If none of the above methods work for you or if you have a large, delicate or expensive area rug that requires flattening, you may want to consider using a professional service. There are many companies that offer rug cleaning, repair and restoration services that can help you flatten your area rug safely and effectively. You can search online or ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used such services before. You will need to contact the company and arrange for them to pick up, deliver and flatten your area rug for a fee.
FAQs
How long does it take for an area rug to flatten?
The time it takes for an area rug to flatten depends on several factors, such as the type, size and material of the rug, the method used to flatten it and the environmental conditions. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks for an area rug to flatten completely.
How do you get ripples out of an area rug?
Ripples are caused by uneven tension in the backing of an area rug due to improper storage, transportation, or installation. To get ripples out of an area rug, you can try one of the methods mentioned above, such as reverse rolling, placing heavy objects, ironing, steaming or wetting the rug. You can also stretch out the rug by pulling it from opposite sides or corners until it is taut.
How do I get my area rug to lay flat?
To get your area rug to lay flat, you need to remove any curls, creases, wrinkles, or ripples that prevent it from lying smoothly on the floor. You can do this by using one of the methods mentioned above, such as reverse rolling, placing heavy objects, ironing, steaming or wetting the rug. You can also prevent your area rug from curling up by using some tape, pads, or corners to secure it to the floor.
Final Thought
Flattening an area rug can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. With some patience, effort and creativity, you can make your area rug look smooth and neat in no time. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional service, flattening an area rug can improve its appearance, functionality, and longevity.
