6 Ways to Flatten an Area Rug

How to Flatten a Rug

1. 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 how the corners curl.

   If they curl upward, fold them slightly under and leave them alone for a day or two. But if they're curling under, you'll want to flip the rug over and curl the corners under, or weigh down each corner with a heavy object (books, furniture, etc.) to help force the carpet fibers to relax and flatten out.

   Pros

   • Inexpensive

   • Requires minimal effort

   Cons

   • Not instant

2. 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 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 down the rug before adhering.

   Common Pitfalls

   Some tape adhesions are too harsh or sticky and can damage the floor's surface, the rug's backing, or fibers. Read the packaging to determine if the adhesive is heavy-duty or easy to remove. Check if the tape is specifically used for indoor, outdoor, smooth, or textured surfaces.

   Pros

   • Works fast

   • Works on multiple surfaces

   Cons

   • Requires a purchase

   • Adhesives may damage floor or rug

3. 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

4. Method 4: Use a Clothes Iron

   Iron the curled area on your rug on a low setting using a clothes iron. Use a barrier between the iron's heat and the rug. Kraft paper works well for this purpose. Never use thinner printer paper or wax paper as a barrier when ironing.

   Warning

   Keep the ironing to a minimum temperature to prevent scorching, melting, and other heat damage.

   Pros

   • Quick results

   Cons

   • Could cause heat damage

   • May take long to cover whole rug

5. Method 5: Lay the Rug in the Sun

   Spread your rug over clean concrete or asphalt outdoors on a dry and sunny afternoon. The ideal temperature is between 75°F and 80°F because the ground has had time to absorb the sun's heat.

   Leaving the rug under direct sunlight for a little while is often all it takes to release any creases or wrinkles.

   Pros

   • No supplies needed

   Cons

   • There are necessary weather conditions

6. Method 6: Use a Hair Dryer

   Opt for a hairdryer to apply gentle heat onto the back of the rug to release creases. Hold the hairdryer 6 to 9 inches from the rug to prevent the fibers from melting. 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

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.

• Steaming: 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.
  
• Stretching: Another option is asking a local carpet dealer to stretch the carpet out. Wrinkles will release if it's slowly pulled taut. This job is best left to professionals because stretching can damage the rug if not done correctly.
  

How to Choose the Right Method

To choose the right method for flattening your area rug, consider the material, how severely creased or curled it is, its age, style, weight, and what supplies you have.

For a standard area rug that's not antique or highly valuable, start with a DIY method that does not require purchasing 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.